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    Home » Appetizers » Dip Recipes » Easy Make-Ahead Smoked Salmon Dip (Small Batch)

    Easy Make-Ahead Smoked Salmon Dip (Small Batch)

    Published: Dec 26, 2022 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Image with text for make-ahead smoked salmon dip recipe.

    This make-ahead smoked salmon dip is a favourite party appetizer spread! Made with hot-smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo, it's seasoned with lemon, and dill. This small batch smoked salmon dip recipe is ideal when you're serving a smaller group of friends.

    Close up view of a bowl of smoked salmon dip garnished with a sprig of dill.

    ❤️ Why you'll love this small batch smoked salmon dip recipe

    • Make-ahead of time: You can make this dip up to 3 days in advance!
    • Always popular: This is a recipe I've been making since my kids were young. Living on the West Coast with ready access to homemade smoked salmon, this dip is one that finds itself on the table at every gathering. It is always devoured at summer deck parties, fall appetizer gatherings, or New Year's Eve shindigs. You're guaranteed rave reviews when you serve this one!
    • Easy to make: Just pulse everything in a food processor (or mix by hand) and scoop it into a serving bowl.
    • Delicious: It's deliciously creamy and smoky with hints of lemon and dill!
    • Small Batch: If you're serving a variety of appetizers or tapas, you might not want to make a large quantity of dip. This recipe makes enough for 8 servings of 3 tablespoons each--a perfect amount!

    You can't go wrong serving smoked salmon as an appetizer! After you make this smoked salmon dip recipe, try these appetizer recipes, too.

    • Smoked Salmon Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese
    • Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Smoked Salmon Whipped Feta Dip
    • Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appies

    🛒 Ingredients for make-ahead smoked salmon dip

    You'll find a complete list of ingredients with amounts in the recipe card below. But before we get to the full recipe, here are a few notes about some of the key ingredients.

    Hot-smoked sockeye salmon fillets.
    • smoked salmon: I use hot-smoked sockeye salmon, homemade if I have it, otherwise store-bought. Feel free to use cold-smoked salmon if you'd like.
    • cream cheese: make sure it is softened, so it will combine easily with the other ingredients without being lumpy. You can use either regular or low-fat cream cheese.
    • sour cream: adds a tangy flavour and a creamy texture. You can sub thick Greek yogurt if you'd prefer.
    • mayonnaise: just a couple of tablespoons for extra richness and flavour.
    • lemon: for bright, citrusy notes.
    • capers: salty, savory, briny capers are optional of course, but good!
    • dried red pepper flakes: these add a tiny hint of heat.
    • fresh dill: You can substitute dried dill if fresh dill isn't available
    • green onions: or chives

    🔪 Instructions

    Here are easy step-by-step instructions to make this recipe perfectly.

    1. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, and dried red pepper flakes to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until combined.
      Combining ingredients for smoked salmon dip in a food processor.
    2. Add chopped smoked salmon, dill, and green onions (or chives) and pulse just until combined.
      Adding smoked salmon, dill and green onions to dip in food processor.
    3. Don't over-process the mixture. It should be slightly chunky.
      Smoked Salmon Dip in a food processor bowl with a spatula.
    4. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or crostini.
      Smoked salmon dip in a bowl surrounded by crostini.
    5. Store leftover dip in the fridge in a covered container.

    🔁 Possible Variations

    Like it spicier? Add ¼ teaspoon of Tabasco sauce. If you love horseradish, add ½ to 1 teaspoon instead of the dried red pepper flakes.

    👍🏼 Helpful Tips

    It's important to soften the cream cheese before blending it with the other ingredients to avoid having a lumpy dip. If you've forgotten to take it out of the fridge, cut it in small cubes and microwave it for 10 seconds.

    ❓Reader's Questions

    How far in advance can I make this smoked salmon dip?

    You can make it up to 3 days in advance. Store in a covered container in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes to soften so that it will be scoopable.

    🍳 Equipment

    A food processor makes this a very quick recipe to whip up at the last minute! Pulse to combine the ingredients, but take care not to overprocess it. You can also mix it by hand in a bowl.

    🍽 Serving Suggestions

    Serve with crackers, gluten-free crackers, crostini, or tortilla chips. Include it on a grazing board with other dips, sliced cheeses, and veggies.

    Overhead view of a bowl of smoked salmon dip with crostini on a plate around the bowl.

    ⏰ Storage Instructions

    To store: Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container. This salmon dip will last for 3 to 4 days.

    🗒More recipes with smoked salmon

    • Smoked Salmon Spinach Frittata
    • Apple Cheddar Smoked Salmon Salad with Maple Dressing
    • Asparagus Salad with Smoked Salmon and Sesame Miso Vinaigrette

    🗒 More dip recipes

    • Avocado Green Goddess Dressing without Mayo
    • Easy Lemon Curd Fruit Dip
    • Dairy-Free Avocado Crema
    • Smoked Salmon Whipped Feta Dip and Spread

    When you make this small batch smoked salmon dip recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. I love hearing from you! Thanks in advance. Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new recipes delivered straight to your inbox once a week.

    A blue bowl filled with smoked salmon dip surrounded by crostini.

    Make-ahead Smoked Salmon Dip (Small Batch)

    This small batch smoked salmon dip is a favourite appetizer spread! Made with hot-smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo, it's seasoned with lemon, and dill.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers
    Cuisine: American, West Coast
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings (3 tbsp)
    Calories: 52kcal
    Author: Elaine
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    food processor

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup (4 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
    • 2 tablespoons sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
    • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
    • 1 pinch dried red pepper flakes
    • 4 ounces smoked salmon
    • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon green onion or chives, chopped

    Instructions

    • Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, and dried red pepper flakes to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until combined.
    • Add chopped smoked salmon, dill, and green onions (or chives) and pulse just until combined. Don't over-process the mixture. It should be slightly chunky.
    • Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or crostini.
    • Store leftover dip in the fridge in a covered container.

    Notes

    You can make this smoked salmon dip 3 days ahead of time. Store it in a covered container in the fridge. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or so to soften.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @enessman or tag #flavourandsavour!

    More Easy Party Dips and Spreads

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    • Easiest Old Bay Chicken Wings - Air Fryer
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    • Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine Nessman

      December 26, 2022 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply

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