This cool and creamy Smoked Salmon Dip combines tangy cream cheese and zesty lemon with the savory richness of smoked salmon. It’s the perfect pairing for your favorite low-carb crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Dip

• Rich, smoky salmon flavor
• Tangy lemon, capers and fresh chives
• Smooth and creamy texture
• Quick and easy to make
• Perfect as last-minute, healthy appetizer

Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a fancy dinner party, this smoked salmon dip will be the star of the show. A combination of tangy cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream creates a deliciously smooth and creamy base. It gets a delightful pop of fresh flavors with chopped dill and minced chives, which brightens up the smokiness of the salmon.  

You can pair this low carb dip with crisp, colorful veggies, spread it on some Keto Crackers, or enjoy it straight from the spoon as a refreshing appetizer. It will also make a great centerpiece dip for your next charcuterie board. Regardless of how you serve it, this flavor-packed salmon dip will leave everyone coming back for more.

One of the things I love most about this dip is that it’s great for casual snacking yet elegant enough for holiday parties or special occasions. If you’re looking for other delicious dips, make sure you check out this Whipped Feta Dip and this Creamy Ricotta Dip.

🛒 Ingredients for Smoked Salmon Dip

• Smoked Salmon
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Capers
• Chives
• Dill
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Food processor

🔪 How to Make Smoked Salmon Dip

Add all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor.

Pulse until well combined and creamy.  If you like it more chunky, pulse it for less time.  If you like it completely smooth, pulse it longer.

I made mine mostly creamy while leaving it slightly chunky.

Serve with your favorite crackers and/or fresh veggies on the side for dipping.

💡 Tips for Making Smoked Salmon Dip

• Set your cream cheese out long enough for it to have time to come to room temperature. Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, which ensures you get a smooth texture.

• Choose a high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for salmon that is firm, moist, and evenly smoked, with a rich color and smell.

• For the best flavor and texture, chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to firm up slightly.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Smoked salmon dip can typically be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that this depends a lot on how fresh the salmon is to start with.

🍴 Delicious Ways to Serve Easy Salmon Dip

• Crackers or crostini: Serve the smoked salmon dip alongside a variety of crackers, like these Homemade Ranch Crackers or crostini made with this homemade Herb Bread.

• Crudité: Serve it with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and celery sticks.

• Party sandwiches or pinwheels: Use the smoked salmon dip as a flavorful spread for sandwiches with these Keto Dinner Rolls, as a lettuce wrap, or pinwheel appetizers made with these Homemade Tortillas.   

• Mini stuffed peppers or Roma tomatoes: Hollow out mini peppers or Roma tomatoes and fill them with smoked salmon dip for an elegant and bite-sized appetizer.

• Toasted bagels: Spread the smoked salmon dip onto toasted Homemade Keto Bagels.

• Deviled eggs: Pipe or spoon the filling into halved egg whites and garnish with a small piece of smoked salmon and a sprinkle of paprika for an elegant appetizer.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Greek yogurt: Substitute part or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

• Creme fraiche: Replace the sour cream with creme fraiche for a richer and creamier texture.

• Horseradish: Add a teaspoon of prepared horseradish for a spicy kick.

• Other fresh herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as parsley, tarragon, or basil in place of or in addition to dill and chives.

• Smoked trout or tuna: Swap out the smoked salmon for smoked trout or tuna for a different twist.

• Avocado: Mash in half of a ripe avocado for a creamy texture and tasty avocado flavor.

• Red onion: Mix in finely diced red onion for a hint of sweetness and crunch.

• Seasonings: Add a teaspoon of homemade Cajun Seasoning, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few red pepper flakes.

What is the Difference Between Cold Smoked and Hot Smoked Salmon?

• Cold smoked salmon: Cold smoking is a process where salmon is exposed to smoke at temperatures below 80°F for between 12 and 24 hours. It keeps its raw texture and has a silky, smooth texture. It is commonly used in dishes like bagels with lox, sushi, or as an appetizer with crackers.

• Hot smoked salmon: Hot smoked salmon is done at higher temperatures ranging from 125°F to 175°F for around 6 to 12 hours. It has a firmer texture compared to cold smoked salmon and is fully cooked throughout. It flakes easily and has a more robust, smoky flavor.

Is This Salmon Dip Healthy?

This dip is packed with high-quality protein from smoked salmon and healthy fats from the cream cheese, this dip makes a nutritious treat.

Is Smoked Salmon Raw?

Smoked salmon is cured and goes through a smoking process that partially cooks the fish, making it safe to consume without further cooking. However, it is not fully cooked, like grilled or baked salmon.

Cold smoked salmon, especially, has more of a texture and flavor, while hot smoked salmon is fully cooked and flaky. You can use either for this recipe.

How Long Can Salmon Dip Sit Out?

This dip can safely sit out for about an hour. To keep the dip safe to eat during a party or gathering, you can use a chilled serving dish or ice bath to help keep it chilled.

🍽️ More Salmon Recipes

• Bang Bang Salmon Cakes
• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Salmon
• Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
• Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
• Asian Glazed Salmon
• Cajun Salmon Alfredo
• Easy Salmon Piccata with Spinach