Looking for a quick and delicious appetizer? This Easy Smoked Salmon Dip is a must-try! Creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Let's dive into this simple and satisfying recipe that will impress your guests in no time!

Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a luscious, creamy base.
- Flavorful and Fresh: High-quality smoked salmon, fresh dill, and capers bring a burst of fresh, savory flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick snack. It pairs perfectly with our Air Fried Beet Chips Recipe.
🥘 Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base that adds a smooth texture and mild tangy flavor to the dip.
- High-Quality Smoked Salmon: Brings a delicious, savory depth with its distinctive smoky flavor, giving the dip a luxurious touch.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing, zesty brightness that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the richness of the cream cheese and salmon.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes to the creamy texture while adding a slight tang and smooth consistency to the dip.
- Sour Cream: Offers a tangy and creamy component that lightens the dip and adds a bit of tartness.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Infuses the dip with a fresh, aromatic herb flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Capers: Adds a burst of briny, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste and provides a delightful contrast to the creamy ingredients.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out the best in each one.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat and a touch of earthiness, rounding out the flavors of the dip.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Love a little heat? Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist. Green onions on top = extra flavor magic!
- Fresh herbs make everything better—try chives, parsley, and tarragon with a little minced garlic for an herby boost.
- Craving more zing? Up the lemon juice, add some zest, and double the capers for a bold, briny bite.
- Avocado lovers, mix in a mashed ripe avocado for extra creaminess! A splash of lime keeps it fresh and bright.
- Caramelized onions + Greek yogurt = next-level onion dip. Don’t skip the chives—they bring it all together! Try our Caramelized Onion Dip Greek Yogurt Recipe here!
🔪 How To Make Smoked Salmon Dip
Step One: In a food processor, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and the juice of the lemon. Process until well combined.
Step Two: Next add the smoked salmon, capers, dill (be sure to remove the stems), salt, and pepper and process
Step Three: Make sure you don’t process the dip for too long, so you still have small chunks of smoked salmon for texture.
Step Four: Serve with toast, crostini or baguette slices. Your easy Salmon dip is now ready to enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
If you're going to make smoked salmon dip, be sure to follow these top tips!
- Use High-Quality Smoked Salmon: The quality of the smoked salmon will significantly impact the flavor of your dip. Choose a high-quality, well-smoked salmon for the best taste.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients and create a smooth, creamy texture.
💭 FAQs
Yes, this dip can be made a day or two ahead. In fact, letting the flavors meld together in the fridge overnight often enhances the taste. Just cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
This dip pairs perfectly with crackers, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrot sticks. For a more indulgent treat, try serving it with toasted bread or even slices of a fresh baguette.
While canned salmon can work in a pinch, smoked salmon provides a unique flavor that makes this dip special. If you decide to use canned salmon, consider adding a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor and texture.
Absolutely! If you like a little heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip. Alternatively, a small amount of finely chopped jalapeños can give it a fresh, spicy kick.
Store any leftover Easy Smoked Salmon Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Use a tightly sealed container to keep the dip fresh and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite sides to serve with Smoked Salmon Dip:
- Crispy Bagel Chips: Perfect for dipping, crispy bagel chips provide a crunchy and flavorful base that pairs well with the creamy smoked salmon dip.
- Cucumber Slices: Fresh cucumber slices add a cool and refreshing crunch that complements the rich and smoky flavors of the dip.
- Crudité Platter: A variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and celery sticks offer a healthy and colorful assortment for dipping.
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread cut into wedges is a classic choice that pairs well with the savory smoked salmon dip.
- Lemon Dill Crackers: Light and flavorful lemon dill crackers enhance the taste of the dip and add a zesty, herby crunch.
🍽 Related Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 4 oz Smoked Salmon
- ½ teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 tablespoon Capers
- Salt to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy base in a food processor, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and the juice of the lemon. Process until well combined.
- Then add the smoked salmon, capers, dill (make sure to remove the stems), salt, and pepper and process
- Make sure you don’t let it process for too long, so you keep little chunks of smoked salmon for texture.
- Serve and Enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
More Salmon And Fish Recipes