What is Dill Mayo and Why Use It?
Dill mayo is a creamy condiment made by blending mayonnaise with fresh or dried dill weed, lemon juice, garlic, and other seasonings. Its tangy, herbaceous flavor enhances sandwiches, dips, seafood, and baked goods without overpowering other ingredients. Unlike regular mayo, dill mayo adds a bright, fresh dimension to dishes while maintaining a smooth texture. This versatile condiment is perfect for quick meal upgrades and works well in both savory and lightly sweet applications.

Use Case | Key Benefit | Best For |
---|---|---|
Sandwiches | Herbaceous freshness without overpowering | Turkey, BLTs, veggie wraps |
Seafood | Complements fish without masking flavor | Salmon, shrimp, fish tacos |
Dips | Rich creaminess with zesty notes | Veggies, pita chips, grilled meats |
Baking | Moisture retention with subtle flavor | Herb bread, zucchini muffins |
7 Proven Ways to Use Dill Mayo
1. Upgrade Sandwiches with Zesty Flavor Layers
Replace plain mayo with dill mayo for instant freshness. For optimal results:
- Turkey & Avocado Sandwich: Spread 2 tbsp dill mayo on sourdough, layer 3 oz sliced turkey, ½ avocado (sliced), and fresh spinach. Add a pinch of black pepper.
- BLT Revamp: Use 1.5 tbsp dill mayo on toasted bread with 3 strips crispy bacon, 2 tomato slices, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

2. Create Authentic Tzatziki-Inspired Dip in 5 Minutes
Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Tip |
---|---|---|
Dill Mayo | ½ cup | Use full-fat for creamiest texture |
Grated Cucumber | ¼ cup (squeeze out excess water) | Use English cucumber for best results |
Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed for brighter flavor |
Minced Garlic | 1 clove | Let sit 10 minutes before serving |

3. Transform Fries into Flavor Bombs
For restaurant-quality fries at home:
- Mix 3 tbsp dill mayo with ½ tsp smoked paprika and 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Drizzle over freshly fried potatoes
- Top with crumbled feta for extra savory notes
- Vegan option: Use plant-based dill mayo and nutritional yeast

4. Elevate Grilled Meats and Vegetables
Apply as a finishing sauce for maximum flavor impact:
- Salmon: Brush with dill mayo mixed with 1 tsp honey before grilling
- Portobello Mushrooms: Spread dill mayo on caps before roasting
- Pro Tip: Add ½ tsp Dijon mustard for tangy complexity

5. Make Vibrant Pasta Salad Dressing
Ingredient | Quantity | Function |
---|---|---|
Dill Mayo | ⅓ cup | Creamy base |
Apple Cider Vinegar | 1.5 tbsp | Sharp acidity |
Honey | 1 tsp | Balance acidity |
Dried Herbs | 1 tsp (dill/parsley) | Aromatic depth |
Mix all ingredients, toss with cooked pasta and vegetables. Chill 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

6. Enhance Seafood Dishes Simply
- Fish Tacos: Layer shredded cabbage, black beans, and 2 tbsp dill mayo with lime wedges
- Shrimp Cocktail: Mix dill mayo with 1 tsp hot sauce and serve chilled with shrimp
- Baked Cod: Top fillets with dill mayo and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes

7. Secret Ingredient in Baking
- Herb Bread: Replace ¼ cup butter with dill mayo in quick bread recipes
- Zucchini Muffins: Add 2 tbsp dill mayo to batter for extra moisture
- Pro Tip: Use in savory scones for a unique twist

Buying Guide: Choosing Premium Dill Mayo
Feature | Why It Matters | Top Brands |
---|---|---|
Natural Ingredients | Avoids artificial preservatives and colors | Primal Kitchen, Whole Foods 365 |
Organic Certification | Ensures high-quality eggs and oils | Whole Foods 365, Organic Valley |
Vegan Options | Plant-based alternatives for dietary needs | Primal Kitchen, Follow Your Heart |
Low-Fat Versions | Lighter option for calorie-conscious cooking | Hellmann's Light, Best Foods Light |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dill mayo?
Dill mayo is a creamy condiment made by blending mayonnaise with fresh or dried dill weed, lemon juice, garlic, and other seasonings. It has a tangy, herbaceous flavor that enhances many dishes without overpowering them.
Can I make dill mayo at home?
Yes! Mix 1 cup regular mayo with 2 tbsp fresh dill (or 2 tsp dried), 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt. Refrigerate 30 minutes for flavors to develop. Adjust to taste.
How long does dill mayo last?
Store-bought: 2-3 months unopened, 1-2 months opened. Homemade: 5-7 days refrigerated. Always check for spoilage signs like off smells or separation.
Is dill mayo gluten-free?
Most commercial brands are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for cross-contamination warnings if you have celiac disease.
Dill mayo vs regular mayo?
Dill mayo contains added dill and seasonings for herbaceous flavor, while regular mayo is plain. Dill mayo works better for savory dishes, while regular mayo suits sweeter applications.