National Dish Sweden: Gravlaxsås (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Gravlaxsås, Sweden’s classic mustard-and-dill sauce that turns a plate of cured salmon into something special. Sweet, tangy and flecked with fresh dill, this creamy accompaniment strikes a lovely balance that flatters the delicate fish beneath it. It comes together in minutes with just a handful of storecupboard ingredients, yet it looks and tastes like a real centrepiece — perfect for a festive spread or a relaxed weekend at home. Bring a taste of Scandinavia straight to your own table.
About Gravlaxsås
Gravlaxsås is a traditional Swedish sauce made to partner cured salmon, or gravlax. This creamy blend of mustard, sugar and dill delivers a harmonious balance between sweetness and gentle heat that beautifully complements the tender flavour of the fish. At festive occasions it is often served as a condiment and quickly becomes the highlight of the table. Whether for a smart dinner party or a cosy weekend, this sauce brings the flavours of Scandinavia right into your kitchen.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 100 ml soured cream or yoghurt
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make this delicious recipe you will need fresh ingredients, all of which are easy to find in any well-stocked supermarket. Be sure to choose a good-quality mustard, as this makes all the difference to the finished flavour. Fresh dill is just as important, since the dried version simply cannot match the same fragrance. A trip to a health-food shop or the local farmers’ market can be worthwhile if you want the very best quality.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Gravlaxsås could hardly be simpler and takes only a few minutes. Start by gathering all the ingredients and checking that you have everything to hand. It is important to wash and prepare the fresh produce well, especially the dill. For the best results, use a chopping board and a sharp knife when working through the fresh herbs.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, mix the mustard and sugar together thoroughly.
- Add the finely chopped dill and stir everything carefully.
- Pour in the soured cream (or yoghurt) and mix until you have a smooth, even sauce.
- Season the sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Let the Gravlaxsås rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavours can develop.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Gravlaxsås is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure the ingredients you use contain no gluten either. For a lactose-free version, simply reach for lactose-free soured cream or a plant-based yoghurt alternative. These small adjustments make the recipe accessible to everyone and no less enjoyable. That way you can offer the sauce with complete confidence when you have guests around the table.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Gravlaxsås is easy to adapt for vegans by swapping the traditional ingredients for plant-based alternatives. In place of yoghurt or soured cream you can use a vegan yoghurt made from soya or coconut. The mustard-sugar-dill base stays exactly the same, so you can enjoy the sauce’s distinctive character without any animal products. Here too it pays to choose good-quality ingredients to get the best possible result.
More tips and tricks
To get the very most out of your Gravlaxsås, try experimenting with different mustards, such as a honey mustard or a hot mustard, to vary the flavour. A pinch of chilli lends the sauce an interesting kick. If you prefer something fresher, a little lemon zest will brighten the aromas nicely. Be creative and adjust the recipe to suit your own taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Gravlaxsås is easy to tailor to different palates and dietary needs. You could vary the sweetness by using less sugar, or by reaching for agave syrup instead. If you like a fresher note, add a touch of fresh ginger or a little garlic. Play around with the aromas and you will soon find your own favourite version.
Ingredient substitutions
If a particular ingredient is not available, there is always an alternative worth trying. In place of fresh dill, other herbs such as tarragon or chervil can work well. If you have no soured cream, a mixture of tofu and lemon makes a good stand-in. Stay open to different variations and you may be surprised by the new flavours you discover — much as you would when working up a batch of Raekroera.
Drink pairing ideas
Gravlaxsås goes wonderfully with a range of drinks that complement both the cured salmon and the sauce. A light white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice to underline the flavour. Alternatively, a refreshing ginger ale or an elderflower cordial makes a lovely alcohol-free option. Experiment with different drinks to find your perfect match.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can be the difference between an everyday meal and a truly festive table. Serve the gravlax on a handsome wooden board or an elegant platter and decorate it with sprigs of fresh dill and slices of lemon for an inviting look. Consider offering the sauce in small bowls so guests can help themselves as they please. With a little creativity, any dish can be beautifully staged — think of it as another chance to shine, alongside classics like Sill I Dill.
A bit of history
Gravlaxsås has its origins in Scandinavia, where it is traditionally served with cured salmon. The word gravlax comes from the Swedish gräva, meaning “to dig”, because the fish was once buried in the ground to cure. The sauce brings together the flavours of mustard and dill, both hugely popular in Nordic cooking. These cultural roots make Gravlaxsås not only a delicacy but also a small part of the traditional culinary history of Scandinavia — a story it shares with much of Swedish cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Gravlaxsås
Gravlaxsås is a wonderful companion to cured salmon, bringing the flavours of the Swedish kitchen straight to your home. Its simple preparation and endless scope for adaptation make this sauce ideal for any occasion. Whether you prefer a gluten-free or vegan version, or simply want to add your own twist, Gravlaxsås leaves you no limits. Give it a try and enjoy the unique taste of Scandinavia!
