Easy Smoked Salmon Dip is the ultimate simple yet elegant party food. This is a next level dip for seafood lovers.
This classic dip is one of those easy appetizers I always make for parties, as it is so versatile and easy to make. You only need five simple ingredients to make this smoked salmon cream cheese dip, and it also comes together in just minutes. It's the perfect snack that is also elegant and refined in taste.
Jump to:
Cold smoked salmon vs hot smoked salmon
Cold-smoked salmon is raw fresh salmon that is salt-cured and then smoked over a period of several hours in an oven or smoker that never goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 29.5 degrees Celsius.
Hot smoked salmon is smoked at a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit or 63 degrees Celsius, which means that it is technically 'cooked' and has a much smokier flavor.
The texture of cold smoked salmon is silky and raw, and it is generally served in slices. Hot smoked salmon texture is flakier and dryer.
Ingredients
- Smoked salmon: This dip requires cold smoked salmon for the best flavor, but you can substitute for lox or gravlax/gravadlax if you prefer or only have that available. The flavor will be less smoky but just as delicious!
- Cream cheese: Use a good quality full-fat cream cheese like Philadelphia.
- Lemon juice and lemon zest: Lemon has essential acidity that will help cut through the rich flavors in this simple dip recipe and help elevate the taste.
- Fresh chives: Chives have a subtle onion taste. If you do not have chives, you can use green onions or even a little bit of onion powder or garlic powder.
- Fresh dill: Dill is one of the best herbs to use in any salmon recipe. The fresh taste complements the fish so well; it's an absolute favorite among salmon lovers.
- Salt and pepper: It is unlikely you will need to add extra salt to this recipe, as smoked salmon is very salty due to being salt cured. But I like to garnish it with some cracked black pepper.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full quantities and step-by-step instructions on how to make this easy smoked salmon dip with cream cheese.
Jump to RecipeInstructions
Put half the herbs, the salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, and zest into a medium bowl, stand mixer (paddle attachment) or blender.
Blend using an electric hand whisk or your blender/food mixer until you reach the desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve topped with the remaining fresh herbs finely chopped over the top.
Top tip
You can decide how smooth you like your smoked salmon dip to be. I personally like mine still a bit chunky, but you can blend it to your personal preference. If you want to pipe this dip onto canapes at your next party, I recommend blending until it is completely smooth.
Chef's notes
For a slightly less rich smoked salmon dip, use half Greek yogurt or crème fraiche and half cream cheese. Do not substitute half-fat cream cheese, as it can be watery, and you will sacrifice some of the delicious taste in this easy salmon dip.
If you're looking for another easy dip to serve at a party, try this Jalapeno Artichoke Dip.
Wine pairing for smoked salmon dip
The smoky, salty taste of smoked salmon is the main flavor in this dip, and it also has a thick and creamy texture, so something with a bit of body to it will work best. I'd recommend a creamy chardonnay that has spent some time on oak during its maturation. Alternatively, a dry and 'biscuity' champagne will work well.
Read my basic tips for food and wine pairing here and elevate your dinner parties!
Serving suggestions
- Vegetable crudites - sliced carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers taste delicious with this easy dip recipe, and others like this easy sour cream and chive dip.
- Variety of crackers - I love oat crackers as they have a lovely texture and earthy taste to them.
- Crisps/potato chips - A bowl of plain salted crisps works well against the richness of this dip.
- Canape bases - to make this dip into a canape, spread it onto an easy canape base or bagel chips, or pipe it into vol au vents.
Equipment
You will need a mixing bowl and either a handheld electric whisk, stand mixer, or blender to make this smoked salmon dip recipe. If you use a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
Storage
Store leftover salmon dip in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days.
You can freeze smoked salmon dip, but I do think it is better made fresh. And it's so easy to make and takes minutes, so there is no reason not to!
FAQ
Yes, although when you defrost it the texture may change. I recommend making it fresh or mixing it with a bit of extra cream cheese and fresh lemon juice upon defrosting.
Yes, but the texture will be thinner and not so good for dipping, and the taste will not be as rich and decadent.
Substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to make this dip lighter.
📖 Recipe
Easy Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 hand whisk, blender, or stand mixer (use paddle attachment)
- 1 Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 150 g (5 oz) Smoked salmon
- 280 g (8 oz) Cream cheese
- 1 Lemon
- 1 tablespoon Chives
- 1 tablespoon Dill
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Zest and juice the lemon and finely chop the fresh herbs.
- Place the cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, zest, and half the herbs into a mixing bowl and whisk with a hand mixer until smooth or your desired consistency. Alternatively, place them into a blender or the bowl of a stand mixer and blend.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with remaining chopped herbs and serve.
Nutrition
Other easy elegant party recipes
Looking for other recipes like this to try next time? Try these:
Alena says
I often get leftover smoked salmon and always wanted to try making a dip. This recipe is just what I’ve been looking for!
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
I whipped up this smoked salmon dip and it was a flavor explosion! 🎉🍴 Creamy and delicious
Diane says
This was such an elegant appetizer! Thanks for the recipe.
Emma Lisa says
I am a sucker for anything salmon! Loved the sounds of this, saved!