The ultimate dressing for a Gravlax salad
The ultimate dressing for a Gravlax salad is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Chop'd on YouTube.
Prep: 11 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 16 min
Cost: $0.91 total, $0.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (store‑bought, full‑fat)
- 1 teaspoon Grain Mustard (coarse‑ground mustard)
- 1 teaspoon Honey (raw or regular)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- to taste Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
- 1‑2 tablespoons Water (cold, added gradually to thin)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and equipment. Finely chop the fresh dill and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Combine Base Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, grain mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Time: PT3M
Add Dill
Stir in the chopped dill, mixing until evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
Season
Season with a pinch of salt, taste, and add more lemon juice or honey if needed to balance acidity and sweetness.
Time: PT2M
Thin to Desired Consistency
Gradually drizzle in cold water, whisking after each addition, until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency just below a streaming flow.
Time: PT2M
Final Taste Test
Give the dressing a final taste. Adjust salt, honey, or dill as desired, then give it one last quick whisk.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 4g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Eggs (mayonnaise), Mustard, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, sour cream
- Instead of Grain Mustard: Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard
- Instead of Honey: Agave nectar, maple syrup
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice, white wine vinegar
- Instead of Fresh Dill: fresh parsley, chives
- Instead of Salt: soy sauce (for umami), celery salt
- Instead of Water: light olive oil (adds richness), low‑fat milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Spoon or Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisking the base ingredients until smooth.
- Adjusting seasoning before thinning.
- Thinning with water to achieve pourable consistency.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality, full‑fat mayonnaise for the richest texture.
- Fresh dill makes a huge difference; avoid dried dill which can be bitter.
- For a silkier finish, use chilled water when thinning.
Troubleshooting
Dressing is too thick.
Add a little more cold water, 1 teaspoon at a time, whisking after each addition until the desired consistency is reached.
Dressing is too thin.
Stir in an extra teaspoon of mayonnaise and whisk until fully incorporated.
Flavor is bland.
Increase the amount of fresh dill, add a pinch more salt, and finish with a splash more lemon juice or honey.
Dressing is too salty.
Balance by adding a bit more honey or lemon juice, and thin with water if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may separate.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep chilled thereafter.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing up to step 4 and refrigerate; thin with a splash of water just before serving.
- Shake or whisk again if the dressing separates after sitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of dill mayonnaise dressing in Scandinavian cuisine?
Dill has been a staple herb in Scandinavian cooking for centuries, often paired with creamy bases like sour cream or mayonnaise to create tangy dressings for fish, potatoes, and salads. This simple dill mayo dressing reflects the region’s love for fresh herbs and uncomplicated, hearty flavors.
What are traditional regional variations of dill dressing in Nordic countries?
In Sweden, dill dressing is commonly mixed with sour cream and a touch of vinegar for gravlax. In Denmark, a similar sauce called "dilddressing" may include mustard and a splash of aquavit. Finland often adds a bit of honey for sweetness, much like this recipe.
How is dill mayonnaise dressing traditionally served in Swedish households?
Swedish families often drizzle dill mayo over boiled potatoes, cold fish dishes like gravlax, or crisp green salads. It is served as a side sauce that adds brightness and herbaceous flavor to simple, comforting meals.
What occasions or celebrations is dill mayonnaise dressing commonly associated with in Scandinavian culture?
Dill‑based sauces are popular at midsummer feasts, Christmas smörgåsbord, and traditional Easter meals, where they accompany pickled herring, smoked salmon, and potato salads.
What other Scandinavian dishes pair well with this dill mayonnaise dressing?
It pairs beautifully with gravlax, smoked salmon, boiled new potatoes, beetroot salad, and crisp cucumber salads. It also works as a dip for rye bread or crispbread.
What makes this dill mayonnaise dressing special compared to other herb dressings?
The use of water to thin the dressing keeps it light and non‑greasy while preserving the creamy mouthfeel of mayonnaise. Fresh dill provides a bright, aromatic note that stands out without overwhelming the palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making dill mayonnaise dressing?
Common errors include adding too much water at once, which makes the dressing runny, and over‑salting before tasting. Also, using dried dill instead of fresh can result in a muted flavor.
Why does this recipe thin the dressing with water instead of oil?
Water thins the dressing without adding extra fat, keeping the flavor balanced and the texture light. Adding oil would make the dressing heavier and could mask the delicate dill flavor.
Can I make this dill mayonnaise dressing ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it up to step 4 and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. Before serving, thin with a splash of water and give it a quick whisk to recombine.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dressing is done?
The dressing should be smooth, glossy, and just thin enough to pour slowly off a spoon without pooling. Small flecks of dill should be visible throughout, indicating even distribution.
What does the YouTube channel Chop'd specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chop'd focuses on quick, minimalist recipes that emphasize fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and clean, modern presentation for home cooks who want flavorful meals without fuss.
How does the YouTube channel Chop'd's approach to salad dressings differ from other cooking channels?
Chop'd emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists and uses everyday pantry staples like mayonnaise and water to create dressings, avoiding complex emulsifications or exotic ingredients that many other channels might feature.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
