Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe

This smoked salmon dip is a creamy, savory spread made with rich smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. It’s easy to whip up in minutes and perfect for parties, bagels, or snacking with crackers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 10 minutes
  • Packed with bold, smoky flavor
  • Ultra creamy with a touch of tang
  • Great for entertaining or meal prep
  • Delicious on bagels, crackers, or veggies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Smoked salmon (cold or hot-smoked)
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayo
  • Lemon juice
  • Capers (optional)
  • Fresh dill or chives
  • Red onion or shallot, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: Worcestershire or hot sauce for added depth

Directions

  1. Mix the base: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream (or yogurt/mayo), lemon juice, herbs, and capers. Blend or stir until smooth.
  2. Add salmon: Fold in chopped or flaked smoked salmon. Process briefly for a smooth dip or stir by hand for a chunkier texture.
  3. Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.
  4. Chill: Let the dip rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: With crackers, bagels, sliced baguette, or veggies.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8–10
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Chill time: 30 minutes (optional)
  • Total time: 10–40 minutes

Variations

  • Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version
  • Add horseradish for a spicy kick
  • Mix in finely grated white cheddar for extra richness
  • Use hot-smoked salmon for a flakier, cooked texture
  • Stir in pickle relish or diced cucumber for crunch

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days
  • Do not freeze: Freezing alters the texture
  • Before serving: Stir well and thin with a splash of lemon juice or yogurt if needed

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, but it’s best drained and flaked. Adjust seasonings for flavor.

What’s the difference between cold-smoked and hot-smoked salmon?

Cold-smoked is silky and thin-sliced; hot-smoked is flakier and cooked.

Is this dip spicy?

Only if you add hot sauce—it’s otherwise mild.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives.

What’s best to serve with salmon dip?

Crackers, sliced baguette, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, or on bagels.

How do I make it more spreadable?

Let the cream cheese come to room temp and add more yogurt or sour cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor.

How long will it last in the fridge?

About 4 to 5 days if kept sealed and refrigerated.

Can I blend everything smooth?

Yes, use a food processor for a creamy, uniform texture.

Is it keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat—perfect for keto.

Conclusion

Smoked salmon dip is a creamy, flavor-packed appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make and always a hit. Whether for brunch, parties, or everyday snacking, it delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. Make a batch and enjoy the smoky, herby goodness.

Print
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Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A creamy, flavorful smoked salmon dip made with cream cheese, fresh herbs, and lemon. Perfect as an elegant appetizer served with crackers, bagel chips, or fresh veggies.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 4 ounces smoked salmon, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Fold in chopped smoked salmon, dill, and chives until evenly distributed.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  6. Serve with crackers, bagel chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

Notes

  • Use cold-smoked salmon for a classic flavor or hot-smoked for a flakier texture.
  • For a lighter dip, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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