This creamy smoked salmon dip is a tasty treat perfect for parties or a cozy evening snack. It’s made with rich cream cheese, zesty lemon, and, of course, delicious smoked salmon!
It’s super easy to whip up, and I love serving it with crunchy crackers. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one bite—everyone will be asking for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Both work well and keep the dip creamy.
Smoked Salmon: The star of the show! If you’re looking for a cost-saving option, canned smoked salmon is a great substitute. Just drain it properly and chop it finely.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a fantastic flavor. If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill works too—just use about a third of the amount since it’s more potent.
Capers: These add a briny kick. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or substitute with finely chopped olives to get a similar salty effect.
How Do I Make the Dip Creamy and Fluffy?
To achieve the ideal creamy texture, it’s important to start with softened cream cheese. Here’s the best way to mix it up:
- Set the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start. This makes it easier to blend.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. This will help create that fluffy consistency.
- Gently fold in the smoked salmon and other ingredients. Avoid over-mixing to maintain some bits of salmon for texture.
Chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving allows flavors to blend beautifully, making it even tastier. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or bread!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz (115g) smoked salmon, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Crackers or fresh bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This smoked salmon dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dip ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by taking your softened cream cheese and placing it in a mixing bowl. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your dip.
2. Combining the Flavors:
Next, gently fold in the finely chopped smoked salmon, fresh dill, lemon juice, and capers (if you’re using them). Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain nice chunks of salmon throughout the dip for great texture.
3. Seasoning:
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder and season your dip with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Mix well to combine all those delicious flavors together.
4. Final Touch:
Once everything is combined, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Smooth out the top to give it a nice presentation.
5. Garnishing:
For an extra touch, garnish your dip with a small piece of smoked salmon, a sprig of fresh dill, and a slice of lemon on the side.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover your dip and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge, stir gently, and enjoy with your favorite crackers or slices of fresh bread. Everyone will love this savory treat!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese or Greek Yogurt?
Absolutely! Using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt can make the dip a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure your yogurt is thick to maintain the dip’s creamy consistency.
How Long Does the Smoked Salmon Dip Last in the Fridge?
This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken up a bit.
Can I Make This Dip Without Capers?
Yes, you can definitely skip the capers if you’re not a fan! If you still want that salty flavor, consider adding a small amount of finely chopped olives as an alternative.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture. Start with a little and adjust to your taste!