Description
This easy smoked salmon dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. Made with cream cheese, sour cream, smoked salmon, and brightened with lemon juice and zest, it offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. Enhanced with capers, smoked paprika, and a hint of horseradish or wasabi, it’s delicious served with vegetables and crackers for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, roughly chopped and divided
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon horseradish or prepared wasabi
- 1 teaspoon chives, chopped
For Serving
- Vegetables (e.g., celery sticks, cucumber slices, carrot sticks)
- Crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: Place the cream cheese, sour cream, half of the smoked salmon, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and horseradish into a food processor. Pulse gently just until the mixture is slightly chunky, ensuring a creamy but textured dip.
- Combine additional ingredients: Scrape the dip into a serving bowl, then fold in the remaining roughly chopped smoked salmon and half of the drained capers. Stir gently to combine evenly without breaking up the salmon too much.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the remaining capers and chopped chives on top of the dip for garnish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld, at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve: Offer the smoked salmon dip chilled, accompanied by a platter of fresh crispy vegetables and crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store any uneaten dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a spicier kick, increase the horseradish or use more wasabi to taste.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure an easier blend and smoother texture.
- This dip can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavor.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this dip suitable for gluten-free diets.
