Smoked Salmon Dip
Make this velvety smoked salmon dip in 5 minutes by blending smoked salmon, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, garlic, and lemon in a food processor for a scoopable spread.
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 200 g / 7 oz smoked salmon (or trout)
- 200 g / 7 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, full fat
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest (1 lemon)
- 1 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Load the food processor with the listed ingredients, limiting the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon and the salt to a tiny pinch initially. The salmon already contributes salt, so a restrained start leaves room for adjustment.
- Run the processor on high for about 10 seconds, stopping to scrape down any mixture clinging to the sides as needed. Look for a fairly smooth, pale pink dip with the smoky aroma distributed through the creamy mixture.
- Taste the dip, adjust the salt and lemon juice within the listed range, and process briefly to combine. The finished flavor should balance smoke, richness, and citrus without tasting sharply sour.
- Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl and add lemon slices and extra dill if desired. The dip should hold soft swirls and spread easily rather than feel rigid.
Notes
Ingredient tip: Make sure the cream cheese yields easily to a gentle press before blending so stubborn white lumps do not remain in the dip.
Seasoning tip: Taste the finished dip on your chosen cracker before adding extra salt, since both the smoked salmon and the dipper contribute saltiness.
Texture tip: If you prefer visible pieces of fish rather than a fully smooth spread, reserve some chopped or flaked salmon and fold it in after blending the creamy base.
Storage: Transfer any dip made ahead to a covered container and keep it refrigerated at 40°F or below, following the storage limits on the opened smoked salmon package.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.