Salmon Spread – This creamy and flavorful Salmon Spread is the perfect appetizer for any occasion made with fresh, flaky salmon, smooth cream cheese, and dill. Spread on crackers, toast, or enjoy as a dip.
What is Salmon Spread?
Salmon Spread is a creamy, savory mixture made with salmon (fresh, canned, or smoked), cream cheese, and a variety of seasonings. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, with endless possibilities for flavor customization. Popular for its versatility, salmon spread works equally well as a dip, a topping for crackers, or a filling for bagels and sandwiches.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Salmon Spread
Here are some expert tips to ensure your salmon spread turns out perfectly every time:
Choose the Right Salmon
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked salmon.
- If you’re on a budget, canned salmon is a great option—just ensure it’s skinless and boneless.
- For a lighter, fresher taste, use cooked or baked salmon.
Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature
Soften your cream cheese before mixing for a smoother texture and easier blending.
Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs
Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives to bring brightness to the spread.
Balance the Acidity
A splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream can add a tangy kick, cutting through the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
Season Gradually
Start with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and adjust as needed. Remember, smoked or canned salmon can already be quite salty.
Creative Variations of Salmon Spread
Salmon spread is endlessly adaptable. Here are some variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Spicy Salmon Spread: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Lox-Inspired Spread: Mix in capers, thinly sliced red onions, and a touch of horseradish for that classic lox-and-bagel flavor.
- Healthy Salmon Spread: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter, protein-packed version.
- Vegan Alternative: Swap salmon for roasted carrots or smoked tofu, and use plant-based cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
- Asian-Inspired Spread: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger for a flavor profile reminiscent of sushi.
How to Serve Salmon Spread
Salmon Spread is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- As a Dip: Pair it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrot, or celery.
- On Bagels: Spread it on toasted bagels for a luxurious breakfast or brunch.
- In Sandwiches: Use it as a creamy filling for wraps or sandwiches, paired with crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
- As a Topping: Spoon it onto baked potatoes or spread it on top of crostini for an elegant appetizer.
- With Cheese Boards: Include it in a charcuterie or cheese board alongside fruits, nuts, and other dips.
How to Store Salmon Spread
Proper storage is key to maintaining the flavor and freshness of your salmon spread:
Refrigeration: Store the spread in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: While freezing is not ideal for cream cheese-based spreads due to potential texture changes, you can freeze salmon spread for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use a clean utensil each time you scoop out the spread to prevent spoilage.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked or canned salmon?
Absolutely! Simply bake or poach fresh salmon, let it cool, and flake it into the mixture. This gives the spread a fresh, mild flavor.
How do I prevent my salmon spread from being too salty?
Smoked and canned salmon can be quite salty. To counter this, balance the saltiness with cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Can I make salmon spread ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What type of crackers pair best with salmon spread?
Neutral-flavored crackers like water crackers, whole-grain crackers, or rye crisps work wonderfully. Avoid overly salty or flavored crackers that might overpower the spread.
Is salmon spread gluten-free?
The spread itself is gluten-free, but be mindful of what you serve it with. Opt for gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks if serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Salmon Spread.
Salmon Spread - This creamy and flavorful Salmon Spread is the perfect appetizer for any occasion made with fresh, flaky salmon, smooth cream cheese, and dill. Spread on crackers, toast, or enjoy as a dip.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon
- 2 shallots or 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 3 oz smoked salmon, diced
- Baguette slices, crostini, or endive leaves
Instructions
- Place the fresh salmon in a pot, add enough cold water to cover, along with the shallots/onion and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and let the salmon sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove it from the liquid, cool, and flake into chunks, discarding the skin if needed
- In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, scallions, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold the flaked fresh salmon and diced smoked salmon into the mayo mixture until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 1 day). Serve chilled with crostini, baguette slices, or endive leaves.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 322Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 42mgSodium 713mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 20g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Salmon spread is a true gem in the world of appetizers and snacks. Its rich, creamy texture, bold flavors, and versatility make it a must-have recipe for your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party, a casual gathering, or a quick snack, this spread is guaranteed to impress.
Check my other salmon recipes:
