Easy Hot Smoked Salmon Dip
Here is the best and quickest hot smoked salmon dip recipe for your festive table. Made with Greek yogurt, without heavy cream cheese, it is done in 5 minutes. No blender, no cooking, no cleaning up! Sounds good? Let’s do it!
SAVE THIS RECIPE 💌
Hot smoked salmon dip recipe
If you’re like me and sometimes find cream cheese a bit heavy, this salmon recipe is going to change your appetizer game! In this quick guide, I’ll show you how to make an incredibly creamy smoked salmon dip that’s surprisingly light and refreshing. Trust me, even those who love cream cheese will be asking for seconds.
This easy-to-make recipe is always a hit at our family gatherings, especially during the holidays. It’s got that elegant touch that makes it perfect for Christmas, but honestly, it’s so tasty I could eat it any time of the year!
Reasons to make it
- Ease of Preparation: This smoked salmon dip without cream cheese is remarkably easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it only requires a very few simple ingredients.
- Ideal for Festive Occasions: With its rich, indulgent flavor profile, this dip is an excellent choice for festive seasons and special occasions. Its elegant taste and attractive presentation make it a crowd-pleaser, adding a touch of sophistication to your holiday gatherings and celebrations.
- Delicious Lighter Option: Despite being a lighter alternative without cream cheese, this dip doesn’t compromise on taste. The smoked salmon imparts a delicious smokiness, while Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture without the heaviness. In my opinion, this is the best salmon dip ever!
Hot smoked salmon dip ingredients
Make sure to choose the best quality salmon and yogurt you can find. Like with all recipes with a short ingredients list, it only tastes as good as the single ingredient! Here is what you will need to make it:
- Hot smoked salmon filet. Skin and bones removed.
- Natural or Greek yogurt. Use plain, full-cream yogurt, organic if possible.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Lemon zest. Use organic or wax-free lemon.
- Salted capers. You can find them in most grocery stores or gourmet food stores.
- Black pepper. To season
- Fresh dill or chives to serve.
NOTE: Need a budget-friendly option? Don’t worry, this dip is just as delicious with canned salmon! Look for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and quality. Simply drain the salmon and use it in place of the hot smoked salmon.
How to make the hot smoked salmon dip
Making this salmon dip without cream cheese couldn’t be easier.
- Place the smoked salmon in a medium mixing bowl and using a fork, shred the fillets into small pieces.
- Finely chop the capers and add them to the shredded salmon.
- Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon, and grate its zest, add to the salmon.
- Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture, season with black pepper, and gently fold it into the salmon mixture until well combined.
Sprinkle some freshly chopped dill (or any other fresh herbs you prefer). Blend and Enjoy!
Make it in a blender.
- Alternatively, you can put all ingredients in a bowl of a food processor and blend it until everything is well-combined. This method is great if you prefer a smooth dip.
The step-by-step recipe with video is in the recipe card below👇
How to serve
There are many ways you can serve this delicious dip.
- Classic appetizer. Serve the smoked salmon dip with an array of dippables like toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or carrot sticks.
- Spread it. You can use this delicious dip as a spread. Try it on a fresh bagel, it tastes sooo good.
- Make it classy. Cut a cucumber into round slices and top the cucumber rounds with the smoked salmon dip. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top and you will have a very elegant-looking finger food platter.
More delicious dip recipes to try
- MUTABAL – MIDDLE EASTERN EGGPLANT DIP RECIPE
- CACIK -TURKISH YOGURT WITH GARLIC AND CUCUMBER
- CREAMY AVOCADO LIME DRESSING
How to store
After preparing your smoked salmon dip without cream cheese, store it in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it promptly. Consume the dip within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
❄️ Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture and taste of the dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can absolutely prepare it a day or two before serving it. Leave the fresh herbs out and refrigerate the dip in an air-tight container.
Yes, this dip, just as are all my other recipes, is 100% gluten-free and safe for anyone who follows a gluten-free diet.
More festive gluten-free appetizers
- Easy Shrimp Appetizer Recipe – Mexican Style
- Easy Black Bean Dip – Vegan Recipe
- Asian smashed cucumber salad recipe
Have you tried this recipe? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a star rating and share your thoughts in a comment. Your feedback means a lot to me, and it can also help others who are interested in trying it out. Thank you! 🌟👩🍳
Hot smoked salmon dip without cream cheese
SAVE THIS RECIPE 💌
Ingredients
- 100 g of hot smoked salmon
- 3 tbsp of natural or Greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- lemon zest of a quarter of a lemon
- 1 tsp of capers
- black pepper to season
Instructions
- Place the smoked salmon in a medium mixing bowl and using a fork, shred the fillets into small pieces.
- Finely chop the capers and add them to the shredded salmon.
- Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon, and grate its zest, add to the salmon.
- Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture, season with black pepper, and gently fold it into the salmon mixture until well combined.
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped dill (or any other fresh herbs you prefer). Blend and Enjoy!
Make it in a food processor
- Place all ingredients in a bowl of a food processor and blend it until everything is well combined. Serve with fresh dill.
Notes
- Do NOT add salt to the dip. Capers will add enough saltiness to the dish.
- You can keep this dip in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.
Hi Elena, can I make the dip the night before?
Thank, Laura
Hi Laura, you sure can! 🙂