Smoked Salmon Dip
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Last updated on Apr 05, 2025
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This smoked salmon dip is creamy, flavorful, packed with protein and takes only 10 minutes to make. Serve it with crackers and veggies for an appetizer everyone will love!
I remember the first time I came across smoked salmon dip — it was at a friend’s brunch gathering, and I was hooked after the first bite! The creamy, smoky, tangy combination was so perfect, I knew I had to try making it myself. After tweaking it and adding a few of my own touches, this version came together, and it’s become my go-to for any casual get-together.
I love pairing it with crunchy vegetables or serving it with my everything but the bagel crackers for dipping. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy, but is super easy to make, and always impresses. If you’re a fan of smoked salmon, this dip is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & flavorful – Cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a hint of avocado mayo make this dip extra creamy, while the smoked salmon adds a delicious, savory flavor.
- Quick to make – With just a quick whirl in the food processor, this dip is ready to serve in minutes.
- Fresh and herby – Dill and chives bring a burst of fresh flavor that perfectly balances the smoky richness of the salmon.
- Perfect for entertaining – Serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or baguette slices for a party-ready appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients Needed
- smoked salmon – the star of this dip! It brings that irresistible smoky, savory flavor that makes each bite extra special.
- cream cheese – adds the perfect creamy, rich base. Make sure it’s softened so everything blends smoothly; the texture is everything here!
- Greek yogurt or sour cream – adds a bit of tang and lightens up the dip. I love using Greek yogurt for the extra protein, but sour cream keeps things classic and super creamy.
- avocado oil mayo – just a touch adds even more creaminess and a little hint of richness.
- red onion – finely chopped for a bit of crunch and a subtle kick that balances out the creamy ingredients.
- fresh dill & chives – these fresh herbs bring that pop of color and bright, herby flavor that pairs so well with salmon.
- lemon juice – a squeeze of lemon juice wakes up all the flavors and gives a little zing.
- capers – optional, but they add a lovely briny bite as a garnish that takes this dip to the next level.
Substitutions
- Greek yogurt or sour cream – Both work great, but if you’re going dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream. It keeps the dip creamy while adding a subtle tang.
- Avocado oil mayo – Regular mayo works just fine if that’s what you’ve got! For a lighter option, you can skip the mayo and just add a little extra Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Fresh dill & chives – No fresh herbs? Dried dill or chives will do the trick. Start small and adjust, as dried herbs pack more flavor per pinch.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip
Two simple steps to follow, and you’ll have a creamy dip for all your snacking needs!
Step 1: Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse until salmon is chopped well and everything is combined.
Brittany’s Tips
- Let the cream cheese soften: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes everything blend smoothly and gives the dip that perfect creamy texture.
- Chill for a bit before serving: Letting the dip chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and makes it even better.
How to Serve
This smoked salmon dip is perfect for so many occasions! Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- With crackers or bread – Pair it with almond flour crackers or my everything but bagel crackers. The crunch is the perfect match for the creamy dip!
- Veggie platter – Fresh-cut veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks are a perfect match for this smoked salmon dip! They add a crisp, refreshing bite that keeps things light and balanced.
- Bagel topping – One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dip is on a toasted bagel! It’s perfect for brunch and feels a little fancy. Add a few capers or an extra sprinkle of dill on top to make it look just as amazing as it tastes.
- As a sandwich spread – Spread it on a slice of sourdough for a next-level sandwich. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own with my homemade sourdough bread recipe. The dip’s creamy, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with hearty, fresh sourdough.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to freshen it up.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dip as the texture may change and become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! Swap the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with dairy-free versions. There are plenty of plant-based options that will still give you that creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Yes! Hot-smoked salmon adds a slightly richer, more intense flavor. Just note that the texture might be a bit firmer, but it works wonderfully in this dip.
Smoked salmon pairs beautifully with creamy textures and fresh, crisp flavors. Think of things like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or avocado for a creamy base, while crunchy veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, and radishes add freshness. Smoked salmon also loves a bit of acidity, so lemon juice, capers, or even a sprinkle of dill can bring out its flavor.
More Dip Recipes to Try
- Sweet Potato Hummus
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Easy Guacamole
- Creamy Hummus
- Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Sweet Potato Hummus
- Easy Tzatziki
- Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip
Be sure to check out all of the appetizers here on EBF as well as my collection of healthy game day recipes!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Ingredients
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2-3 Tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chives
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- capers, to garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until salmon is chopped well and everything is combined. Do not over process.
- Place dip in a small serving container, garnish with fresh dill and capers. Serve with crackers and fresh veggies for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to freshen it up.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Easy and delicious! Packed with good flavor and seasonings.
Can I use Wild Caught can salmon instead of smoked in this salmon dip recipe? Blessings in the Lord. Love, Ms Karen Sue
Hi Karen Sue – If you replace the smoked salmon, you would unfortunately take the smoky salmon flavor away from this dip. The texture would also change. Let me know if you give this recipe a try and how it turns out. Enjoy!