Smoked Salmon Dip

This Smoked Salmon Dip is a creamy, flavorful, and sophisticated appetizer that comes together in just 5 minutes. The combination of smoky salmon, tangy lemon, and a touch of hot sauce creates a unique and mouthwatering dip that’s perfect for any party, holiday, or casual get-together. With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, this dip is quick to prepare and will impress your guests with its fresh and bold flavors. Whether served with crackers, veggies, or bread, this dip is sure to be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
½ cup sour cream (4 oz)
½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp Tabasco hot sauce (or to taste)
4 oz smoked salmon (about 1 cup chopped)
1 tbsp chives (chopped), plus more for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Blend the Base:

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and Tabasco sauce.

2. Pulse until the mixture is well blended and smooth.

Add Salmon and Chives:

1. Add the chopped smoked salmon and 1 tbsp chives to the processor.

2. Pulse a few times just to combine, ensuring the salmon is evenly mixed.

Taste and Adjust:

1. Taste the dip and adjust with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.

Chill:

1. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with extra chives before serving.

Serve:

1. Serve with crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted bread for a perfect appetizer!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 10 people.

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

1. Herb Variation: Add some fresh dill or parsley to the dip for an herbaceous twist that complements the salmon.

2. Add Creamy Texture: For a creamier dip, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or add a bit of mascarpone cheese.

3. Spicy Kick: Add more hot sauce, or for a different flavor, try sriracha or horseradish for extra heat.

4. Cheese Addition: Stir in some grated parmesan or sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist on this dip.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dip is best served fresh and is not ideal for freezing, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I use lox instead of smoked salmon?

Yes, lox works perfectly in this recipe. It has a slightly different texture but will give the dip a similar flavor.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It’s even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

What should I serve this dip with?

This dip goes great with crackers, pita chips, fresh veggies like cucumber and carrot sticks, or crusty bread.

Can I use other types of smoked fish?

Yes, you can substitute smoked trout, mackerel, or even smoked whitefish for a different flavor.

How do I make this dip spicier?

If you want to increase the spice level, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier variety of hot sauce like sriracha.

Conclusion

This Smoked Salmon Dip is a quick, creamy, and delicious appetizer that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a tasty snack, this dip is sure to please. The smoky salmon, tangy lemon, and spicy hot sauce create a balanced and indulgent dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite dipping snacks and enjoy the compliments!

Print