When the weather turns cold and you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and full of fresh flavors, this Creamy Dill Salmon Soup is just what you need. Inspired by traditional Nordic salmon soups like Finnish Lohikeitto, this version pairs tender chunks of salmon with buttery potatoes, leeks, and a creamy broth that’s rich but balanced by a fresh burst of dill and lemon. It’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot comfort food: Everything comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Fresh and flavorful: The fresh dill and lemon balance the richness of the cream and salmon.
- Wholesome ingredients: Salmon, root vegetables, herbs, and cream — all real, nourishing foods.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavor deepens the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
- 1 small shallot or ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 3 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced (optional but traditional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for slight thickening)
- 4 cups fish stock or vegetable/chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon (or more to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables
Begin by slicing the leek thinly and rinsing it well to remove any grit. Dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. If you’re using carrots, slice them into thin rounds. Chop the shallot (or onion), mince the garlic, and set everything aside. - Sauté the aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic (if using) and sliced leeks. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are tender and aromatic. - Add flour and deglaze (optional)
If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute to coat the vegetables. This step is optional but adds a little body to the broth. - Simmer the potatoes and carrots
Pour in the fish or vegetable stock. Add the diced potatoes, carrots (if using), and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. - Add the salmon
Gently stir in the salmon chunks. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, just until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily. Avoid stirring too much — this keeps the salmon pieces intact. - Finish with cream and dill
Lower the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Add most of the chopped dill, reserving a little for garnish. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve and garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh dill and serve with warm crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor — dried dill won’t deliver the same result.
- Don’t overcook the salmon — add it near the end to keep it moist and tender.
- For deeper flavor, use a good quality fish or seafood stock.
- Customize it by adding sliced carrots or celery, or even a splash of white wine during the sauté for an extra flavor boost.
- To make it lighter, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
When to Serve
This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or even a light holiday starter. Its balance of richness and freshness makes it a year-round favorite — hearty enough for winter, but bright enough for spring. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Dill Salmon Soup with Potatoes and Leeks is everything you want in a comforting bowl: tender fish, soft vegetables, creamy broth, and a burst of herbaceous freshness. Whether you’re familiar with Finnish flavors or discovering them for the first time, this dish will become a staple in your cozy cooking repertoire.