Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe (original) (raw)
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I know having the best appetizer recipe at a party isn’t a competition per se, but this Smoked Salmon Dip recipe steals the show! Salty, smoky, creamy, and herby, it is the sort of unstoppably delish dip that ruins dinner appetites in the best possible way.
Over the years, I’ve tested many appetizer recipes on my pals, and (except for a few of the top-notch appetizers in my cookbook), I have never heard them gush profusely the way they did over this smoked salmon dip.
I set down the dip, then watched.
G-O-N-E. People were elbowing each other at the bowl to get more bites!
The star power of this appetizer is one that I’ve rarely seen rivaled. (Hot Crab Dip and Crab Stuffed Mushrooms created a similar stampede effect.)
Plus, it gets better—smoked salmon dip can be made completely in advance.
Prep it the day before your party, then do your best to stay away from it.
5 Star Review
“I made this salmon dip for Christmas Day and it was a HUGE hit! Several family members asked for the recipe. I will definitely make this again.”
— Karen —
How to Make the Best Smoked Salmon Dip
This healthy smoked salmon dip is made with a blend of light cream cheese and Greek yogurt, hot smoked salmon (which you can buy ready to go—more on this below), and simple spices you already have in your cabinet.
For another tasty salmon appetizer, don’t miss these Salmon Croquettes.
The Ingredients
- Hot Smoked Salmon. Tender, flaky, and deeply-flavored, hot smoked salmon creates a truly scrumptious dip with a smoky flavor. Hot smoked salmon is also healthy. It’s rich in protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. (Looking for dinner recipes? Check out these salmon recipes.) Want to make your own? Check out my Smoked Salmon recipe.
The Best Smoked Salmon for Dip
For this recipe, it pays to seek out hot smoked salmon, which you can find at many grocery stores and Trader Joe’s.
- Hot smoked salmon is thick, flakes easily, and provides intense, salty, umami flavors. In the package, it looks like a single cooked fillet.
- Cold smoked salmon is much thinner and softer and usually comes in thin slices. You may see it called “lox style” or “Norwegian.” Cold smoked salmon can also has a raw uncooked appearance.
Cold smoked salmon tastes great on bagels with cream cheese or on salads, but I prefer the thicker, meatier texture and more robust flavor of hot smoked salmon for a dip.
- Cream Cheese. Light cream cheese provides all the richness and creaminess this dip needs. (It’s also my trick to these lightened-up Jalapeño Poppers.)
- Greek Yogurt. I knew I wanted to make smoked salmon dip no mayo, and Greek yogurt was the perfect addition. It’s creamy, tangy (like a smoked salmon dip with sour cream), and packed with protein.
- Spicy Brown Mustard. Earthy and a little bit spicy.
- Dill. For freshness and herb flavor. Plus, salmon and dill are absolutely delicious together. (I submit this Poached Salmon as evidence.)
Substitution Tip
If you prefer a smoked salmon dip without dill, you can omit it or use another herb of your choice.
For a fun swap, you could make smoked salmon dip with capers instead of or in addition to the dill.
- Hot Sauce. The ingredient that keeps you coming back for more. Classic Tabasco sauce is my go-to for this recipe.
- Lemon. Gives the dip a pop of acidity and brightness. (I also love to serve lemon beside these Salmon Patties too.)
How to Serve Smoked Salmon Dip
Serve this dip with one or more of the following options to complete your smoked salmon dip spread:
- Pita Chips. One of our favorite things to dip with.
- Bagel Chips. These are perfectly crunchy and delicious.
- Crostini. A fantastic, slightly-elevated way to serve this dip for parties.
- Veggies. Crisp, raw veggies are a fantastic dipping option. Try veggies like radish chips, carrot sticks, and/or celery.
- Crackers. Dunk your favorite crackers into this dip.
The Directions
- Beat the yogurt and cream cheese together.
- Add the juice, mustard, spices, and hot sauce.
- Stir in the salmon and dill. Serve with additional dill and black pepper. DIG IN!
Storage Tips
- To Store. 3 to 4 days is how long smoked salmon dip will last in the fridge. Refrigerate it in an airtight storage container.
- To Freeze. In my opinion, you cannot freeze salmon dip. I think the texture will be off once the dip has thawed.
Meal Prep Tip
Up to 1 day in advance, prepare the recipe as directed. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover salmon dip can become a delicious sandwich. Spread the dip between two pieces of bread and add any other desired sandwich ingredients (lettuce, tomato, and pickles would be tasty). You could also turn your leftovers into a pasta salad by stirring this dip into cooked and cooled short pasta noodles. See Salmon Salad for more inspiration.
What Goes With Smoked Salmon Dip
Complete your appetizer menu with a few of these other tasty and healthy appetizer recipes:
- Mixing Bowls. A high-quality set of mixing bowls is invaluable in my kitchen.
- Whisk. This whisk is small, making it easy to use.
- Citrus Juicer. The easiest (and cleanest!) way to juice lemons and limes.
Smoked salmon dip FOR THE APPETIZER WIN!
Not that I’m competing or anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe with Cold Smoked Salmon?
While I prefer (and strongly suggest) using hot-smoked salmon, you can use cold smoked if you prefer. Make sure to mince it very finely.
How Can I Make Dairy-Free Smoked Salmon Dip?
To make this recipe dairy free, you’ll need to make smoked salmon dip without cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Instead, use a dairy-free alternative for both the cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
Is This Smoked Salmon Dip Spicy?
While this dip isn’t super spicy, it does have a little kick from the spicy brown mustard and hot sauce. If you need the dip to be less spicy, I recommend cutting back on the hot sauce to taste.
This creamy, easy hot smoked salmon dip is a go-to appetizer recipe your guests will love. Healthy recipe without mayo or sour cream!
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- 1 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
- 6 ounces reduced fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus additional for serving
- 4 to 8 dashes hot sauce optional
- 8 ounces hot-smoked salmon flaked into small pieces*
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill plus additional for serving
- Crackers or pita chips for serving
- Thinly sliced fresh vegetables for serving
In a mixing bowl, beat together the Greek yogurt and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Beat in the lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and hot sauce.
With a spoon, stir in the salmon and dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired (depending upon the saltiness of your fish, you may need to add some kosher salt).
Scoop into a serving bowl. Serve sprinkled with additional dill and black pepper to taste. Enjoy!
* INGREDIENT NOTE: Hot smoked salmon will be thick and flake easily, just like a salmon filet. Lox-style (cold smoked) salmon can be used if you mince it very finely, but I prefer the texture and flavor of hot smoked for this recipe.
TO STORE: 3 to 4 days is how long smoked salmon dip will last in the fridge. Refrigerate it in an airtight storage container.
TO FREEZE: In my opinion, you cannot freeze salmon dip. I think the texture will be off once the dip has thawed.
Serving: 1(of 8)Calories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgPotassium: 145mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 152IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
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Hi, I’m Erin Clarke, cookbook author and the home cook behind Well Plated. I’ve helped millions of people cook healthier meals that actually taste amazing and sold over 200,000 books! I’m here to help you save time, dirty fewer dishes, and feel great about what you’re eating, without overthinking it. Welcome!