Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked Salmon Dip is an easy recipe that will be the hit of any party! This creamy, flavorful appetizer is made with cream cheese, sour cream, fresh smoked salmon, lemon and fresh dill. It can be whipped up in minutes, makes any occasion feel extra special, and tastes SO good with Ritz crackers!
This tasty Smoked Salmon Dip is one of my go-to snack recipes when I’m hosting friends or family, especially during the holiday season. This dip can be ready in about 5 minutes and looks (and tastes) so impressive. You simply can’t find smoked salmon dip that is this delicious from the grocery store! This recipe has that classic smokey flavor balanced out by the slight tang of the cream cheese and freshness of lemon and dill. Yep, your party just got way better!
I especially love how it works for so many different occasions! It’s fancy enough to use at a holiday dinner as an appetizer. It’s great for game day snacking! Or, you can whip it up for yourself and enjoy it on a crostini or toasted bagel for breakfast. You’re going to want to make this on repeat, and it’s sure to be the hit of the party and everyone will be asking you for the recipe!
Why this recipe works
- Quick & easy: This dip comes together in 5 minutes in a food processor!
- Always a hit! Using fresh ingredients and delicious flavors make this a major crowd-pleaser!
- Diet-friendly: It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and Keto-friendly (use veggies). And salmon is filled with nutrients!
- Make ahead: Great to make in advance for easier party prep.
This is an absolutely delicious and very flavorful dip. I would not change a thing! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
— Emily
Ingredients needed
This salmon dip recipe is made with simple ingredients, yet they blend together to create something that tastes so amazing! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Cream cheese: The base of the dip that makes it perfectly creamy with rich flavor.
- Sour cream: For added tang that is so delicious!
- Mayonnaise: Just a small amount of mayo takes the flavor of this dip to the next level. Don’t leave it out!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest brightens the taste.
- Capers: Intensely salty and acidic, capers taste sort of like a green olive, but with lemony undertones and a bit more tang.
- Fresh dill: Salmon and dill are a match made in heaven! It adds freshness and a wonderful herb flavor.
- Smoked salmon: You can use hot smoked salmon or cold smoked salmon for this recipe. For reference, hot-smoked will be in the cooler section of the seafood counter. Hot-smoked just refers to how it is processed, and it gives off a more smoky flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Depending on the salmon you’re using and with the addition of capers, you may not need to add extra salt. Taste before adding, then add to taste.
- For serving: Crackers, raw veggies, chips, breads
How to make this recipe
All you need is about 5 minutes to make this smoked salmon dip! It’s so easy! Here’s how it comes together:
- Prep: Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
- Combine ingredients: Pulse and blend the ingredients until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape the sides and then blend some more.
- Taste and adjust: Once all ingredients are completely combined, taste and add salt and pepper, as desired. If you add anything, simply blend for a bit to incorporate all of the ingredients.
- Serve: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl, garnish with lemon slices and more dill, if desired. This dip is good served at room temperature or chilled. And don’t forget the dippers!
Serving suggestions
Here are some ideas that are so delicious to eat with this dip:
- Crackers: Try it with some Ritz crackers, some Wheat Thins, or any other favorite cracker. Sturdy crackers work best!
- Veggies: Freshly cut, raw veggies are a great dipping option. We like cucumber slices, bell pepper, radish chips, carrots and celery.
- Bread: I looooove bread and dip! This would be so good with crostini, slices of french baguette or even sourdough!
- Bagels: Seafood spreads like this one are perfect paired with a toasted bagel at brunch.
- Chips: Pita chips or bagel chips are great because they’re sturdy and extra crunchy.
- Charcuterie board: Perfect to serve as part of a meat platter.
Expert tips
- Fresh dill: We highly recommend using fresh dill for this recipe. It really adds fabulous flavor and complements the salmon perfectly. Dried dill will not have the same fresh flavor that really makes this appetizer special.
- High-quality salmon: Using a high-quality smoked salmon will make this salmon spread super tasty and is definitely recommended. Using a low-quality salmon is not a good idea and will not have that smoky flavor you’re craving.
- Let chill: For the best flavor, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour prior to serving to allow flavors to bloom. It will be even tastier the next day!
- Make ahead: Dip can be made in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before serving.
Frequently asked questions
The ingredients will vary based on recipe, but this recipe is made with cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lemon and dill – all flavors that pair so deliciously with lox (smoked salmon)!
There are so many options! Spread it onto bagels, use it as a spread on a veggie sandwich made with sourdough toast, fold it into scrambled eggs, or use it as a filling for an omelet.
While smoked salmon gives the dip a distinct flavor, fresh salmon can be used. However, you’ll need to cook the fillet and season it first. Remember, the taste will be different than when using smoked salmon. You can add smoked paprika for a little smoke flavor, but it won’t be the same.
Variations
- Lower calories: For a lighter dip, substitute the cream cheese for light cream cheese and the sour cream for light sour cream or even Greek yogurt.
- Types of salmon: Try different flavored smoked salmon varieties to change things up. Lemon pepper would be a good change up.
- Different fresh herbs: If you prefer a smoked salmon dip without dill, you can omit it or use another herb of your choice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh chives or green onion over the top, if you’d like.
Storage recommendations
Whether you are making this ahead of time or just have leftovers, you can easily store it for later! Transfer it to an airtight container, and store in your fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before enjoying again.
More dip recipes
- Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus
- Best Homemade Guacamole
- Mexican Cottage Cheese Dip
- Fresh Herb Cream Cheese Dip
- Mexican Sour Cream Dip
- Beet Hummus
I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon capers , drained
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill, plus more for garnish
- 6 ounces smoked salmon
- salt and pepper, to taste, try the dip before adding
- crackers, veggies, bread or chips for serving
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape the sides and then blend some more.
- Once all ingredients are completely combined, taste and add salt and pepper, as desired. If you add anything, simply blend for a bit to incorporate all of the ingredients.
- Transfer the dip into a serving bowl, garnish with lemon slices and more dill, if desired. For the best flavor, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour prior to serving to allow flavors to bloom. This dip is good served at room temperature or chilled. And don't forget the dippers!
- Dip can be made in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before serving.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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I made this exactly as written and it is delicious!
A big hit at my summer kickoff cocktail party. Paired well with deviled eggs and good cheeses. A definite “keeper”!!!
I just made this. Incredible! And perfect consistency for dipping. Thanks for yet another fabulous recipe.
Made this exactly as written and it is really delicious! I used a cold smoked Alaskan Wild Caught salmon.
This is an absolutely delicious and very flavorful dip. I would not change a thing! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Fantastic addition to Super Bowl Sunday! Works well spread on a cucumber slice.
Delicious. Recipe turned out perfect. It was a perfect consistency after resting in the fridge for an hour. Light and creamy.
I found the basic version of this on the back of a Ritz box and have been making it for years. Everyone asks for the recipe!
So good!
Simple and delicious!! Used this recipe for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve get togethers. Everyone loved it!
I did make this recipe and it turned out great, thank you for sharing this recipe. The only change I made, was to substitute the sour cream with plain greek yogurt ( only because I didn’t have sour cream) but it was nevertheless, delicious, I’ll be making it again very soon.
This was a huge hit! Everyone kept raving about how much they loved it. Thank you!