Savory Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Savory Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip, a delightful spread that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in. This easy-to-make dip combines the smokiness of salmon with the tang of light cream cheese, balanced by the zesty notes of lemon juice and horseradish, making it an irresistible treat. Serve it with your favorite crackers for a gourmet appetizer that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or a cocktail party, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
8
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless salmon
12 ounces (drained and flaked (2 cans))
light cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
horseradish
2 teaspoons (prepared)
grated onions
4 teaspoons (finely grated)
liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked salmon with softened cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
2
Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, prepared horseradish, grated onions, and liquid smoke. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more horseradish or lemon juice as desired.
4
If using, fold in dried parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, give the dip a gentle stir and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
7
Serve chilled with an array of crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip?
It is a rich and creamy spread that combines canned salmon with light cream cheese, lemon juice, horseradish, and liquid smoke for a gourmet appetizer.
What are the main ingredients for this salmon dip?
The main ingredients include 12 ounces of canned salmon, 8 ounces of light cream cheese, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, grated onions, liquid smoke, and dried parsley.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this dip?
There are 80 calories per serving.
What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each serving contains 4g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein.
Is this salmon dip a healthy option?
Yes, it uses light cream cheese and is relatively low in calories and fat while providing 6g of protein per serving.
What type of salmon should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of canned boneless skinless salmon, drained and flaked.
Do I need to refrigerate the dip before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
How should I serve the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip?
Serve it chilled with an array of crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
Yes, you can taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more horseradish if you prefer a sharper kick.
What is the purpose of liquid smoke in this recipe?
Liquid smoke provides the characteristic smoky flavor that complements the salmon, even when using canned fish.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh parsley as a substitute for dried parsley or as an additional garnish.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is a simple recipe that involves basic mixing and chilling, categorized under 'simple recipe' and 'spreads'.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, though it will increase the fat and calorie content.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be finely grated to ensure they blend well into the dip without large chunks.
Does this dip contain fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, this dip does not contain a significant amount of fiber.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, making it at least 2 hours ahead (or even the night before) helps the flavors develop.
Is this dip suitable for a party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a crowd-pleaser for parties, gatherings, brunches, or cocktail parties.
How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
While not explicitly stated, typically cream-cheese based seafood dips should be consumed within 3 days if kept in an airtight container.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific brands of liquid smoke and horseradish.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under 'Spreads' and 'Appetizers'.
What are the flavor notes of this dip?
It features smoky salmon, tangy cream cheese, zesty lemon, and a sharp bite from horseradish.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting the lemon juice to your personal taste preference.
Is the salmon cooked?
The recipe uses canned salmon, which is already cooked and ready to eat once drained.
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of cream cheese can become grainy or watery upon thawing.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 7 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this a seafood recipe?
Yes, it is tagged under 'seafood' due to the use of salmon.
Do I need a food processor?
No, a large mixing bowl and a spoon or spatula are sufficient for combining the ingredients.
What makes this dip 'gourmet'?
The combination of liquid smoke, horseradish, and fresh lemon juice elevates basic canned salmon into a sophisticated spread.