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I’ve got a treat for you! Let’s talk about my favorite creamy appetizer. It’s perfect for any party. This easy salmon recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Picture this: a smooth cream cheese spread, mixed with smoky salmon and zesty flavors. It’s the ultimate party dip. Your guests will ask for the recipe. Trust me, even picky eaters will want more.
This dip is easy to make. You can prepare it ahead of time, which is great for hosting. Serve it with crackers or bagels. It will be gone fast.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m excited to share why this smoked salmon dip is a must-try! It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings. Here are five reasons you’ll love it:
- Quick preparation: You’ll have this tasty dip ready in just 10 minutes.
- Make-ahead appetizer: Prepare it the night before for stress-free hosting.
- Crowd-pleaser: Its creamy texture and rich salmon flavor win over guests every time.
- Versatile recipe: Perfect for fancy dinners or casual game days.
- Simple ingredients: You only need 5 main items to create this tasty dish.
The dip’s pretty pink color makes it stand out. It combines the rich taste of smoked salmon with a creamy base. It’s loved by salmon fans and turns seafood doubters into fans.
It’s great for dinner parties or a quick snack. You can serve it with crackers, veggies, or as a sandwich spread. Once you try it, it’ll be your go-to make-ahead appetizer!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making smoked salmon dip for gatherings. It’s a mix of cream cheese and smoked salmon. Fresh herbs and lemon juice add flavor.
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 oz chopped smoked salmon
- 2 tablespoons each of fresh dill and chives
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt to taste
If you’re missing something, don’t worry. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Green onions are good if you don’t have chives. You can use cold or hot smoked salmon.
Want to add some heat? Try horseradish or minced garlic. For a fun twist, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top. This recipe is flexible. Adjust the herbs or lemon juice to your liking.
Instructions
I love making smoked salmon dip the easy way. Using a food processor makes it simple! Here’s how to do it step by step.
First, get your food processor ready. Put in cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, capers, and a bit of Tabasco. Press the pulse button until it’s smooth. This makes a creamy base for our dip.
Then, add the main ingredient – smoked salmon. Throw in some fresh dill and chives too. Press the pulse again until the salmon is well mixed. Be careful not to mix too much!
Try it out. If it needs salt, add a little. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry. You can use a hand mixer instead:
- Whip cream cheese, lemon juice, and zest until smooth
- Stir in finely chopped red onion and fresh dill
- Gently fold in flaked smoked salmon
Use either method, but chill your dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all the flavors mix well. It’s really worth waiting for!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love make-ahead recipes, and this smoked salmon dip is perfect for that! You can make it a few days before your event and keep it chilled. Just remember, it gets firmer in the fridge, so let it sit out a bit before serving. This makes it easier to scoop.
For storing, put your dip in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Don’t freeze it, as it changes the cream cheese’s texture. Use full-fat cream cheese and fresh lemon juice for the best taste. If you add red onion, soak the minced pieces in cold water to soften them.
The right serving temperature is important for this dip. It’s best when a bit cool, not straight from the fridge. If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Use it on bagels for a tasty breakfast or mix it into your morning eggs. It makes simple dishes more exciting and helps avoid wasting food.