Lemon Herb Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A bright, buttery lemon herb sauce with dill and lemon peel, perfect for enhancing cooked vegetables or seafood. Its tangy and savory flavors make it an ideal addition for light, fresh dishes, adding a zesty, herbaceous touch that appeals to those seeking a flavorful, quick-to-make accompaniment.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. flour
  • 1 tsp. grated lemon peel
  • 1/4 tsp. dried dill weed
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine in a saucepan; remove from heat.
  2. Stir in lemon peel, flour, dill weed, and salt.
  3. Blend in half and half; cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
  4. Remove from heat.
  5. Blend a small amount of hot mixture with egg yolk, then blend back into the hot mixture.
  6. Stir well and cook for 1 minute longer.
  7. Serve over cooked vegetables.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're out of dried dill weed, fresh dill can be used; just double the amount. You can also add a splash of white wine for depth. If you prefer a creamier sauce, substitute half and half with heavy cream. This sauce pairs beautifully with cooked vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Herb Sauce is perfect over steamed vegetables, but it can also enhance grilled fish or chicken. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For more hearty dishes, it complements pasta well, making a delightful addition to vegetarian recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Lemon Herb Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture. If it thickens too much, you can whisk in a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Herb Sauce contains roughly 35 calories, with 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

35 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 2.6g 3% DV
Carbs 1.5g 1% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 133.4mg 6% DV
Potassium 66.7mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 86.5mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.1mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 6.4mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 26.7mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this sauce in advance. Simply follow the recipe, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring to keep it smooth.

Is there a gluten-free option for the flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you use is suitable for thickening sauces, as some may behave differently when heated.

What vegetables pair best with this sauce?

This Lemon Herb Sauce works wonderfully with a variety of vegetables. Steamed asparagus, broccoli, and green beans are excellent choices. You could also use it over roasted veggies for added flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →