Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Total Time
Prep: 10 min. + chilling
This easy salmon dip gets a flavor boost from curry powder, basil and lemon juice. It’s a perfect paired with crackers and vegetables or spread atop your fave bagels.

Updated: Dec. 12, 2023

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

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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

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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.

Salmon Dip

Prep Time 10 min
Yield 1-1/2 cups

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (7-1/2 ounces) salmon, drained, bones and skin removed
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Crackers and chopped vegetables

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add the salt, curry powder, basil and pepper; mix well. Gently stir in salmon and onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with crackers and vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

This salmon dip is a delightful hors d'oeuvre that's excellent for any occasion. The combination of salmon, cream cheese and spices gives it terrific flavor. —Raymonde Hebert Bernier, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Recipe Creator
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