Easy 5 Minute Smoked Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese Recipe

Name: Smoked Salmon Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 200 g cream cheese (softened to room temp); 1/4 cup (55g) mayonnaise (whole egg mayo ); 1/4 cup (55g) sour cream; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest (finely grated); 2 tbsp (30g) baby capers (drained); 180 g smoked salmon (roughly chopped); 2 tbsp fresh dill; 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)

Jump to Recipe

This creamy smoked salmon dip with lemon, capers and herbs is a simple and delicious appetiser.

Taking just 5 minutes to prepare, this is sure to become your go-to recipe when entertaining!

A bowl of smoked salmon dip served with crackers.

This creamy smoked salmon dip is the easiest party food to make! With cream cheese, mayonnaise, and tangy sour cream flavoured with fresh lemon and herbs, it tastes so decadent, and it is made from basic ingredients!

Like my spinach cob loaf, this creamy salmon dip is the perfect appetizer. Enjoy it with drinks for a girls' night, or serve it as a starter at a dinner party or cocktail party... or even as a snack when watching sports.

Serve this delicious dip with bagel chips alongside other favourite dips like cream cheese dip, guacamole, Mexican layer dip, warm blue cheese dip, and hummus for a summer party spread that is sure to IMPRESS yet takes MINIMAL effort!

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

Calling all salmon lovers... this salmon cream cheese dip recipe is especially for you!

Easy recipe - just blend and serve with crackers, vegetable sticks, pita chips cucumber slices, potato chips or baguette slices.
Seafood lovers - if you love seafood, this is sure to become your new favorite dip! With it's cream cheese base and fresh, zesty flavours, it's the perfect recipe for any special occasion.
Perfect party food - quick and easy to make, this smoked salmon dip with cream cheese can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, helping you get ahead! And who doesn't love easy appetizers!?
So much tastier than store-bought - and you know exactly what is in it!
Conventional and Thermomix - both methods are written in the recipe card at the end of the post.

What You Need

You need just 8 simple ingredients to make this salmon dip recipe!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Cream cheese - softened to room temp. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavour. I like to use Philadelphia cream cheese, but you can use your favourite brand.
Mayonnaise - I recommend using a good quality whole egg mayo like Heinz, Praise or Hellman's. Whole egg mayo adds richness and helps create the perfect creamy texture.
Sour cream - sour cream adds a delicate tang to the dip. Alternatively, you can substitute the sour cream for greek yogurt.
Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest - as this recipe uses both the juice and zest of the lemon, I recommend you use a fresh lemon.
Baby capers add a briny, savoury flavour to the dip that is so delicious with the rich smoked salmon and creamy cheese.
Smoked salmon - use your favourite cold-smoked salmon or substitute with smoked trout if you prefer.
Fresh dill - dill is the perfect herb to complement smoked salmon.
Fresh chives - chives add a mild onion flavour to the dip without overpowering the smoked salmon flavour. Alternatively, you could substitute the chives with finely sliced green onions or red onion.

Equipment Required

All you need to make this delicious smoked fish dip is a food processor or Thermomix and a bowl to serve the dip in; that's it!

Minimal effort for a restaurant-worthy dip with a unique flavor.

A close up of a terrcotta bowl filled with a creamy salmon dip.

Step By Step Instructions

Taking just 5 minutes to prepare, this smoked salmon dip recipe is perfect for whipping up last minute for parties!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Place All Ingredients In A Blender Or Thermomix

Place the smoked salmon, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, capers, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill and chives into the bowl of a food processor or Thermomix.

All the ingredients placed in to a blender.

Step 2 - Blend

Mix on high until smooth.

Step 3 - Serve

Spoon the creamy dip into a serving bowl and serve with vegetable sticks, crackers or breadsticks.

I promise you this is the best smoked salmon dip recipe!

Side view of a bowl of the finished smoked salmon dip decorated with a sprig of fresh dill.

Expert Tips

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temp before using.
If you don't have time to wait for the cream cheese to soften to room temperature - place it in the microwave on 50% power for 30-60 seconds or until it is softened.
Smoked salmon dip can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Serve at room temp (or remove from the fridge 20 minutes before serving) as the dip firms up in the fridge.
For a chunkier texture - finely chop the smoked salmon and stir through the blended ingredients.
Serve with crackers, breadsticks, crudités, or serve as a salmon spread on hot buttered toast or bagels!
Leftovers - stir any leftover salmon dip through cooked pasta, spread on smashed avocado on toast, or spoon on top of baked potatoes.

FAQs

Can I make smoked salmon dip ahead?

Yes! Make the smoked salmon dip and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze smoked salmon dip?

No. I do not recommend freezing this smoked salmon dip, as the cream cheese can change texture when thawed.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?

Absolutely! You can use cooled cooked salmon in place of the smoked salmon, keeping in mind the dip won't have that same subtle smoked flavour but will still be a deliciously rich salmon-flavoured dip.