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- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 4 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon) - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Fresh vegetable sticks (like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers) - An assortment of your favorite crackers - Optional: 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped for added flavor This dip brings together rich flavors in a simple way. The cream cheese serves as a rich base. It gives the dip a creamy texture that holds the other flavors well. The smoked salmon adds a savory depth. Fresh dill brightens the overall taste. Lemon juice and zest give it a zesty kick. Garlic adds a nice punch. Black pepper and sea salt balance the flavors just right. For serving, I like to pair this dip with fresh vegetable sticks. They add crunch and color to your plate. Crackers work great too, providing a nice contrast to the creaminess. If you want to level up the flavor, toss in some capers. They add a briny touch that enhances the taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by taking your cream cheese out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it soften. - While that’s happening, finely chop the smoked salmon. Make sure the pieces are small for better mixing. - Next, mince one clove of garlic and fresh dill. You want the dill to be finely chopped for the best flavor. - In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix it for 1-2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. - Gently fold in the chopped smoked salmon and minced garlic. Mix until they are evenly spread throughout the cream cheese. - Now, add the minced fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined. - Taste your dip. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon juice for a zesty kick or a pinch more salt if it needs it. - Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. - When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge. Present the dip chilled with fresh vegetable sticks or a mix of your favorite crackers for dipping. - To adjust sourness, use lemon juice. It brightens the dip. - For balance, add salt to enhance all flavors. Taste and adjust as needed. - Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This helps achieve a smooth texture. - Use folding, not mixing, for the smoked salmon. This keeps the salmon pieces intact. - Garnish with fresh dill for a pop of color. It looks great on the table. - Serve with fresh vegetable sticks or an array of crackers. Both options work well and add crunch. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For a smooth and creamy dip, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh dill and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; they elevate the dip significantly compared to dried herbs or bottled juice. Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste the dip as you go! Adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt to suit your palate. Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the dip to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_4}} You can swap out ingredients based on your needs. If you want a dairy-free dip, use a dairy-free cream cheese. Brands like Kite Hill or Tofutti work well. They give a similar creamy texture without the dairy. If you're in the mood for something different, try using smoked trout instead of salmon. Trout has a mild flavor and pairs nicely with lemon and dill. This gives the dip a unique twist while staying delicious. To kick up the flavor, think about adding spices. A pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick. If you prefer a smoky flavor, sprinkle in some paprika. You can also mix in other herbs for more depth. Chives add a mild onion flavor, while parsley gives a fresh touch. Feel free to experiment with these options to find your favorite combination. For those who need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free crackers made from rice or almond flour. They pair perfectly with the dip. If you're watching carbs, serve the dip with fresh vegetable sticks. Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers are great choices. They add crunch without the carbs, making your dip even healthier. To store your Lemon Dill Smoked Salmon Dip, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors from the fridge. Make sure to cover the dip tightly. This will keep it creamy and tasty. If you have leftovers, use them within three days for the best flavor. Yes, you can freeze this dip! To do it safely, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the dip will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you are ready to eat it, move the dip to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. This helps keep the flavor intact. In the fridge, this dip lasts about three to four days. Keep an eye out for any changes. If the dip smells sour or looks off, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses! Freshness is key for this tasty treat. You can use several options if you need a cream cheese substitute. - Dairy-free options: Try using cashew cream or tofu blended until smooth. Both provide a rich texture. - Other creamy alternatives: Greek yogurt works well for a tangy flavor. You can also use sour cream for added creaminess. Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time! - Recommended timeframes for prepping ahead: Prepare it a day in advance for the best flavor. - Storage solutions for pre-made dip: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cover it well to keep it fresh. Serving this dip is simple and fun! - Best accompaniments: Pair it with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Crackers are also great for dipping. - Presentation suggestions: Use a nice bowl and garnish the dip with extra dill. Arrange the veggies and crackers around the bowl for a colorful spread. This blog post provided a thorough guide to making Lemon Dill Smoked Salmon Dip. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and serving ideas. You can swap ingredients, adjust flavors, and even modify for special diets. Remember, softening cream cheese and balancing flavors really enhances the dip. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. You now have the tools to create a delightful dip that impresses. Enjoy sharing this tasty treat with friends and family!

Zesty Lemon Dill Smoked Salmon Dip

A creamy and flavorful dip made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for serving with vegetable sticks or crackers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 4 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced (and a little extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped (optional, for added flavor)
  • none Fresh vegetable sticks (think carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers) or an assortment of your favorite crackers for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it achieves a smooth and creamy texture, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Gently fold in the finely chopped smoked salmon and minced garlic, mixing until the two are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
  • Next, incorporate the minced fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  • If you’re opting for capers, now’s the time to fold them into the dip for an added punch of flavor.
  • Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning as desired — feel free to add more lemon juice for brightness or a dash more salt if needed.
  • Once you're satisfied with the flavor, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • When ready to serve, present the dip chilled alongside an enticing arrangement of fresh vegetable sticks or a variety of crunchy crackers for dipping enjoyment.

Notes

Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Keyword appetizer, cream cheese, dip, lemon, smoked salmon