Simple Smoked Salmon and Dill Dip Recipe

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The depth of flavor in this simple smoked salmon and dill dip are beyond amazing. It’s like eating the best bagel with cream cheese and lox that you’ve ever had. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have an appetizer that is a great start to any meal or the dish that everyone goes away talking about at your next party. Give it a try!

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make smoked salmon and dill dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, good enough to eat as a meal. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 8 oz. package cream cheese-softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Bunch fresh dill
  • 2 Tbsp capers
  • 1 small shallot
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 oz cold smoked salmon

ingredient information:

  • Cold smoked salmon: The great thing about cold smoked salmon is you can use it right out of the package. I was also surprised by how reasonably priced it was at our local Aldi. Feel free to replace it with lox.
  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Sour cream: Our favorite brand of sour cream is Daisy for both the flavor and texture. You should use your favorite. This can also be swapped out for Greek yogurt.
  • Shallot: The mild flavor of a shallot pairs perfectly with this dip, but you can also use sweet onion if it’s diced very finely.
  • Capers: I personally think that capers make everything just a little bit better. That’s why we saved a few to garnish the top of this puree so that you get a little explosion of flavor in each bite. They are briny and pungent and a staple in Mediterranean dishes.
  • Fresh dill: Fresh dill has a strong grassy and citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the flavors in this dip. You can replace it with dried dill, but the flavor of fresh is distinctive and isn’t matched by its dried counterpart.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll share some tips for making this recipe.

  1. Finely chop the dill and shallot.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, shallot, dill, capers, garlic powder, and onion powder. Reserve a few capers and dill for garnishing.
  3. Dice the salmon and add it to the bowl. Mix to combine.
  4. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and mix.
  5. Spread the mixture onto a plate or small platter.
  6. Garnish with capers and dill.
Simple smoked salmon and dill dip served on a cracker
  • chopping dill
  • add sour cream
  • add capers
  • add onion powder
  • dice the smoked salmon
  • mince the shallots
  • squeeze lemon into the smoked salmon and dill dip
  • mix the smoked salmon and dill dip
  • transfer the smoked salmon and dill dip to a serving dish
  • smoked salmon and dill dip in serving dish with crackers on side

my recipe tips

  • Using dried herbs: If you don’t have access to fresh dill, feel free to use dried dill instead. You will want to use about 1/2 as much since the flavor of dried herbs is stronger.
  • Learning as we go: When I made this dip, it needed some tweaking. Just a pinch of salt was too much. So, I left it out of the recipe. I also had used the juice from only half a lemon, and it really needed more acid. Adding the rest of the juice brought it to perfection.
  • Brunch it up: This dip is perfect for so many things. It makes a great appetizer or snack to enjoy any time. But my favorite time to use this creamy dip is as part of a brunch menu. Pair it with actual bagels or bagel pieces and enjoy!

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious smoked salmon and dill dip, but our favorite is some naan bread or simple crackers. You can also just use chunks of rustic bread, bagel pieces, store made toasties, bagel chips or even tortilla chips. If you want a healthier version, use celery sticks or baby carrots.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this smoked salami and cheese pate and this strawberry basil cheesecake dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

Simple smoked salmon and dill dip served on a cracker

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: You can prepare this dip ahead of time. As a matter of fact, it’s even better the second day.

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