Crock Pot Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce

Crock pot poached salmon with dill sauce is one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but couldn't be easier to make. The salmon turns out tender, flaky, and full of fresh flavor, while the creamy dill sauce adds a cool, refreshing finish that keeps this healthy seafood dinner light, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights.

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The backstory.

Salmon wasn't always something I thought about making in the slow cooker. Like a lot of people, I assumed it would end up overcooked. After giving poaching a try, though, I was hooked. The gentle heat keeps the salmon incredibly tender, and pairing it with a simple homemade dill sauce makes it feel like something you'd order at a nice restaurant.

It's a must make.

If you're looking for an easy way to enjoy seafood at home, this crock pot poached salmon with dill sauce deserves a spot on your dinner menu.

• Perfectly flaky every time. The gentle cooking method keeps the salmon moist, tender, and beautifully flaky without much fuss.
• Fresh, creamy flavor. The homemade creamy dill sauce brings together mayo, sour cream, cucumber, fresh dill, and lemon juice for a light, refreshing finish.
• Healthy and satisfying. This protein-packed meal feels special while still being a wholesome option for lunch or dinner.
• Surprisingly easy. The slow cooker does the work, making this a simple recipe that's great even if you're new to cooking salmon.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

Every bite of this salmon is delicate, buttery, and wonderfully tender. The poaching method creates soft, flaky fillets that practically melt apart with a fork. Spoon on the creamy dill sauce and you'll get cool cucumber, bright lemon juice, fresh dill, and just enough bite from the red onion and garlic to balance the richness of the salmon. The result is light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.

What you'll need.

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A few fresh ingredients are all it takes to make this slow cooker poached salmon with dill sauce taste restaurant worthy without the extra work.

• Mayo: Creates the rich, creamy base for the dill sauce.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the sauce light and smooth.
• Cucumber: Peeled and finely diced for cool, refreshing crunch.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for a little savory bite without overpowering the sauce.
• Chives: Add a mild onion flavor and fresh color.
• Fresh dill: The classic herb that pairs perfectly with seafood.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the creamy dill sauce and balances the richness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds subtle savory flavor.
• Salt: Seasons both the sauce and the salmon.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and enhances the flavors.
• Lemon or lime: Thin slices create a flavorful bed for poaching the fillets.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the salmon moist while cooking.
• Salmon fillets: Skin-on or skinless fillets both work well for this recipe.
• Fresh dill sprig: Infuses the poaching liquid with even more fresh dill flavor.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make crockpot poached salmon with dill sauce.

Making crock pot poached salmon with dill sauce is simple and lets the slow cooker do almost all the work.

1. Arrange the citrus slices across the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the salmon fillets on top.
2. Add the fresh dill sprig, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and pour in enough water to just cover the fillets.
3. Cover and cook on low until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F and is tender and flaky.
4. Carefully lift the fillets from the slow cooker, loosely cover with foil, and serve with the chilled creamy dill sauce.

Make it your way.

With a few simple swaps, this crockpot poached salmon with dill sauce is easy to make your own.

• Add a few capers to the creamy dill sauce for a briny pop of flavor.
• Mix a little Dijon mustard into the sauce for extra tanginess.
• Swap the lemon slices for orange slices or grapefruit for a slightly sweeter citrus note.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or fresh tarragon into the sauce along with the dill.
• Add thin asparagus spears or green beans to the slow cooker during the last part of cooking for an easy side dish.
• Stir a little prepared horseradish into the sauce if you like a little kick.
• Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo to add protein and decrease unhealthy fats. Use low-fat options for the sour cream and mayo if desired as well.

How to serve it.

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Crock pot poached salmon with dill sauce is versatile enough for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a weekend lunch with friends.

• Spoon plenty of creamy dill sauce over each salmon fillet just before serving.
• Pair it with roasted baby potatoes, wild rice, or buttery mashed potatoes.
• Add steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a healthy seafood meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp garden salad for a light lunch.
• Flake leftover salmon over mixed greens or tuck it into wraps for an easy next-day meal.

Kori's tips.

• Chill the creamy dill sauce before serving - the flavors get even better after a little time in the refrigerator.
• Make your dill sauce ahead of time for up to 3 days to use when you are ready to eat! It is a great time saver.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the salmon. It cooks gently but can vary depending on your slow cooker. It is done when it reaches 135 degrees.
• Keep the fillets in a single layer so they cook evenly.
• Lift the tender salmon out carefully with a wide fish spatula to help keep the fillets intact.
• Fresh dill really makes a difference here, so skip the dried version if possible.

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