Smoked Salmon Dip
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This elegant smoked salmon dip is delicious on crackers — or serve it on a brunch buffet with bagels.
If you’re ever in need of a festive and elegant dish to make for a party (and aren’t we all right about now?), this smoked salmon dip will really save the day. You can serve it with crackers and cocktails or set it out on a brunch buffet with bagels and other fixings — either way, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser. Even my husband, a true blue New Yorker and self-proclaimed expert on all things smoked fish related, gives it a big thumbs up. What’s more, it’s really easy to make. You’ll love how quickly you can check it off your holiday to-do list! Another plus for this dip is that it can be made a few days ahead of time and refrigerated.
What you’ll need to make smoked salmon dip
How to make smoked salmon dip
Begin by combining the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Tabasco and capers in the bowl of a food processor.
Pulse to blend.
Add the smoked salmon, chives, and dill
Pulse until the salmon is finely chopped.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. That’s all there is to it —Â enjoy!
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Smoked Salmon Dip
This elegant smoked salmon dip is delicious on crackers — or serve it on a brunch buffet with bagels.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 ounces) cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ¼ teaspoon Tasbasco
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, and Tabasco in a food processor fitted with the metal blade; pulse until blended. Add the salmon, dill and chives and pulse, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary, until the salmon is finely chopped. Taste and add salt, if necessary (I usually add about ¼ teaspoon, but it depends on the saltiness of the smoked salmon). Serve as a dip with crackers or bagel chips, or as a spread with bagels.
- Make ahead: This dip can be made a few days ahead of time. However, it gets quite firm in the fridge so let it sit out at room temperature before serving, otherwise it will be hard to scoop.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (10 servings)
- Serving size: 3 tablespoons
- Calories: 144
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 237 mg
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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Comments
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Is there any substitute you can recommend for the dill. My household doesn’t care for it, but this recipe looks fabulous otherwise!
Hi Kim, I’d recommend replacing the dill with tarragon. I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Hi Jenn, I am trying your Salmon dip. Wondering why you add capers? I have never used capers in a recipe. Is it a necessary ingredient?
Thank you,
Stefani
Hi Stefani, They add wonderful salty, tangy flavor. I highly recommend using them.
Hi Jenn,
Made this recipe exactly as listed and sent it to work with my husband. He enjoyed it so much, he bought bagels and made a breakfast meal of it! Or three or four!!
I”ve made the Smoked Salmon Dip for multiple parties, and I usually leave with an empty plate!
It’s been years since I discovered a new appetizer to add to my repertoire. This one is a gem. Followed recipe to a ‘T’ and with rave reviews from my guests, there’s no need to ever change a thing.
Made this for a Girls night In and served on slices of cucumbers for light gluten free app
I used this recipe for our Christmas Party/ my 50th birthday party last night. Huge hit. Followed the recipe exactly. Well balanced.
Would you do any specific changes if I use it as a appetizer for a Hanukkah party? Carol
No changes necessary; I think it’s perfect as is for an appetizer. Hope everyone enjoys!
Love this recipe! A food processor makes quick & easy work of a very easy but elegant appetizer. I didn’t realize I was out of green onions so I substituted minced red onion & it was fabulous!! I also like a little extra lemon juice in mine and definitely sprinkle some extra fresh dill on top!
Only recently have I discovered this treasure trove of recipes and knowledge! What a treat for me and my family!
I decided to start slowly and make an appetizer first. This was the one I chose. My husband smokes salmon, so we had some in the freezer. I’m of the opinion that one should always make a recipe exactly as written the first time. Then think about any changes you might make, but try the original first. This one needs no alterations for my family – it was perfect and disappeared quickly. I made it for a Thanksgiving gathering, so hungry guests would have something to enjoy while waiting for the main event. It was a huge hit and we will be making it regularly! Thank you, Jenn! (you are going to make me very popular)
I don’t like mayo. Do you have a suggestion, Jenn? Your site is fabulous. I’ve gotten raves on so many recipes and have referred lots of friends to you.
Barb
Hi Barb, So glad you’re enjoying the recipes! I promise you that you can’t taste the mayo at all, but if you really don’t want to use it, I’d substitute more sour cream. The sour cream will make the dip a little tangier, so I’d also cut the lemon juice in half. Hope that helps!
Hi Jenn! Excited to try this for Thanksgiving. Would it work if I used light cream cheese, sour cream (even greek yogurt), and mayo, or would it compromise the texture? Thanks in advance.
Hi Flo, one reader commented that she prepared this with low-fat cream cheese and sour cream and was happy with the result. I haven’t prepared it this way, though, so I can’t vouch for it. I’d love to hear how it turns out of you do use reduced-fat versions of any of the ingredients!
I made this for a recent bridal shower and it was truly outstanding! Guests raved and raved! A must try!
Is the smoked salmon cooked or raw?
Hi Gail, this is salmon is that has been cured and hot or cold smoked. Hope you enjoy!
I made this on Saturday for dinner with friends and so I would have enough for Mother’s Day dinner on Sunday. It was so delicious, even my 13 year old daughter loved it. It was so easy to make and was even better on Sunday night! This is my new go to appetizer. Thanks!
This has been my super quick go-to appetizer dip to impress guests for the past 1 year.
This is the best salmon dip out there and I’m always getting requests to make it! It’s so incredibly easy to put together. I find it’s best to make it the night before you intend to use it so that the flavors meld a bit more.
Once again, a very tasty and easy recipe. I looked for an appetizer last minute ute and went to yr site and found this. Made it for my guests tonight and they all (plus me) just loved the dip. Thanks again!
Just made today for a friend’s dinner party. Got raves from all, even my hubby who normally won’t touch dips!! Very fresh herbs taste and oh so easy….Served w/ red peppers and sugar snap peas, didn’t even need the crackers!
Tks Jenn for a great seafood dip!!
Made this recipe and took to a New Year’s Eve party. My family all like to fish and I used smoked salmon the family caught last summer. Big hit. I was very pleased. I will add this recipe to my holiday collection.
I sure wish MY family would catch a smoked salmon! LOL
Excellent, adjusted to my taste to make it a bit sharp, that’s how I like it, one of my favourite.
This recipe is perfect just as it is. When visiting family it is always requested. I have to triple the recipe. I’ve served it with endive as well as crackers. Absolutely delicious!!
Can this dip be frozen?
Emily, with all the dairy this dip contains, I don’t think it would freeze well– sorry!
Soooo good! We had many heavy meals during the holidays that by New Years, we just wanted something light, refreshing, yet filling. This fit the bill. The best part is that there is no actual cooking involved. As a bonus, it paired well with Brut Rose champagne. Cheers and Happy New Year!
Made it just as the recipe listed. Loved the dill and capers! Our new go to dip for the holidays.
This was amazing! We filled up on the dip and had to wait for a while for the dinner!
Hi,
Why are the amounts of the ingredients needed not listed? Or am I missing it?
Thanks
Nancy
Hi Nancy, It sounds like you are just looking at the portion of the page that has the pictures with some instructions underneath. If you scroll down a bit to under the pictures, you’ll find the full recipe. Alternatively, at the very top of the page, you can click the “recipe” button right under the recipe title. Hope you enjoy the dip if you make it!
Absolutely delicious
We have made with salmon we smoked on the grill and packaged smoked salmon
A hit in either case
This was so incredible!!!
How much salmon do you use?
Hi Winnie, you’ll need 4 ounces of smoked salmon. Hope you enjoy!
Made this for Mother’s Day 2016. Big hit! My first time to buy smoked salmon, & boy, did I wonder if it would be worth the $6; it was!!!
I made it today for my friends on breakfast, I couldn’t find chives, so I replaced it with green onion, and it was so delicious, with some salty biscuits was just perfect! everyone loved it, and it was the only plate that have been completely finished 😀 .. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
I just made your Smoked Salmon Dip, and it was wonderful. I’m so excited to be part of the Jenn family…ha!
Thank you for your professionalism and willingness to connect with us, The Jenn Fan Club!
Warm regards,
Bill
I made this for the super bowl and I can’t get enough of it!!!! It’s incredible! I used nova lox pieces which is still smoked salmon but half the price. Used a little more salmon & lemon juice than the recipe called for to taste. I also added a bit of garlic powder and siracha to it. Omg! Yummmm! So good I had to share the recipe 🙂 thanks!
I made this for a New Year’s Eve dinner and it was a hit. I don’t think anything was left at the end of the night, and we only had a total of 5 people there!
Absolutely delicious! Made as written, and it was a big hit with young and old(er), alike!
A holiday dinner would not be complete without at least one of your recipes. I made this for Christmas Dinner. I love smoked salmon so this was super easy and really good. I made it exactly as described with low-fat cream cheese and low-fat sour cream and scallions since I didn’t have access to fresh chives.
Very easy to make. I think I might have added a little too much fish and I can’t taste the chives. I really liked it, but beware it is addicting.
Loved this! Easy and delicious–it was a big hit!
I did a sample run on this as I needed another appetizer. It is yummy. I don’t care for capers and do not keep on hand, so I subbed in additional lemon juice as suggested. We loved it.
Tabasco sauce. Does it have to be that for spiciness or will Sriracha work as well? I’ll trust your answer here as with the capers question below – I don’t like them but it sounds like they do add to the recipe without standing out so they will be included in my dip! Thanks!
Sure Josh, you could use Sriracha if you prefer.
I’ve made this dip with hot smoked salmon too. Works either way and totally delicious!
I made this dip and love it. It’s also a good way to use up a serving of salmon that’s left over from dinner (therefore grilled or poached, instead of smoked)… which is what I did.
Thanks for sharing the recipe! I don’t care for dill. Is there something I could substitute? Or is there enough flavor to just leave the dill out?
Hi Melinda, you could try replacing the dill with tarragon. Let me know how it turns out!
This am making for my guest Christmas Day Yum!
Question: can you use just shrimp or just crabmeat? Are any other changes necessary? Thanks,
Hi Joanne, Unfortunately, I don’t think shrimp or crabmeat would work well in this recipe. The smoked salmon adds so much flavor; I think it’d be bland without it. Sorry!
Can you make this ahead of time and how long does it keep? I would like to make this Christmas Eve morning but not serve it until 11:00 am on Christmas Day?
I just started subscribing but I can tell I’m going to enjoy your emails!
Thanks for making my life easier!
Hi Lisa, Welcome to the site! It’s perfectly fine to make it a day (or even two) ahead of time. Just let it sit out at room temp before serving because it gets very stiff in the fridge.
This looks totally yummy, but I don’t’ like capers…will the flavor be changed a lot if I leave them out?
Hi Carol, It’s fine to leave them out; you might just add a bit more lemon juice. For what it’s worth, I don’t care for capers either — you really can’t taste them in this dip, but they add a nice tanginess.
Thanks! Gonna have to make this then for Christmas as my mother really loves smoked salmon!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I’ve been agonizing over choosing an appetizer to take to a holiday party today, and I have almost every ingredient on this list already. Perfect solution! Happy holidays!
Do you think dried chives and dried dill would be an acceptable substitute for the fresh versions?
Hi Annie, It’s fine to use dried dill (use about 1/3 of the amount) but I wouldn’t use dried chives — if you don’t have fresh, it’s really fine to leave them out.
You can use the green part of spring onions, (or young scallions, same thing) finely chopped.
I loved this recipe for my keto diet!