This crunchy canned salmon dip is ready in just 15 minutes! It’s made with simple things like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs, and it goes great with crackers and raw vegetables. Can be served as a sandwich or bagel spread, too!.
This delicious salmon dip recipe comes together SUPER fast and is incredibly versatile. All you need to make it are 15 minutes and 7 simple ingredients.
At your next dinner party, serve it as an appetizer. During the week, keep it in the fridge for snacks and sandwiches. I’ve included a long list of serving ideas for you below for inspiration!.
As a dietitian, I love adding canned salmon to my meals. Both affordable and convenient, it’s such a great staple to keep in the fridge. Plus, it’s a nutrition powerhouse – packed with protein, omega-3s, and micronutrients like vitamin D and calcium.
Want more healthy appetizer ideas? Check out my list of 10 easy appetizers for more recipes! This whipped feta dip with balsamic-roasted strawberries has gone viral and is a fan favorite.
One of my all-time favorite appetizers is canned salmon dip. It’s light and creamy, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. This dip can be served with a lot of different kinds of crackers, breads, chips, or fresh vegetables. It also makes a delicious sandwich spread.
If you want an easy recipe that everyone will love for your next party or get-together, no look further than canned salmon dip. I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to make this tasty snack today, from the main ingredients to how to store them. Let’s dive in!.
Why Canned Salmon Dip is So Great
There are so many reasons to love canned salmon dip:
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It’s quick and easy to make. With just 8 simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, this dip comes together in mere minutes. Simply combine everything in a bowl and you’re done!
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It’s budget-friendly. Canned salmon is an affordable protein source making this dip wallet-friendly.
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It’s nutritious. Salmon is loaded with protein omega-3 fatty acids vitamin D, calcium, and more. Cream cheese and sour cream add a creamy base with calcium.
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It’s customizable. Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes by adding different herbs, spices, or other mix-ins.
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It’s great for entertaining. Serve salmon dip with crackers or veggies for easy finger food when hosting get-togethers
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store are all you need to make canned salmon dip tastes great. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Canned salmon: Opt for a 14.75 oz can of boneless, skinless pink, red, or sockeye salmon. Drain and flake the salmon before using.
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Cream cheese: An 8 oz package of softened regular or low-fat cream cheese provides creaminess.
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Sour cream: 1⁄2 cup of sour cream adds tanginess and richness. Greek yogurt also works.
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Lemon juice: The acidity of 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice balances the flavors.
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Garlic: Mince 1 small clove of garlic to add aromatic flavor.
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Herbs: Dried parsley and dill (1 tsp and 1⁄4 tsp) provide freshness.
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Salt and pepper: 1⁄4 tsp salt enhances the flavors. Add pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make this easy dip? Here’s a simple walkthrough:
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Drain the salmon. Open the can and drain out the liquid. Transfer the salmon to a bowl.
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Flake the salmon. Use a fork to break the salmon up into bite-sized flakes.
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Soften the cream cheese. Let an 8 oz block of cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften.
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Prep the ingredients. While the cream cheese softens, mince the garlic clove. Measure out the sour cream, lemon juice, and herbs.
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Combine everything. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper to the bowl of salmon.
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Mix well. Use a spoon or spatula to combine all the ingredients until fully incorporated.
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Adjust seasoning. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
That’s it! For even more flavor, let the dip chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Once made, there are endless ways to serve your creamy canned salmon dip:
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With crackers or chips: Serve with your favorites like rye crackers, pita chips, or potato chips.
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With bread: Pair it with slices of crusty baguette, pita wedges, or breadsticks.
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With veggies: Offer it with crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, or cucumber rounds.
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As a sandwich spread: Slather it on slices of bread for tasty salmon sandwiches.
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With bagels: Top everything or plain bagels with a schmear of salmon dip.
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With pretzels or breadsticks: For heartier dippers, try mini pretzels or breadsticks.
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With toast points: Spread on toasted bread slices, cut into triangles.
The possibilities are endless! Set out a variety of dippers and let guests build their own combinations.
Recipe Variations
Once you master the original recipe, have fun with these easy variations:
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Add 1 tbsp smoked paprika for smoky flavor
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Use part mayo or Greek yogurt for added richness
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Mix in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or chives
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Add hot sauce or horseradish for heat
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Stir in diced red onion or shallot
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Replace dried herbs with 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs
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Mix in capers, olives, or pickled jalapeños for brininess
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Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a tropical vibe
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Fold in shredded cheese like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese
Storage Tips
To keep your salmon dip fresh, follow these storage tips:
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Store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
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If adding fresh herbs or avocado, store for just 1-2 days.
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For longer shelf life, store the cream cheese mixture and salmon separately.
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If the dip separates, just give it a good stir before serving.
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For the freezer, transfer to freezer bags or containers for 2-3 months.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
If you love canned salmon, here are some other amazing recipes to try:
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Salmon Cakes: Mix salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings then pan-fry into crispy patties.
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Salmon Salad: Flake salmon and toss with mayo, lemon juice, celery, onion, and your favorite additions.
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Salmon Fried Rice: Stir canned salmon into rice with eggs, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and ginger.
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Salmon Pasta: Toss chunky salmon pieces with hot pasta, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and lemon.
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Salmon Tacos: Layer salmon, cabbage slaw, avocado crema, and cilantro in tortillas.
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Smoked Salmon Bagel: Top a toasted bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and dill.
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Salmon Quiche: Bake salmon, veggies, and cheese custard in a flaky pie crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common canned salmon dip questions:
How long does salmon dip last in the fridge?
Salmon dip will keep for 5-7 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creaminess may start to break down after that.
Can I prepare salmon dip in advance?
Absolutely! Salmon dip can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. Just store it covered in the fridge until ready to serve. Give it a brief stir before serving to redistribute any liquid.
What kind of salmon is best for salmon dip?
Pink, sockeye, or red salmon all work well. Opt for a high-quality canned salmon without bones for the best texture.
Can I use leftover cooked salmon?
You sure can! Flake up leftover baked, grilled, or smoked salmon and use in place of the canned salmon in this recipe.
What can I serve with salmon dip?
Serve salmon dip with crackers, pita chips, bread slices, pretzels, raw veggies, or bagel chips. Offer a variety for dipping!
So there you have it – everything you need to know to make the creamiest, dreamiest canned salmon dip! This versatile recipe is sure to become a staple appetizer in your home. Whether you’re having friends over to watch the big game or hosting a summer bash, this crowd-pleasing dip is sure to be a hit. Give it a try soon!
Canned salmon nutrition benefits
Canned salmon is a convenient and relatively affordable food that’s packed with nutrition!
It’s a great source of:
- complete, quality protein
- heart-healthy omega-3s
- vitamin D
- calcium
- B-vitamins, like niacin and B12
- selenium
- phosphorus
Get the Recipe:Canned Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese (15-Minutes!)
- 1 can salmon (approximately 213 grams or 7.5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, plain
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt, plain
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup green onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt + pepper, to taste
- Drain canned salmon and add it to a small bowl. Break up the salmon with a fork.
- Add all other dip ingredients to the bowl. Stir and mash together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve as desired!
- You can use any kind of canned salmon you like, like sockeye, coho, or pink salmon. I like to purchase MSC-certified sustainable brands if I can!.
- While flexible, I used a 213 gram (7. 5.8-ounce) can for this recipe, which is the “bigger” can Fish cans that are about 142 grams (5 oz) in size can be used instead of the bigger ones. 5 cans.
- If you want to get the most calcium from your salmon, choose the bones. You can eat them, and you won’t even notice them when they’re mixed in with the dip.
- You can easily make this dip ahead of time. It’s great for a party or to store in the fridge for the week and eat with sandwiches or snacks.
- Just put the dip in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days.
- If the ingredients are separating, just stir it well before you use it!
- You can eat raw, crunchy vegetables like baby carrots, cucumbers, celery, sliced bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes.
- Any kind of crackers<These almond flour and seed crackers are my favorite healthy ones.
- crusty bread, like toasted baguette slices
- Chips (I would choose a chip with a neutral taste and more substance, like a thick potato chip)
- Put it on a seacuterie board, which is a fun take on a charcuterie board with seafood instead of meat.
- You can also spread this salmon dip on bagels, sandwiches, open-faced toast, and pita wraps.
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Please keep in mind that the nutrition information given is just a guess, and I can’t promise that it is correct. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.