Print

Creamy Salmon Dip Recipe – Easy Party Appetizer with Dill and Capers

creamy salmon dip - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy salmon dip combines smoked salmon, fresh dill, and tangy capers for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for parties, brunches, or snacking, it’s irresistibly smooth, herby, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked (or cooked salmon, cooled)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh salmon (optional, for texture)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp)
  • 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of salt (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional, for lighter dip)
  • Dash cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Flake the smoked salmon into small pieces. Chop the dill, capers, and chives finely. Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice.
  2. In a medium bowl or food processor, add cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and mayonnaise. Beat with a hand mixer or pulse until smooth and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes), scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Fold in the flaked smoked salmon (or cooked salmon). If using a food processor, pulse 2–3 times to combine, but don’t overmix. For chunkier dip, stir in extra chopped fresh salmon by hand.
  4. Add chopped dill, capers, chives or green onions, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in black pepper and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until well distributed. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt as needed.
  5. For a lighter dip, stir in Greek yogurt. For heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper. If the dip is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt. If too thin, chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, garnish with extra dill and lemon zest. Serve chilled with crackers, sliced baguette, cucumber rounds, or crispy pita chips.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and avoid overmixing. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The dip is naturally gluten-free; serve with gluten-free dippers if needed. Can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor. Not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon dip, creamy appetizer, party dip, smoked salmon, dill, capers, easy dip, gluten-free, brunch, snack

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-salmon-dip-recipe-easy-party-appetizer-with-dill-and-capers/