Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Dip

Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the bold flavor of smoked salmon with rich cream cheese, fresh herbs, and a zesty kick of lemon. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor—perfect for spreading on crackers, toasts, or cucumber slices.

What Is Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip?

This dip blends smoked salmon with cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and green onions into a smooth, flavorful spread. Made in a food processor, it has a light, fluffy texture that’s perfect for serving with crudités, bagel chips, or warm toast points.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes
• Ina Garten Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits
• Ina Garten Hollandaise Sauce

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• Quick to prepare – Ready in under 10 minutes
• Elegant and flavorful – Great for gatherings and holidays
• Creamy texture with smoky depth – Perfect balance
• High in protein and flavor – Without being heavy
• Pairs with many dippers – Crackers, veggies, or breads
• Make-ahead friendly – Flavors deepen with time
• A brunch favorite – Perfect with bagels or crostini

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional, for kick)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (white and green parts)
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Dip

Step 1: Prepare the base

In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, horseradish (if using), green onions, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Process until smooth

Blend until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Add the smoked salmon

Add the chopped smoked salmon to the processor and pulse just a few times to incorporate. The goal is to keep some small chunks for texture.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra dill or chopped green onion if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• Toasted baguette slices or crostini – Crisp and sturdy
• Cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips – Light and fresh
• Bagel chips or rye crackers – Adds savory crunch
• Endive leaves – For a low-carb option
• Mini bagels or pita wedges – Great for brunch
• Soft pretzels or breadsticks – Hearty and satisfying

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• Use good-quality smoked salmon – It’s the star ingredient
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature – For smooth blending
• Don’t over-process the salmon – A little texture goes a long way
• Adjust lemon and salt to taste – Based on the saltiness of your salmon
• Chill before serving – Helps flavors meld beautifully
• Use fresh dill for brightness – Dried dill won’t give the same effect
• Make it ahead – Flavors improve after a few hours

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• Add capers – For a briny, tangy note
• Mix in finely chopped red onion – For bite and color
• Top with everything bagel seasoning – Adds crunch and flavor
• Use whipped cream cheese – For a lighter texture
• Add finely grated lemon zest – Boosts citrus brightness
• Include Greek yogurt – As a sour cream alternative
• Stir in horseradish cream – For more heat and tang

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps for up to 3 days
• Do not freeze – The texture of the dairy will change
• Stir before serving if stored – Some separation may occur
• Label with the date – To ensure freshness
• Serve chilled or at room temperature – Depending on preference

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip

• No reheating needed – Best served chilled
• Remove from fridge 10–15 minutes before serving – To soften slightly
• Stir gently before serving – Refreshes texture and appearance
• Avoid microwaving – It can change the texture and flavor

Nutritional Value (per 2-tbsp serving, approx.)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg

A high-protein, flavorful dip perfect for guilt-free snacking or entertaining.

FAQs

Can Ina Garten smoked salmon dip be made ahead of time?

Yes, this dip is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen as it chills.

What kind of smoked salmon is best for salmon dip?

Cold-smoked salmon or lox is ideal because it blends easily and has a smooth, delicate flavor. Hot-smoked salmon can also be used for a chunkier texture and bolder taste.

How long does smoked salmon dip last in the fridge?

Smoked salmon dip will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Stir gently before serving.

Can you freeze Ina Garten smoked salmon dip?

Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese and sour cream can separate and change texture once thawed, making the dip watery and less smooth.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Dip is the kind of appetizer that always impresses—elegant, easy, and full of savory depth. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a sophisticated spread that elevates any occasion, from holiday brunches to cocktail parties. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.

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