Salmon Cream Cheese Dip is an easy appetizer to make with grilled salmon. Serve it up with crisp vegetables, crackers or bagel chips.

We trimmed whole salmon fillets to make Grilled Salmon with Asparagus Pesto and used it to make this delicious appetizer. It’s so simple to make and would work great with any leftover salmon.

Salmon Dip in a bowl on a vegetable platter.

Easy appetizers are a must have for holidays, cookouts and weekend get togethers. This salmon dip is perfect to make ahead and has amazing flavor from using grilled or smoked salmon.

Ingredients for Salmon Cream Cheese Dip.

Ingredients Needed for the Best Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe

Grilled Salmon or Smoked Salmon: Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Pepper, Lemon Zest
Cream Cheese ~ Softened
Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Lemon Zest
Capers ~ find them near the pickles in any grocery store. They are briny and add great flavor to the dip.
Dried Dill Weed ~ Fresh dill works too, just double amount if using fresh herbs.
Granulated Garlic
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Green Onions or red onions

How to Make Salmon Cream Cheese Dip

Grill the Salmon

Sprinkle salmon fillet with salt, pepper and lemon zest.
Grill over indirect heat with the grill closed for about 8- 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°.
Remove from grill and cool to room temperature.
Flake salmon from skin and place in a bowl.

Collage making cream cheese dip with salmon.

Make the Salmon Dip

Add cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon zest, capers, dill, garlic, salt and pepper to a mixer bowl.
Beat until smooth with an electric mixer.
Fold in flaked salmon until well combined.

cream cheese dip with grilled salmon in a bowl.

Pour into a serving bowl and top with green onion tops.
Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Platter of vegetables and crackers with salmon dip in center.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Smoked Salmon Dip

Add salmon dip to a vegetable platter with cucumber slices, bell peppers, carrots and celery sticks.
A variety of crackers or potato chips.
Top toast or bagels with salmon spread for an easy breakfast or brunch recipe for salmon lovers.

How to Store Salmon Dip

Store salmon dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

More Delicious Appetizer Dips to Try

Cheesy Bean Dip is one of our favorite appetizer recipes for any occasion and it’s always a hit.
Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is loaded with spicy jalapenos that pairs perfectly with the creamy base. A must-try for any get together.
Salsa Fresca is one of our favorite things to make for a quick snack or appetizer and it’s one of the best healthy recipes to add to your appetizer menu.

Why You Will Love this Easy Cream Cheese Dip with Salmon

Easy Recipe: This salmon recipe is a tasty dip made with simple ingredients and is always a crowd favorite. The perfect dip for your favorite veggies.
Make Ahead Appetizer: Salmon dip is perfect to make ahead and just perfect for entertaining during the holiday season and for special occasions.
Make it with Leftover Salmon: Use any kind of salmon, leftover smoked salmon, grilled salmon or you could even use canned salmon if you have that on hand.

Add this Salmon Cream Cheese Dip to your next party, appetizer menu or weekend brunch. It’s rich, creamy and delicious and perfect for veggie trays or as a cracker spread that always gets rave reviews.

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4.84 from 6 votes