Zesty Horseradish Salmon Spread
Impress your guests with this creamy and flavorful Zesty Horseradish Salmon Spread. Perfect for gatherings, this delightful hors d'oeuvre combines rich, tender salmon with a zesty kick from horseradish and a refreshing burst of lemon. The crunchy pecans and fresh dill add texture and flavor, making this spread perfect for slathering on thin crackers. Prepare ahead of time, and your beautiful salmon log will make you the star of any party!
24
Servings
78
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned salmon
2 cups (drained, flaked, skin and bones removed)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
Grated onions
2 teaspoons
Prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (optional)
Crushed pecans
1/2 cup
Snipped dill
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked salmon with the softened cream cheese. Mix until well blended and creamy.
2
Add the grated onions, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and liquid smoke (if using) to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once chilled, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a log approximately 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed pecans and snipped dill. Roll the formed salmon log in the nut and dill mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
6
Wrap the coated log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least another 2 hours or preferably overnight to firm up before serving.
7
When ready to serve, slice the log into rounds and arrange on a platter with your favorite thin crackers.
Nutrition Information
6.4g
Fat
0.8g
Carbs
3.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Horseradish Salmon Spread?
It is a creamy and flavorful appetizer made from canned salmon, cream cheese, and horseradish, typically shaped into a log and coated in pecans and dill.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salmon spread?
Each serving contains approximately 78 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the spread?
The main ingredients include canned salmon, cream cheese, grated onions, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and optionally liquid smoke.
What is used to coat the salmon log?
The log is coated in a mixture of crushed pecans and snipped fresh dill.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked and flaked fresh salmon as long as it is well-drained and the skin and bones are removed.
How long should I refrigerate the mixture before shaping it?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before you shape it into a log.
What size should the salmon log be?
It should be shaped into a log approximately 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
How long should the finished log chill before serving?
It should chill for at least 2 hours, though refrigerating it overnight is preferred for the best firmness.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates, with only 0.8g per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 6.4g of fat.
How much protein does this spread provide?
Each serving provides approximately 3.6g of protein.
Do I need to remove the skin and bones from the salmon?
Yes, for the best texture, ensure all skin and bones are removed from the canned salmon.
Is liquid smoke mandatory for this recipe?
No, liquid smoke is an optional ingredient that adds a smoky depth to the flavor.
What should I serve with Zesty Horseradish Salmon Spread?
It is best served sliced into rounds and arranged on a platter with thin crackers.
How much horseradish should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of prepared horseradish, but you can adjust this for more or less zest.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, you could use other crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
What kind of onions are used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of grated onions for a subtle, integrated flavor.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish and actually benefits from chilling overnight.
How do I ensure the nut coating sticks to the log?
Roll the formed log in the nut and dill mixture while pressing gently so the coating adheres to the cream cheese.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the salmon.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is usually better, bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient substitute.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, this recipe contains no sugar.
Can I freeze the salmon log?
Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture of the cream cheese once thawed.
How long will the leftovers last?
Stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, the spread should remain fresh for 3 to 4 days.
How much dill is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of snipped fresh dill for the coating.
Is this a gluten-free appetizer?
The spread itself is gluten-free, provided your horseradish and liquid smoke are certified gluten-free; serve with gluten-free crackers to keep the dish safe.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a medium mixing bowl, a grater for the onions, and plastic wrap for chilling and shaping.
Can I serve this as a dip instead of a log?
Yes, if you prefer not to shape it, you can serve it in a bowl as a creamy dip.
What makes this spread zesty?
The combination of prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and grated onions provides its signature zesty kick.