This smoked salmon dip is my reliable recipe for casual snacking and entertaining. Smooth, creamy, and full of flavor, it comes together in minutes using a food processor. Prepared horseradish adds a bright zing, smoked paprika deepens the smoky notes, and fresh lemon juice brightens each bite. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or crisp vegetables — it’s an easy crowd-pleaser and a must-make for gatherings.
If you enjoy smoked salmon, this dip is for you. It’s ready in about 5 minutes: toss the ingredients into a food processor, puree until smooth, then taste and adjust. I developed this recipe nearly two decades ago and it’s remained a favorite for good reason — simple, delicious, and versatile.
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Ready in minutes with a food processor.
- A dependable crowd-pleaser for parties and casual get-togethers.
- Make ahead for easy entertaining.
Recipe Ingredients
These are pantry and fridge staples you can keep on hand. The recipe is easy to halve for a small batch or double for a crowd.
- Smoked salmon: Use plain smoked salmon (no extra seeds or heavy seasoning) in flat packages.
- Cheeses: Cottage cheese and block cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- Horseradish: Prepared horseradish from a jar (refrigerated section) adds a peppery bite.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens and balances the dip.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika complements the salmon; regular paprika works if needed.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add fresh dill for a bright, herbal note; save a few fronds for garnish.
- For more heat or smoke, stir in ground chipotle, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne.
Recipe Instructions
Making smoked salmon dip is incredibly simple.
Serving Suggestions
This smoked salmon dip works for everyday snacking, game day spreads, or holiday appetizers. Place the dip in a bowl and surround it with cucumber slices, crackers, toasted baguette, bell pepper strips, raw zucchini sticks, or endive leaves for an elegant presentation.
Make ahead: Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
How to Upscale It
For a refined presentation, transfer the dip to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe onto cucumber rounds, endive spears, baked phyllo cups, or crostini. Garnish with lemon zest, capers, finely diced red onion, and dill fronds for color and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, crackers, toasted crostini, and endive leaves are all excellent choices for dipping or spreading.
Smoked paprika reinforces the salmon’s smoky flavor, fresh lemon juice brightens the dip, and prepared horseradish adds zip. For heat, use hot sauce or chipotle powder. Fresh dill complements the salmon and makes a nice garnish.
Yes. Make the dip a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container so flavors can meld.
More Terrific Appetizer Recipes
If you like seafood appetizers, mini baked crab cakes or a baked feta tray are great complements to this dip on a party spread.
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Classic French Mushroom Duxelle
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Easy Green Goddess Dip (and Dressing)
-
Easy Caprese Salad Skewers with Basil Vinaigrette
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📖 Recipe
Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
Sally Cameron
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon Dip
- 8 ounces smoked salmon
- 8 ounces cottage cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 teaspoons smoked or regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish Options
- Capers, drained
- Finely diced red onion
- Smoked paprika
- Lemon zest
- Dill fronds
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and puree until smooth.
- Refrigerate overnight or until ready to serve so flavors meld. Taste before serving and adjust lemon, horseradish, or paprika if desired.
Notes
For serving, place the dip in a bowl for spreading and dipping and surround with vegetables, crackers, or crostini.
Nutrition
Originally published March 4, 2013