Smoked Salmon Dip

This easy Smoked Salmon Dip is utterly irresistible, packed full of smoky, citrusy, and tangy flavors! Perfect for serving with all sorts of vegetable sticks, crackers, and crusty bread, this creamy dip will elevate your sharing platters for dinner parties or the holidays.

We love enjoying smoked salmon flavors any time of year, and for all kinds of meals.

This creamy smoked salmon dip is perfect for any salmon lover. It’s so flavorful, with a mix of smoky flavors as well as bursts of lemony citrus and tangy notes throughout.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Easily customize this dip exactly to your taste preference.
• Made with ingredients easily found at your local grocery store.
• Quick to make, it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• Cream Cheese – Use full fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor. Lower fat cream cheese will work fine if you prefer.
• Sour Cream – Adds a tanginess and creaminess to the dip.
• Smoked Salmon – Fresh salmon that you have smoked yourself is best, or splash out on a high quality smoked salmon from the grocery store for the best flavor.
• Capers – Adds a burst of flavor to the dip and compliments salmon well.
• Lemon – We’ll be using fresh lemon zest as well as fresh lemon juice, so you’ll need one whole fresh lemon for these.
• Paprika – Use smoked paprika for the best-smoked flavor throughout.
• Horseradish – This adds a welcome tang to the dip, which goes great with the citrus flavors. Prepared wasabi will also work well.
• Chives – Finely chopped fresh chives will garnish the dip and add a fresh flavor. Green onions would be a good substitute but would taste a bit different.
• Vegetables and Crackers – Use your favorite kinds for serving.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip

1. Blend ingredients. Place the cream cheese, sour cream, half of the smoked salmon, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and horseradish in a food processor and pulse just until slightly chunky. Scrape the dip into a bowl and add the remaining roughly chopped salmon and half of the capers. Stir to combine.

2. Garnish. Add the remaining capers and chives to the top of the dip and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Serve. Serve in the middle of a platter with crispy vegetables and crackers on the side for dipping.

FAQs

What is smoked salmon dip made of?

A smoked salmon dip is typically made with a creamy dairy base, like cream cheese, as well as smoked salmon pieces, citrus flavors, horseradish for that classic tangy flavor, and typically fresh dill too. It can be seasoned with salt and black pepper, as well as spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for added flavor. I always add capers and chives to mine for added flavor and texture.

How do I store smoked salmon dip?

Store smoked salmon dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Success

• Make a double or triple batch, depending on how many people you’re serving. This delicious smoked salmon dip will go fast! 
• Spread this dip on toasted baguettes for a yummy brunch or lunch the next day!
• Add a dash of fresh lemon juice to the dip if serving it the next day or after to freshen it up a bit.

This dip will set slightly once it is refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature for a few minutes and stir before serving it. Add a dash of fresh lemon juice to soften and freshen it up if needed.

Substitutions and Variations

• Garlic. Add some freshly minced garlic for an added depth of flavor.
• Garnish. Fresh herbs like fresh dill or parsley will taste great on top of this dip. Alternatively, add some finely chopped green onion to garnish.
• Yoghurt. You can use plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream in this dip if you prefer or have it to hand instead.
• Onion. Add some finely chopped red onion for an extra sweet and tangy flavor.
• Spice it up. Add some hot sauce or some cayenne pepper to the mix for added heat.
• To Serve. Serve with vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or sliced bell peppers, and carbs like crusty bread, bagel chips, pretzels, or other appetizers for a great sharing platter.
• Seasoning. Add a dash of kosher salt and black pepper to taste if needed.