How to make a perfectly creamy smoked salmon spread with cream cheese, fresh dill and a splash of lemon juice for the just the right amount of tang. Make it ahead for an easy appetizer, party dip, or a savory weekend brunch that the whole family will love!
My family loves seafood. I love a good grilled fish fillet or fried crappie, and salmon in the Instant Pot is just as good on a busy night! This smoked salmon spread is the perfect snack or appetizer for when we’re expecting company; it’s easy to make, and it’s so addictive and delicious with crackers and veggie sticks….Yum!
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to make, and it uses everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s best if you make it ahead of time, so that all of the ingredients have time to sort of “mesh” together in the refrigerator for the best flavor. If you like seafood, you’ll love this smoky salmon spread.
Ingredients & Substitutions Notes
- Smoked Salmon – Most smoked salmon at the grocery store is hot-smoked salmon, which is usually cheaper, and it will work fine for this recipe. That said, I really recommend using cold-smoked salmon for the best flavor. Cold-smoked salmon spread is moister, more tender, and somewhat fresher in flavor. The smoky flavor is also not quite as intense, which I find to be beneficial for this recipe.
- Cream Cheese – You’ll need a pack of full-fat cream cheese for this smoked salmon dip. Just be sure to leave it out on the counter for an hour or two so that it soften beforehand!
- Mayonnaise – You’ll also need some mayonnaise.
- Lemon Juice – I like to add a splash of lemon juice for a little extra tang. This pairs really well with the smoky flavor, and it complements the herbs wonderfully!
- Fresh Dill – I recommend using fresh dill for the best flavor, but you can use dried dill if that’s all you have on hand. If you must use dried dill, just cut it back to about 3/4 teaspoon.
- Green Onions – I like to add a handful of chopped green onions for a little “kick”.
- Crackers & Veggie Sticks (For Serving) – Be sure to keep your favorite crackers and veggie sticks on hand for serving!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Spread
Before getting started, go ahead and drain your smoked salmon, if needed. Then use a large knife and a cutting board to chop up the green onions. Let’s get started…
Mixing Up Smoked Salmon Spread
- On a cutting board, use 2 forks to flake or shred apart the salmon meat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the green onion.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the salmon.
That’s it! Cover your smoked salmon dip with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight before serving.
How to Serve Smoked Salmon Spread
This smoky salmon spread goes great with your favorite crackers or bagel crisps, and it makes a great Game Day chip dip. You can even spread it on toasted everything bagels for a delicious weekend brunch, or it makes a healthy dip for fresh veggies, like cucumber slices, celery sticks, carrot sticks and bell pepper strips. Think veggie trays and charcuterie boards!
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can make dairy free smoked salmon dip. You’ll need to use dairy-free cream cheese, but most of the other ingredients are usually dairy free. Just be sure to check all of the ingredient labels over to ensure that they are truly dairy free, as always.
Cover your smoked salmon dip with plastic wrap, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, although the texture may become grainy.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- It doesn’t have to be salmon. You can also use other fish, like bluefish, tuna or trout.
- Add some capers for an extra pop of flavor! Other additions might include horseradish, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, Tobasco sauce or even chopped walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Many people also like to add goat milk cheese, or you might be able to mix in some feta cheese…
- Last but not least, this smoked salmon spread makes a great filling for deviled eggs! This is a really fun twist on another classic appetizer.
More Easy Dips & Appetizer Recipes
- Delicious Salmon Patties
- Easy Chili Cheese Dip
- Creamy BBQ Chicken Dip
- Bacon Cheddar BBQ Ranch Dip
- Chicken Dip Pinwheels
- Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
- Mango Peach Salsa or Simple Fruit Salsa Recipe
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
Smoked Salmon Spread
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup smoked salmon drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/8 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons green onions chopped
Instructions
- Start by chopping up the green onions with a large knife. Set aside.
- On a cutting board, use 2 forks to flake or shred apart the salmon meat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the chopped green onion.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the salmon.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Then serve with your favorite crackers and veggie sticks.
This is such an awesome and quick dip! It’s so delicious and versatile. We loved it.