For a delicious salmon dip, you need not venture out to a specialty gourmet shop. You can make a party-ready creamy dip using canned salmon and some basic pantry staples.
Among all our easy salmon recipes, this salmon dip remains a favorite. It comes together in mere minutes, and after an hour in the refrigerator, the flavors of the spices and herbs meld together. And it’s such a beautiful dip, too. Layers of yellow, pink and green swirl together and look gorgeous among a crudites platter with rustic crackers and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients for Salmon Dip
- Canned salmon: Canned salmon makes this recipe a breeze, but you can swap in leftover cooked salmon from your favorite salmon recipe. You’ll need 3/4 to 1 cup flaked salmon to equal one 7-1/2-ounce can.
- Cream cheese: Mixing the dip is easier when you use cream cheese that’s been softened, but don’t worry if you forgot. Here’s how to soften cream cheese quickly.
- Mayonnaise: A small amount of mayonnaise adds richness and contributes to the dip’s smooth texture.
- Lemon juice: Bright, acidic lemon juice rounds out the rich notes of the dip.
- Curry powder: Curry powder is a fragrant combination of several spices including (but not limited to!) turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cumin, coriander, chiles, garlic and/or cinnamon. Garam masala is a suitable substitute.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions add the perfect pungent note to cut the richness of the cream cheese and mayonnaise.
Directions
Step 1: Make the cream cheese base
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add the salt, curry powder, basil and pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Add the salmon
Gently stir in the drained salmon and green onions.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate
Cover the bowl tightly, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Serve with crackers and vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute smoked salmon: To transform this recipe into a smoked salmon dip, use smoked salmon or lox. You could even start with homemade easy smoked salmon for a totally from-scratch dip.
- Add additional flavors: Give this dip a salty edge with chopped capers, make it zesty with horseradish, brighten it up with lemon zest, or add a little heat with hot sauce.
- Change the seasoning: Swap in your favorite seafood seasoning instead of using curry powder. Old Bay would be a tasty option.
- Top it with fresh herbs: Chopped herbs add fresh flavor and color. Dill, parsley and chives are all great options.
Can you make salmon dip ahead of time?
Salmon dip is a great make-ahead recipe, which is why it’s one of our go-to potluck recipes. Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Can you freeze salmon dip?
We don’t recommend freezing this salmon dip. Cream cheese dips like this typically don’t hold up well in the freezer.
Salmon Dip Tips
What else can you serve with salmon dip?
We usually serve salmon dip with crackers and vegetables, but there are lots of other options. Use it as a substitute for tuna salad, and serve it over greens or as the filling for tuna salad sandwiches. To make a hearty grain bowl, spoon it over cooked rice or quinoa. And for a fantastic breakfast, spread it over your finest bagels.
What crackers go best with salmon dip?
Most crackers go well with salmon dip. Plain crackers will take a backstage and let the salmon’s delicate flavor shine. Butter crackers will offer a richness that plays up the cream cheese and mayo. Everything-flavored crackers will offer textured contrast with crunch and crispiness. And if you’re in a baking mood, have a go at our homemade cracker recipes.
