Best Smoked Salmon Dip
If you’re someone who loves to entertain, you’ve got to give this easy low carb smoked salmon dip recipe a shot!
With a subtle, creamy base and a delicious chunky and smoky flavor, this dip can be a perfect appetizer for your game day parties and cocktail spreads.
Team it up with some crackers, bagel chips, cucumber slices and sliced bread and you’ve got yourself an amazing dip that’s sure to be a huge hit with everyone.
Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This is a great recipe in my opinion for many reasons.
I love how it is super easy to make, and can be a great dish to whip up on a special occasion or for a party when you are in a bit of a time crunch. It is literally my favorite dip to put together when I’m expecting guests.
The fact that this smoked dip is actually a great make-ahead recipe too is another big plus. All you need is a few minutes of time to put it together, and you can make it ahead of time and store it until you’re ready to serve it.
Smoked Salmon Dip Cooking Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients for the Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
Here’s all you’ll need to make the best smoked salmon dip in your kitchen.
- Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the dip, perfect for blending with other flavors.
- Smoked Salmon: Adds a smoky, rich flavor and unique texture that’s the star of this dip.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors, adding a fresh, citrusy tang that complements the salmon.
- Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Enhance the creaminess and add a slight tang, creating a velvety consistency.
- Fresh Dill: Brings a herby freshness that pairs beautifully with smoked salmon.
- Capers: Provide a briny kick, cutting through the richness and adding complexity to the dip.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season the dip, enhancing the flavors and adding a touch of heat.
How to Make the Best Smoked Salmon Dip?
Got your ingredients ready? Here’s the process you’ll need to follow to make this recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a food processor, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and the juice of the lemon. Process until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Then add the smoked salmon, capers, dill (make sure to remove the stems), salt, and pepper and process.
Step 3: Keep It Chunky
Make sure you don’t let it process for too long, so you keep little chunks of smoked salmon for texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve with toast, crostini or baguette slices.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Easy Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
While putting this smoked salmon spread together is super easy, you might want to take note of these little tips and tricks.
- When making this smoked salmon dip, remember to use cream cheese that is at room temperature. Doing this will ensure that the whipped cream cheese has the perfect, smooth consistency.
- I would highly recommend using full fat cream cheese to get that perfect creaminess in the salmon spread.
- If you don’t have sour cream or are just looking for an alternative, you can use full fat plain yogurt instead.
- Avoid mixing the creamy ingredients too much after you’ve added the smoked salmon in. Doing this will cause the chopped salmon to lose its chunky shape.
- To lend a bit of heat to this delicious and creamy smoked salmon dip, you can also add a dash of hot sauce or tabasco.
- If you want the salmon dip to have a bit of extra flavor, you can add a spoon of horseradish into it.
- Remember to let the salmon dip chill for at least an hour in the refrigerator before you serve it.
- I’ve used chopped dill to lend that little pop of color and freshness to the dip. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. I would highly recommend experimenting with other fresh herbs too.
- You can try adding some chopped green onions into the dip for extra freshness, or use a combination of dill and chives to bring in more flavor.
- To make this dip extra fruity and savory, you can also add some lemon zest into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Smoked Salmon Dip Made Of?
This easy smoked salmon dip is crafted using a base of cream cheese, sour cream and some other fresh herbs and seasonings, and of course- the smoked salmon- the star ingredient.
How Do I Garnish the Smoked Salmon Dip?
The best way to garnish this salmon dip is to top it with some lemon slices, capers, chopped dill and/or a bit of chopped green onion.
If you would love bringing some lemony flavors into the dip, you can top the dip with some lemon zest too!
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Dip Last?
The smoked salmon dip can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Remember to store the dip in an airtight container to preserve its freshness, and serve it within 3 days. Anything beyond that will cause the smoked salmon to turn bad.
What Tastes Good With Smoked Salmon Spread?
You can try this easy smoked salmon dip recipe for your house parties or when you’re entertaining.
This creamy spread can be teamed up with some bagel chips, baguette slices, crackers or even veggie sticks.
It is also a great idea to serve this dip with a pasta dish of your choice- just remember to allow the dip to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before you serve.
Can I Use Canned Salmon Instead?
Yes, you can substitute canned salmon and recreate this recipe. Just remember that you will probably need to use liquid smoke to get that perfect smoky flavor in the dip.
You can also use fresh salmon, cook it or make some homemade smoked salmon and add its flakes to the base cream cheese mixture to make this delicious smoked salmon spread.
If you don’t have smoked salmon, you can use smoked trout and replicate the same recipe, and it’ll turn out just as delicious.
Can I Prep the Dip Ahead of Time?
You sure can! The best part about this salmon dip is the fact that you can make it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve it.
Is This Dip Gluten Free?
Yes! This salmon cream cheese dip is a great appetizer for those on a gluten free diet.
Best Smoked Salmon Dip
Easy and Delicious Smoked Salmon Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 oz high-quality smoked salmon
- ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp capers
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a food processor, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and the juice of the lemon. Process until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Then add the smoked salmon, capers, dill (make sure to remove the stems), salt, and pepper and process
Step 3: Keep it Chunky
Make sure you don’t let it process for too long, so you keep little chunks of smoked salmon for texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve with toast, crostini or baguette slices.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 356Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 1033mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g
More Easy Dip Recipes
Loved making this easy salmon dip? Inspired to try some more such interesting dip recipes? Here are a few good ones you might want to take a look at.
