Description
Summer salmon spread is a creamy, savory appetizer made with flaky salmon, cream cheese, fresh herbs, lemon, and capers. It’s perfect served chilled with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables, making it an easy and refreshing snack or party appetizer for warm weather.
Ingredients
Salmon Spread
- 8 ounces cooked salmon, skin and bones removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon red onion, very finely chopped
For Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Fresh dill
- Fresh chives
Instructions
- Flake the salmon: Begin by flaking the cooked salmon into small pieces, ensuring any remaining skin or bones are removed for a smooth texture.
- Mix base ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped capers, dill, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Fold in salmon: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the mixture, keeping some larger pieces intact to add texture to the spread.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the spread and adjust salt, lemon juice, or pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Serve: Transfer the chilled salmon spread into a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh dill, chives, and lemon slices to add color and brightness.
- Accompaniments: Serve the spread with crackers, toasted baguette slices, cucumber rounds, or fresh vegetables for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use leftover baked, grilled, or poached salmon to save time and add smoky or delicate flavors depending on the cooking method used.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to create a lighter, tangier spread if desired.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, pulse all ingredients briefly in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
- Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dips & Spreads, Seafood, Summer Recipes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
