This salmon pate recipe is quick and easy. You can eat it as a snack or bring it to a party. This recipe is easy to make with leftover salmon. It only takes 4 ingredients and a few minutes to prepare. This is a tasty, creamy spread that you can put on crackers to make a canapé that looks much better than it is.
This dip really has it all. It is creamy, but also light and fresh with the lemon and dill. It tastes great because of the salmon, and it looks and feels fancy and fancy, but it’s really easy to make. All you have to do is mix everything together, and its ready in a couple of minutes. Perfect for last minute party food.
Although we love this as a snack or light lunch, this is always our go-to for a canapé. You can cook some of it ahead of time (like the salmon) and then finish it off right before your guests arrive, so it stays nice and fresh. Salmon canapés always go down well.
Salmon pâté is a creamy, flavorful spread made primarily from salmon. It has a smooth, rich texture and works well as an appetizer, snack or addition to a charcuterie board Salmon pâté is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients Read on to learn all about how to make delicious salmon pâté and what ingredients to use.
What is Salmon Pâté?
Salmon pâté is a type of fish spread made by blending together cooked salmon with cream cheese, herbs, lemon and other flavorings It has a creamy, mousse-like texture from the addition of cream cheese or sour cream The salmon provides savory depth, while herbs, citrus and spices add brightness.
Salmon pâté is chilled until firm and then served as a spread, typically with crackers, bread or vegetable crudités It can be used as a dip, spread on sandwiches or even served on top of toast points as an elegant starter The soft, silky texture and tangy salmon flavor make it a pleasing addition to any appetizer spread.
Salmon Pâté Ingredients
Salmon pâté is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients:
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Cooked salmon – Fresh baked, grilled or poached salmon works best. Canned salmon and smoked salmon are also options.
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Cream cheese or sour cream – Provides creamy richness and texture.
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Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and cuts the richness.
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Fresh herbs – Dill, chives, parsley or tarragon add freshness.
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Onion or shallots – Optional, but provide savory flavor.
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Capers, horseradish or hot sauce – Help boost the flavor.
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Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
How to Make Salmon Pâté
Making salmon pâté at home is simple. Here is an overview of the basic steps:
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Cook the salmon if starting with raw fillets. Flake into pieces.
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Soften cream cheese and combine with salmon, lemon juice and any additional ingredients in a food processor.
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Process until smooth. Add any extras like herbs, onions or horseradish and pulse briefly to mix.
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Transfer salmon mixture to a serving bowl or mold. Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Chill pâté until firm, about 2 hours. Garnish and serve with crackers, bread or veggies.
The exact recipe can vary based on preferences for flavor and texture. Some versions have a creamier style with more cream cheese or sour cream added. Other recipes pack more salmon flavor by using less dairy. Spices, citrus zest or shallots can provide extra dimensions.
No matter how you make it, chilling it well helps the pâté set up nicely. Letting it rest overnight helps the flavors develop even more.
Serving Suggestions for Salmon Pâté
- On crostini or toast points
- With crackers orflatbread
- In lettuce cups
- On cucumber slices
- With raw veggies like carrots and celery
- On a charcuterie or cheese board
- As a sandwich spread
For easy entertaining, salmon pâté can be made 1-2 days in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Popular Flavor Variations
Salmon pâté is versatile and adapts well to many flavor additions. Some popular extra ingredients to mix in include:
- Fresh herbs – Dill, chives, tarragon, parsley, basil
- Spices – Paprika, cayenne, black pepper, mustard
- Citrus – Lemon zest, orange zest
- Alliums – Onion, shallots, garlic
- Capers, cornichons
- Horseradish
- Hot sauce or harissa
Combining complementary flavors helps keep the pâté interesting. Mix and match herbs, spices, veggies and seasonings to put your own spin on it.
What Kind of Salmon Works Best?
Salmon pâté can be made with many types of salmon. Here are some of the most common options:
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Fresh salmon – Cooked by baking, poaching or grilling. Provides the richest flavor.
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Canned salmon – Budget-friendly and easy to use. Look for a reputable brand.
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Smoked salmon – Adds delicious smoky notes. Use in moderation.
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Leftover baked salmon – Repurposes leftovers into something new.
No matter which salmon you use, make sure to check for any remaining bones and remove them before making the pâté. Flake the salmon into bite-size pieces for easier blending.
How Long Does Salmon Pâté Last?
Properly stored salmon pâté will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, store in an airtight container and keep temperatures at 40°F or below. If the pâté develops an off smell or appearance, it’s best to discard it.
For longer storage, salmon pâté can be frozen for 2-3 months. Make sure to freeze it in an airtight container, leaving a bit of headspace to allow for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Salmon Pâté
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Chill it thoroughly so it sets up. At least 2 hours in the fridge.
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Fold in any additions gently to retain the smooth texture.
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Add acid like lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
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Season conservatively at first, then adjust to taste.
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Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, lemon zest, olives or salmon roe.
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Serve with crackers, bread or veggies to complement the richness.
Sample Salmon Pâté Recipe
This easy salmon pâté recipe makes a creamy, herbed spread using just a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 8oz cooked salmon, flaked
- 8oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a food processor, combine salmon, cream cheese, dill, lemon juice and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
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Process until smooth, about 2 minutes.
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Transfer to a serving bowl or mold. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Garnish with fresh dill and serve with crackers, bread or vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon?
Yes, canned salmon works well for pâté. Drain it well and remove any bones.
Do I need fresh salmon?
No, you can use canned, smoked or leftover pre-cooked salmon.
What goes well with salmon pâté?
Crackers, bread, cucumber slices, endive leaves and carrot sticks complement it nicely.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container at 40°F or below.
Enjoy Delicious Salmon Pâté for Any Occasion
Salmon pâté is an elegant, protein-packed spread that can be whipped up in minutes. Made from a simple blend of creamy ingredients and salmon, it makes a tasty addition to any appetizer board or meal. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon. Pair it with crunchy breads, crackers or vegetables for contrast. Enjoy this versatile salmon spread for parties, snacks or easy entertaining!
Why you will love it
- Food that’s great for parties—salmon is always a hit at parties, and you can serve it on little crackers.
- Ready in minutes—If the salmon is already cooked, it only takes a few minutes to mix everything together.
- Can be made ahead of time—you can cook the salmon the night before and then make the pate when your guests arrive.
- Easy to change up—this can be a snack, an appetizer, or part of a bigger platter.
- Salmon that has been cooked—we used what was left over from our Honey Garlic Butter Side of Salmon You could use fresh salmon flaked up or smoked salmon chopped up very small for this recipe.
- Cream cheese—We used plain full-fat cream cheese because it tastes the best. If you want, you could use a lighter cream cheese, but it wouldn’t be as creamy.
- Lemon – This really lightens up the salmon pate. If the lemon isn’t juicy, you might need to use a whole one.
- Dill – The perfect partner to salmon. Chives or parsley would work too.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make salmon pate – Step by step
One: Put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Two: Mix well so that everything is combined.
