Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked Salmon Dip is a creamy, flavorful spread that just melts in your mouth. It combines the rich, smoky taste of salmon with smooth cream cheese and a touch of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Smoked Salmon Dip is a creamy, flavorful spread that just melts in your mouth. It combines the rich, smoky taste of salmon with smooth cream cheese and a touch of tangy lemon and dill. The texture is silky with little bites of tender salmon, making it a perfect mix of smooth and smoky.
I love making this dip when friends come over because it feels special but is so easy to put together. It’s the kind of appetizer that everyone reaches for first and keeps coming back to. A little tip from me: chill it well before serving to help the flavors blend and the dip to firm up just right.
My favorite way to enjoy this smoked salmon dip is with crunchy crackers or fresh veggies, like crisp cucumber slices or colorful red peppers. It also pairs nicely with toasted baguette rounds if you want something a bit heartier. No matter how you serve it, it’s a simple dish that always wins smiles around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the dip creamy and smooth. If you want a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a dairy-free option, vegan cream cheese works well too.
Smoked Salmon: This is the star, giving the dip its smoky flavor. If you can’t find smoked salmon, smoked trout is a tasty alternative. Just chop it finely to blend well.
Dill & Capers: Fresh dill adds a bright herb flavor. Don’t skip it! Capers give a nice tangy pop—if you don’t have them, chopped green olives add a salty touch.
Other Flavors: Lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard bring balance and depth. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of hot sauce can add umami.
How Do I Get the Best Texture When Mixing the Dip?
It’s important to blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth before adding the other ingredients. This creates a creamy base that’s easy to fold into without overworking.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Use a fork or hand mixer on low speed to get a silky, smooth texture.
- When folding in the salmon and other add-ins, mix gently to keep some salmon pieces visible for nice texture.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the dip light and airy, not dense.
- Chill the dip well before serving so it firms up nicely and flavors blend.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Fork or hand mixer – I like using a hand mixer for super smooth results, but a fork works fine too.
- Measuring spoons – to get your lemon juice, Worcestershire, and mustard just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping the smoked salmon, dill, and onion finely.
- Serving bowl – to present your dip nicely for guests or family.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap smoked salmon for smoked trout or canned salmon for a different smoky flavor and a budget-friendly option.
- Add finely chopped chives or green onions for a mild bite and fresh color.
- Mix in a little horseradish for a spicy kick that pairs well with smoked fish.
- Stir in some finely diced cucumber or celery for added crunch and freshness.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp capers (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ small red onion or shallot, finely minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Assorted crackers or crispbread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes chilling time to let the flavors blend nicely. A quick and easy dish to make ahead of time for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend them until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Stir in the finely chopped smoked salmon, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, capers, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and the finely minced red onion or shallot. Mix gently to keep some texture in the salmon.
3. Season and Chill
Taste your dip and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Then, transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to blend and the dip firms up slightly.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, garnish with a sprig of fresh dill and a few capers on top. Serve cold with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Smoked Salmon for This Dip?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before chopping. This prevents the dip from becoming watery.
Can I Make Smoked Salmon Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip and refrigerate it covered for up to 2 days. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. Stir before serving and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for easier scooping.
What Can I Serve with Smoked Salmon Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.
