Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip

My smoked salmon dip recipe is one of my favorite easy appetizers when I want something rich, smoky, and packed with flavor. I blend smoked salmon, cream cheese, and bold seasonings into a creamy dip that’s perfect with crackers, veggies, or toasted bread. It’s low carb, simple to make, and always disappears fast.

Ingredients · Servings 20

8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 ounces smoked salmon, (skin removed)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 1/2 tablespoons capers, (rinsed and drained)

Method · 5 min

In the bowl of a food processor, measure out the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon zest, dill, horseradish, paprika, and crushed red pepper. *Add 1/2 cup sour cream if you want your dip thick and "spread-like" or 3/4 cup sour cream if you want it more loose like a dip.
Cover and puree the ingredients. Then scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula.
Now add the smoked salmon, green onions, and capers to the food processor. Cover and pulse until the salmon is broken into small pieces and well incorporated. You can puree it smooth, or leave it a little chunky.
Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Low Carb Smoked Salmon Dip

So, you’re sticking to your guns on your new low-carb lifestyle.

Good for you! As football season and winter holidays approach, I hope to offer some extra celebration recipes that you can still enjoy on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Although I have unabashedly photographed today’s Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe with baguette slices or bagel chips, it’s just as delicious, and ultra low carb, if you serve it with raw cut vegetables or keto chips.

Over the years, we have made all sorts of smoked salmon spread variations, some from famous chefs, some using ingredients to clean out the refrigerator, and even some for speed and convenience.

However, this 10-ingredient version is the smoked salmon dip recipe that my family thinks is the best.

You can use store-bought smoked salmon, or my leftover cold smoked salmon recipe that you smoked at home. Either way, it turns out pearly pink, perky, and packed with flavor!

What Ingredients You Will Need

Smoked Salmon – When buying this at the market, look for dense vacuum-packed wild-caught fillets.
Cream Cheese – This creates a thick silky base.
Sour Cream – Some recipes call for mayonnaise instead of sour cream, but I feel it makes the dip too sweet. You can use 1/2 cup for a thick “spread-like” dip or 3/4 cup sour cream for a dip that is better for scooping.
Scallions – Green onions, chives, or red onions. A little goes a long way.
Capers – Don’t overkill on the capers, or the dip will be too salty.
Lemon Zest – For extra zip! (No fresh lemon juice needed.)
Dill – Fresh is best. Use the rest of the bunch in salads and dressings.
Horseradish – This adds a unique underlying flavor, you can’t quite put your finger on.
Smoked Paprika – My favorite spice to accentuate the smoky essence of the salmon.
Crushed Red Pepper – For a little kick! Add as much as you like.

How To Make Smoked Salmon Dip

This recipe could not be any more simple.

Just dump the creamy ingredients and spices in a food processor.
Puree.
Then scrape the bowl and add in the smoked salmon, green onions, and capers.
Puree again, stopping when it reaches your preferred consistency. You can make it pretty smooth, like mine, or leave it a little chunky.

Can I Use Homemade Smoked Salmon?

Of course! However, your salmon might not have as much salt as packaged smoked salmon. So taste it and salt if needed at the end.

Can I Make Other Varieties of Smoked Fish Dip Using This Recipe?

Sure you can! Swap the smoked salmon for 6 ounces of smoked trout, mackerel, cod, or any other smoked fish you have on hand. However, we have a wonderful recipe for Smoked Whitefish Dip (Florida-Style) as well.

Can I Eat This Right Away?

Sure! However, the flavors mingle and develop over time, so it’s best to refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.

Can I Skip The Horseradish?

You can omit any herbs, spices, and seasoning you like. However, we have specifically picked these to create the best flavor combination.

Is This Recipe Gluten Free?

Yes! Just be sure to double-check the salmon packaging to make sure there is no hidden gluten in the seasoning.

I’m Low Carb. What Should I Serve Salmon Dip With?

I’d choose raw-cut veggies like cucumber slices and carrot sticks, baked vegetable chips, or keto crackers.

How Long Does Smoked Fish Dip Keep In The Refrigerator?

If you store the dip in an airtight container, it will last 7-10 days.