Smoked Salmon Dip
If you like smoked salmon, salmon, or any kind of seafood, this cool and creamy dip is just for you! The mouthwatering smoked salmon flavor is quite pronounced but not overpowering because it works perfectly with smooth cream cheese.
Cold appetizers like this smoked salmon dip and pickle dip are great for parties because they are easy enough to make the same day and also easy to make ahead! You can make it for holiday parties, bridal showers, or special brunches. Serve it with freshly sliced baguette or toasted crostini, spread it on bagels, or serve with an array of your favorite crackers.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Smoked Salmon – Cold-smoked salmon (lox style) gives the smoothest texture and classic flavor. Try not to get salmon that has different flavor added to it or it may throw off the dip flavor. You can also try hot-smoked salmon for a stronger smoky taste and flakier texture.
- Cream Cheese – Full-fat cream cheese gives this dip its signature creamy, rich base. Make sure it’s softened so everything blends smoothly without lumps.
- Sour Cream – also try to use full fat sour cream, it adds tang and creaminess to the texture, as well is making it a little thinner.
- Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest – Fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the dip and balances the richness and saltiness.
- Fresh Dill Weed – Dill is essential here, it pairs naturally with salmon and gives the dip that classic deli-style flavor.
- Chives – Mild onion flavor without overpowering the salmon. Substitute green onion, or scallions, if needed.
- Capers – Capers bring briny, salty bites that enhance the smoked salmon flavor. Be sure to drain them well before adding.
- Prepared Horseradish – Adds gentle heat and sharpness. This is optional, but highly recommended for balance.
- Cayenne Pepper – A small pinch adds warmth, not heat. You can skip it if serving kids or spice-sensitive guests.
Full ingredient list is in the recipe card.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip
NOTE: Between the salmon and capers, this appetizer has a hefty amount of salt. So, I recommend tasting the dip for flavor before adding any more salt.
Fortunately, this dip recipe is a real time-saver it can be made in just 15 minutes! Although chilling isn’t necessary, it does make for a better flavor and consistency.
Combine the ingredients. Add all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend it up! Note that you will only add half of the smoked salmon at this step.
Add salmon. Once everything in the processor is smooth and fully combined, shred or mince the remaining salmon and incorporate it into the dip.
Chill. Transfer it to an airtight container, then pop it into the fridge for a couple of hours.
When ready to serve, garnish with fresh dill, chives, and lemon and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
- There are plenty of ways to serve smoked salmon dip, but my favorite is with toasted baguette slices. It’s also incredible on any type of cracker or pumpernickel bread.
- Serve it with bagels or mini bagels at an elegant brunch.
- Pita chips or fresh pita slices is another good option.
- If you’re looking for a healthier option, freshly sliced cucumbers or endive leaves make the dipper that’s healthy and crunchy.
- If you’re serving it to a crowd, try to offer several different dipper options. Everyone has different tastes and dietary needs, so it’s always great to offer a spread of different dippers to choose from!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use hot smoked salmon or cold smoked salmon, just note the texture and flavor difference. Hot salmon is much smokier and flaky, while cold salmon is smoother, silkier, and has a less noticeable smoke flavor.
You sure can! However, the textures will be a bit different. Using a food processor or blender will make the texture smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, combine the ingredients using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
For a smooth, creamy dip, blend most of the salmon into the base and fold in a small amount at the end.
For a chunkier texture, mix the base first, then fold in all the salmon by hand.
Tips for the Best Smoked Salmon Dip
- Taste before adding salt, since smoked salmon and capers already add plenty.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Chill the dip before serving for better flavor and consistency.
- Garnish right before serving to keep herbs fresh and vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storing Suggestions
- Make Ahead: this dip is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling. Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Before serving, give it a quick stir and garnish with fresh dill and chives.
- Storing: Make sure to store it in a covered airtight container, in the refrigerator, smoked salmon dip will be good for 3-4 days.
More Seafood Appetizers To Try
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Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp. fresh minced dill weed
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp horseradish
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 2 tbsp minced chives
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 4-6 oz smoked salmon
For servings:
- baguette or crackers
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients and half the salmon in a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds, until blended.
- Mince or shred remaining salmon and fold it into the blended dip.
- Transfer the dip into a serving dish, cover air-tight, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings suggestions:
- This dip is wonderful with toasted or fresh baguette. Thinly slice it and serve along side of the dip. If you want something crunchy, use your favorite crackers. Just make sure there are no additional flavor in the crackers that will interfere with the dip and it's not overly salty. For a healthier option, serve with cucumber slices.
Storing instructions:
- Store in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it should last up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in December 2020.
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Categories:
Appetizer Recipes, Dip Recipes, New Year's Eve Recipes, Salmon Dinner Recipes, Seafood Dinner Recipes,All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
Yum! This salmon dip was so perfect!