Smoked Salmon Dip

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Smoked Salmon Dip is loaded with chunks of smoked salmon, capers, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a creamy, savory dip that’s bursting with flavor. Serve with crackers for an easy party appetizer.

Overhead view of a bowl of smoked salmon dip

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe

Here are a few of the reasons why I love making this recipe for the holidays.

  • Quick & easy. This smoked salmon dip takes about 5 minutes to prepare and there are less than 10 ingredients needed. I love to whip it up the night before a party.
  • Incredible flavor. Besides the smoked salmon, which adds great flavor itself, this dip is also flavored with capers, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. A hint of Tabasco adds a little warmth too. It’s really the perfect blend of flavors!
  • Feels a bit fancy. One of the reasons I love serving this smoked salmon dip for Christmas and New Year’s parties is because the salmon makes it feel a bit fancier than other dips, like buffalo chicken dip and 7 layer dip.
Overhead smoked salmon dip ingredients

What You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need for this savory dip. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

  • Cream cheese – Softened so that it’s easy to mix.
  • Sour cream – Adds a bit of tangy creaminess that easily cuts through the cream cheese.
  • Mayonnaise – Adds extra richness to the dip.
  • Capers – Drained. Adds a unique salty, savory, and tangy taste to the dip.
  • Fresh lemon juice – Adds a bit more acidity and brightness to the dip.
  • Tabasco – Adds just a hint of heat to the dip.
  • Smoked salmon – Roughly chopped.
  • Herbs – Fresh dill & chives add an earthy flavor to the dip.
  • Salt

How To Make Smoked Salmon Dip

Here’s how to make this smoked salmon dip in just a few steps. You can find the printable version of the instructions in the recipe card below.

  • Make the cream cheese mixture. Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, Tabasco, and mayo until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the other ingredients. Stir in the salmon, capers, and herbs. Give the mixture a taste and add salt if necessary. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
  • Chill. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
Smoked salmon dip on a chip

Tips & Variations

Here are a few tips for making the best smoked salmon dip.

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened. This is essential to a smooth and creamy dip. If it’s still a bit chunky when you mix it, you can microwave it for about 15 seconds and then stir again.
  • Use quality salmon. The better the smoked salmon, the better the dip will taste. This is a great time to splurge.
  • Add more lemon flavor. If you want more of a hint of lemon flavor, grate in a small amount of lemon zest in addition to the juice.
  • Adjust the heat level. You don’t want the spice to overpower the lox or the other flavors but you can add an extra splash of tabasco if you like a spicier dip.
  • Make in advance. I recommend making this smoked salmon dip at least a few hours in advance so that all of the flavors have time to meld.
A hand holding a crostini with smoked salmon dip

What To Serve It With

Smoked salmon dip is perfect as a holiday dinner appetizer or party appetizer anytime. Some of my favorite things to serve with this dip include:

  • Crackers
  • Bagel chips or Pita chips
  • Cucumber Slices
  • Triscuits
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrots
  • Baguettes
  • Crostini
Overhead view of a bowl of smoked salmon dip on a platter with crackers and veggies

Proper Storage

You can make this smoked salmon dip up to 3 days ahead of time. Just make sure to allow it to warm up a bit on the counter before serving as it becomes hard in the refrigerator.

More Savory Dip Recipes To Try

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Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked Salmon Dip is loaded with chunks of smoked salmon, capers, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a creamy, savory dip that's bursting with flavor. Serve with crackers for an easy party appetizer.
Servings: 10 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons capers drained
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Dash of Tabasco sauce
  • 4 ounces smoked salmon roughly chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • Dash of salt to taste

Instructions

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened.
  • Add the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, Tabasco and mayonnaise to a medium bowl. Stir to mix.
  • Make sure you stir well, and that the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is still a bit chunky, you can microwave it for about 15 seconds and then stir again.
  • Add the chopped salmon, capers, dill and chives to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Taste and add a pinch of salt if necessary.
  • Stir everything until well incorporated.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 256mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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1 thought on “Smoked Salmon Dip”

  1. I try the Kielbasa Potato Soup . It was amazing. Really appreciate the recipe family loved it. Thanks for sharing.