Smoked Salmon Spread

Modified: Nov 13, 2023 by Jessica Lawson · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 4 Comments

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This smoked salmon cream cheese dip and spread is luscious, creamy and perfect for your next breakfast, brunch or cocktail party!

White bowl of smoked salmon spread garnished with capers, dill and everything bagel seasoning on a platter with bagel chips and veggies.

If you love lox and bagels, you will love this recipe! Pair it with some bagel chips or assorted crackers and crunchy, fresh veggies and you've got the perfect appetizer for brunch, a cocktail party, special occasion or for the holiday season.

Smooth and tangy cream cheese mixed with greek yogurt and a touch of horseradish and lemon, mixed with chopped, cold smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill - it's creamy, decadent and packed flavor. This delicious spread is an easy appetizer that's guaranteed to be a big hit at your next get together.

If you're looking for more great party appetizers, you will also love these goat cheese stuffed prunes and these crispy rice squares with spicy tuna!

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Why you will love this recipe
Ingredient notes
Step by step instructions
Expert tips
Storage
More party appetizer recipes you will love
Smoked Salmon Spread

This year, I'm excited to take part in Eat The Culture's 2023 Holiday Roundup. Holidays often revolve around communal moments – sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, food. This year's roundup is all about those delightful 'lite bites' and drinks that set the tone for festive gatherings.

Holiday graphic banner for Eat the Culture recipe collaboration with image of two hands toasting with cocktails.

I was thrilled to partner with my friend, Cheryl from Bakes by Brown Sugar who made a delicious Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail that pairs perfectly with my smoked salmon dip.

Learn more about Eat the Culture and find a complete list of recipes from all participants here.

Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC & #PerfectPartyPairings on Instagram.

Why you will love this recipe

It's a great way to stretch an expensive ingredient and elegantly serve smoked salmon to a crowd.
It's a great recipe for any event - Easter brunch, Christmas morning breakfast, bridal shower, New Year's Eve, special occasions - this easy smoked salmon dip is always a party favorite!
It's a no-cook super easy recipe that can be made in advance to help make your next event a breeze.
This delicious appetizer is guaranteed to get rave reviews!

Ingredient notes

For complete ingredient list, scroll down to the recipe card.

Nova smoked salmon - you can use lox or Nova smoked salmon. I always use Nova as it has distinct smoky flavor that makes it so incredibly good. Nova is cold smoked whereas lox is cured in salt. They look nearly identical and come packaged in thin slices in the seafood section of your local grocery store.
Cream cheese - use a block of full fat cream cheese for best results. I would not recommend using whipped cream cheese.
Greek Yogurt - adding Greek yogurt makes the cream cheese super creamy, spreadable and dippable. Sour cream may also be used as a substitute.
Creamy prepared horseradish - look for the small jars of creamy horseradish in the grocery store. Don't use horseradish sauce which is usually a sandwich spread mixed with mayo or mustard.
Fresh dill - don't skip the dill, it adds so much fresh flavor and a pop of color!
Fresh lemon juice - adds a touch of acid and tang.
Dippers - bagel chips (or even cut up chunks of fresh toasted bagels), melba toasts, a variety of crackers and fresh veggies. Cucumber slices, whole cherry tomatoes, radishes and leaves of white endive lettuce are all great choices!

Step by step instructions

Block of cream cheese, greek yogurt, creamy horseradish and lemon juice in a glass bowl.

Step 1: Add softened cream cheese, greek yogurt, horseradish and lemon juice to a medium bowl and stir together to combine.

Step 2: Finely chop smoked salmon.

Step 3: Add chopped smoked salmon, chopped fresh dill and whole capers to the cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: Stir everything together until well combined.

White bowl of smoked salmon dip garnished with capers, fresh chopped dill and everything bagel seasoning.

Step 5: Garnish with more capers, fresh dill and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.

Expert tips

Use room temperature cream cheese. This will make everything stir together easily to make the perfect dip. Cold cream cheese will make it a little lumpy.
Make this dip the night before or earlier in the day. Letting it sit in the fridge for a while helps the flavors come together.
Place the dip in a bowl of ice on your serving platter to keep it at a safer temperature for a longer period of time during your party.
To make a passed hors d'oeuvres, use a piping bag to pipe the spread onto cucumber slices or bagel chips to make the perfect bite.

Storage

This spread will keep for as long as the salmon allows. Be sure to read the packaging for when it needs to be consumed once opened. This is usually within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Slather the leftover dip on a toasted bagel the morning after your party for an awesome breakfast!