Growing tired of the same old meatball or dip appetizer when throwing a party? This Smoked Salmon Dip is elegant, packed with flavor and super simple to throw together.
We’re always entertaining, whether it’s for the holidays or a weekend get together with friends. Because of that, I’m always looking for exciting new appetizers to serve. Sometimes you don’t need a full dinner and just want a tasty dip to snack on.
Why you’ll love this Salmon Spread with Cream Cheese
Salmon spread offers a multitude of reasons to love it, ranging from its delicious taste and versatility to its nutritional value and ease of preparation. It’s a delightful addition to any meal or occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Creamy and flavorful: The combination of salmon and cream cheese creates a rich and luscious spread that is incredibly satisfying to the palate.
- Versatile: The salmon spread can be used in various ways, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Spread it on crackers, toast, or bagels for a delicious snack or breakfast option you can even use it on a cream cheese board.
- Gourmet flavor at home: By making this salmon spread yourself, you can enjoy a gourmet flavor experience without the need for expensive restaurant visits. It allows you to indulge in a high-end taste sensation from the comfort of your own home.
Salmon Dip Recipe ingredients
You’ll likely need to head to the store for these ingredients, but they are well worth it!
- Cream cheese – You can use full fat or reduced-fat block of cream cheese for this dip, just make sure it is fully softened before using.
- Smoked salmon – This recipe is a great way to use up leftover salmon if you have some from dinner the night before. Just make sure it’s roughly chopped to get the maximum amount of salmon flavor in every bite. Otherwise, you can gran some at the seafood counter at your grocery stores.
- Sour cream – Along with adding some tang and acidity, sour cream helps to thin this recipe out so that’s it’s more of a dip than a spread.
- Mayonnaise – This adds a bit of tang to your salmon dip, but you can also use plain Greek yogurt to make it more of a healthy smoked salmon dip.
- Fresh lemon juice – I always opt for fresh lemon when making recipes like this. The bottles lemon juice has a sort of aftertaste that isn’t very pleasing, plus you can get some fresh lemon zest to grate on top when you use a fresh lemon.
- Fresh dill – Fresh herbs give the most amazing flavors to dip recipes like this. Plus the flavor of dill pairs really nicely with the salmon.
- Fresh garlic – I almost always prefer to use fresh garlic over the jarred variety. It’s more pungent and packs more of a punch.
- Fresh chives – Also known as green onion, we want these to finely chopped so that we aren’t getting huge chunks in the dip. Smaller pieces are better.
- Red onion – Besides adding a hint of color to your dip, red onion also adds a crunch and a strong onion flavor to accompany the chives.
- Capers – Capers and salmon go hand in hand, right? The fresh lemony flavor of the capers pairs so well with salmon.
- Salt and pepper – You can use these to taste, but I prefer to use freshly ground black pepper and fine sea salt in my dip.
How to make Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese
- Blend. In the bowl of a food processor add the cream cheese, some of the salmon, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, and garlic. Process until combined, scrape down the sides, and pulse until smooth.
- Add seasonings. Add the dip to a medium bowl and fold in the remainder of the smoked salmon, chives, dill, capers, salt, and pepper. Mix with a spoon until combined.
- Refrigerate. Place the dip in the refrigerator and let it sit. Serve with your favorite dippers.
What to serve with Salmon Cream Cheese Dip
You can really dip anything your heart desires into this Smoked Salmon Dip. You could even use it as a spread for bagels if you’re hosting brunch.
However, there are a few dippers that we favor, so I’ll list them here:
- Cucumber slices
- Bagel chips
- Crackers
- Pita Chips
- Bell peppers
How to store Cream Cheese Salmon Dip
This smoked salmon dip is best stored in an airtight container.
How long is salmon dip good for?
It can last for about 7-10 days, but check the smoked salmon package expiration date for a more exact time frame.
It becomes a little firm when refrigerated, so let it sit out at room temperature before serving, otherwise it will be hard to scoop. If it need a little freshening up after being stored for a few days, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice and it will be just fine.
Can I freeze smoked salmon dip?
I do not recommend freezing this dip.
More Delicious Dips
When I dip, you dip, we dip… here are more easy dip ideas!
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 4 ounces smoked salmon , divided and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise , or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill , roughly chopped
- 1 clove fresh garlic
- 1/2 tablespoons fresh chives , finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons red onion , finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoons capers , drained
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a food processor add the cream cheese, 2 ounces of the smoked salmon, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, and garlic. Process until combined, scrape down the sides, and pulse until smooth.
- Add the dip to a medium bowl and fold in the remainder of the 2 ounces of smoked salmon, chives, dill, capers, salt, and pepper. Mix with a spoon until combined.
- Place the dip in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Serve with crackers, sliced cucumbers, bagel chips, or any of your favorite crackers and veggies.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
this Smoked Salmon Dip really hit home! It was perfect to serve for game night instead of the usual artichoke. guys and gals, everyone loved it
This is everything a gourmet dip should be, and then some! Love all the flavors and textures; easily, a new favorite recipe, indeed!
This is the nicest lookin’ salmon dip I’ve ever seen! gorgeous photography! can’t wait to try the recipe!
i make this often with cream cheese, sour cream, lemon zest/juice, chives and black pepper. the salmon has enough salt. family favorite
Nice! That sounds amazing! I think it largely depends on what brand of salmon you use- mine isn’t salty at all, while others are nothing but.
This recipe was a real winner with my family! 🙂
Thank you so much for this recipe! I used to always buy this at the store but now that I made it at home I am never buying it again! There’s so much more flavor in this!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I used to always buy this at the store but now that I made it at home I am never buying it again! There’s so much more flavor in this!
Enjoyed this for an afternoon snack and it turned out perfectly smooth and savory! Easily, a new favorite appetizer/snack!
This is such a nice light dip I can’t wait to make it again!
The fresh dill was so delicious in this dip! I loved how easy it was to put together and everyone loved it with bagels!