Easy Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

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Smoked salmon dip with cream cheese is full of creamy, smoky goodness! Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients like smoked salmon, dill, capers, cream cheese, mayo, and lemon juice, it’s a low-carb, keto-friendly dip that will bring life to all your favorite dippers. The flavors and textures of this appetizer are insane, and you can whip it up in 5 minutes or less.

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of salmon like I am, then you’ll love this homemade salmon dip with cream cheese. I often make salmon with garam masala summer squash for lunch and spinach salmon burgers for dinner, and I wanted to have an easy salmon recipe I can whip up anytime the craving strikes. This recipe makes the best salmon dip I’ve had – better than anything I’ve tried from the store.

It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or as a quick, healthy snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying choice for low-carb and keto eaters, but let’s be real; it’s so delicious, even chip dippers won’t be able to resist. Ready to dip, spread, and impress? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required: Make the creamy base, add the salmon, dill, and capers, and you have an appetizer that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining.
• Delicious flavors: The blend of protein, healthy fats, and a hint of zest makes this dip a balanced, crave-worthy option full of fresh, vibrant flavors you can feel good about.
• Homemade goodness: Loaded with flavor, not fillers. Unlike store-bought dips with preservatives, this homemade version is fresh, flavorful, and made with real ingredients.
• Keto and low-carb friendly: With minimal carbs and no added sugars, this dip is a great choice for keto, low-carb, and animal-based diets.
• Versatile: Adjust the seasoning, add your favorite fresh herbs, or mix in extras. Make it as light or loaded as you prefer!
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time – the flavors only get better when stored in the fridge, making it perfect for easy snacking. If you made extra or have leftovers, it’s perfect as a spread on toast or mixed into vegetable noodle pasta.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

Picture this: velvety cream cheese swirled with delicate flakes of smoked salmon, a pop of fresh dill, and a briny kick from capers – all coming together in a dip that’s so good, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. And the best part is that you can make it in a few minutes – just blend, season, and serve!

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients You Need

• Cream cheese: The rich and creamy foundation of the dip, giving it that indulgent texture. I like using Philadelphia cream cheese, but any brand will work.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess, richness, and a subtle tang.
• Sour cream: Balances out the richness of the cream cheese and mayo with a smooth, slightly tangy texture.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the dip and cuts through the richness with its zesty acidity. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch – just note that it may taste flat or slightly bitter.
• Smoked salmon: I use canned smoked salmon for convenience, but fresh or frozen (thawed) works just as well. For a leaner option, opt for wild-caught salmon.
• Dill: Adds a fresh, slightly citrusy touch that enhances the salmon’s flavor.
• Capers: Add a pop of saltiness that brings balance to the dip.
• Salt and ground black pepper

Step-By-Step Instructions

Say goodbye to store-bought dips and hello to effortless, homemade goodness with this salmon dip with cream cheese. 5 minutes and 3 easy steps are all you need to make this ultra-creamy, deliciously smoky appetizer that will turn any dippable into a gourmet snack. 

Step 1: Blend ingredients together

Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until completely mixed and smooth.

Step 2: Add the salmon

Add the smoked salmon, dill, capers, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times until just combined. Leave little chunks of smoked salmon for texture.

Note: Remove the dill leaves from the stems when measuring. You only want to use the feathery leaf, not the stems.

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately or make it ahead of time and chill, covered, in the refrigerator until you are ready.

Substitutions

This 5-minute salmon dip uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. However, if you happen not to have some of the ingredients at home, you can easily substitute with these:

• Cream cheese: Substitute with ricotta for a lighter taste, mascarpone for a slightly sweeter, silkier option, Neufchâtel cheese for less fat, or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: No mayo or sour cream on hand? No problem! Swap either one with ½ cup of nonfat Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
• Lemon juice: If you’re out of lemons, a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can provide a similar tang.
• Smoked salmon: Try flaked cooked salmon for a milder taste, or swap in smoked trout for a different smoky profile.
• Dill: If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill works too – just use about one-third of the amount. Other great alternatives include fresh chives, parsley, or tarragon.
• Capers: Substitute with chopped green olives or a splash of pickle juice or Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami boost.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the consistency: If your dip is too thick, stir in a little extra sour cream or a splash of lemon juice until it reaches your ideal texture. If you prefer a chunkier dip, fold in the smoked salmon at the end instead of blending everything together.
• Go light: Swap full-fat cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to reduce calories and boost protein.
• Watch the salt: Smoked salmon and capers are naturally salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
• Add your favorites: Try adding crushed walnuts, diced avocado, celery, grated parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist. For toppings, sprinkle on Everything Bagel seasoning, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, or microgreens.
• Add some heat: Want a spicy kick? Mix in a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or a bit of horseradish for an extra punch of flavor.

How to Store This Recipe

This dip tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container (a mason jar works great!) and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Dairy-based dips don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate and become lumpy. For the best texture, enjoy it fresh, chilled, or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

For a classic option, serve it with crisp crackers, bagel chips, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite gluten-free or low-carb bread. We love it with psyllium husk bread!

If you’re looking for something lighter, fresh veggies like cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and celery sticks make a refreshing choice. It’s also fantastic as a spread on toasted bagels, sourdough, or rye bread, as a creamy topping for baked potatoes or mashed potato alternative, or as a flavorful filling for wraps and sandwiches.

More Easy Dips And Sauces To Try

• Homemade salsa ranchera
• Basic spinach and artichoke dip
• Keto tzatziki sauce
• Homemade soy-free soy sauce