Silky, smoky, and scrumptious, smoked salmon dip is perfect for Saturday night guests, Sunday morning brunch, or any time in between.
This is one of those recipes that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it fits right in, no matter how casual or fancy the occasion. Because it’s really quick and easy. And because it’s delicious.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
What’s In Smoked Salmon Dip?
All it takes is smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, and a food processor. And you don’t even need the sour cream—you could use mayonnaise or yogurt for all or part of it.
I also add fresh lemon juice and pepper before I process it all into a puree, then I stir in a little more salmon to the cream cheese mixture along with some finely chopped onion and fresh dill. Because I like it with a little texture.
But that’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s flexible. Have canned salmon instead? Try my Canned Salmon Dip recipe.
Customize Your Dip
If you’d like to make this salmon dip recipe a little less basic, add horseradish, capers, or a dash of Tabasco. Use parsley or tarragon instead of the dill if you prefer that flavor. Or red onion, scallions, or chives instead of the white onion. You can even use Neufchâtel (reduced fat cream cheese) instead of regular cream cheese.
The only thing I hardly ever add is salt, because smoked fish is usually plenty salty to begin with.
How To Serve The Dip
Serve your dip as an appetizer with toasts, crackers, celery and carrot sticks, endive leaves, you name it. Get as fancy or as casual as you please.
It’s also great for a brunch spread with bagels similar to my Cream Cheese Brunch Board. Set out some fresh fruit and veggies too and brunch is done.
More Delicious Dip Recipes
Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
Silky, smoky, and scrumptious, smoked salmon dip is perfect for Saturday night guests, Sunday morning brunch, or any time in between.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, or more to taste
- 1 tsp. pepper, or more to taste
- 8 oz. smoked salmon, skin removed, flaked, divided
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill, plus small sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Put the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, pepper, and about half of the salmon in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the onion, dill, and remaining salmon. Add more lemon juice and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with dill sprigs and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to a day (ideally return it to room temperature before serving).
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This post originally appeared in July 2018 and was revised and republished in January 2024.