Tangy Barefoot Contessa’s Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe for Gatherings

Creamy, tangy, and packed with rich flavors, this Barefoot Contessa smoked salmon dip delivers a luxurious appetizer that steals the show at every gathering.

Ina Garten’s style shines through in this effortlessly elegant recipe.

Silky cream cheese blends perfectly with delicate smoked salmon, creating a smooth and irresistible spread.

Fresh dill and a hint of lemon zest brighten the entire dish with vibrant notes.

Each spoonful promises a delectable explosion of maritime-inspired taste that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Serve this dip with crisp crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for an instant crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to impress with this simple yet extraordinary appetizer that brings gourmet flavor to your table.

Storage Advice for Smoked Salmon Dip

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the dip tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks, perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute appetizer needs.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the dip a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious and complex taste profile.
• Serve Smartly: Keep the dip chilled until serving time, and always use clean utensils to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 201 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Smoked Salmon Dip

• Cream Cheese: Provides a luxurious, velvety foundation that makes the dip rich and spreadable.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy brightness and helps achieve a silky, light consistency.

• Lemon Juice: Brings zesty freshness and helps balance the richness of the dip.
• Dill: Introduces a delicate herbal note that complements the salmon perfectly.
• Horseradish: Delivers a subtle, sharp kick that elevates the entire flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that intensify and round out the overall taste.

• Smoked Salmon: Contributes a delicate, smoky flavor and tender chunks that make the dip interesting and substantial.

Equipment for Preparing Smoked Salmon Dip

• Electric mixer with paddle attachment: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy base.
• Mixing bowl: Large enough to comfortably blend all ingredients.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in salmon and scraping sides of the bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure balanced flavors.
• Serving dish: Attractive container for chilling and presenting the dip.
• Knife: For cutting fresh dill or preparing garnish.

Instructions to Make Smoked Salmon Dip

• Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and whip the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth, creating a luxurious foundation for your dip.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend in tangy sour cream, zesty lemon juice, fragrant dill, and a kick of horseradish. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to awaken the taste buds.

• Salmon Spotlight

Gently fold in delicate pieces of smoked salmon, letting them mingle with the creamy mixture without breaking apart.

• Chill and Thrill

Let the dip rest in the refrigerator for a bit, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together. Serve alongside crisp crackers or fresh veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Flavor Tips and Twists for Smoked Salmon Dip

• Swap smoked salmon for fresh or canned salmon for a different flavor profile and texture.
• Add chopped capers, red onion, or a dash of hot sauce to create a more complex and zesty dip.
• Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container to let flavors meld and develop.
• Chop salmon into larger chunks for a chunkier dip or blend more finely for a smoother, creamier consistency.
• Spread on toasted bagels, use as a sandwich filling, or serve alongside grilled vegetables for a versatile appetizer option.

How to Present and Serve Smoked Salmon Dip

• Pair with Crunchy Companions: Serve this creamy dip alongside crisp water crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful texture contrast.
• Elevate Appetizer Spread: Arrange the dip in a beautiful bowl surrounded by an array of colorful crudités like cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, and radish wedges for an eye-catching presentation.
• Create Elegant Party Bites: Transform the dip into sophisticated canapés by spreading it on mini toast points and garnishing with a small sprig of fresh dill or a thin lemon slice for an extra touch of elegance.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Feature this smoked salmon dip as a show-stopping component of a weekend brunch spread, paired with bagels, cream cheese, and other traditional breakfast favorites.

Luxurious Barefoot Contessa Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s smoked salmon dip delivers creamy, tangy elegance perfect for entertaining. Guests will savor rich flavors and smooth texture that complement crackers or fresh vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 oz (115 g) smoked salmon, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoons prepared horseradish, drained
• ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Cream Cheese Preparation: Utilize an electric mixer with paddle attachment to whip cream cheese until silky smooth and lump-free, creating a luxurious base for the dip.
2. Flavor Infusion: Combine sour cream, lemon juice, dill, horseradish, salt, and pepper into the cream cheese, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious and vibrant flavor profile.
3. Salmon Integration: Gently fold flaked smoked salmon into the creamy mixture, ensuring delicate distribution while preserving the fish’s distinct texture and preventing over-manipulation.
4. Flavor Melding and Serving: Refrigerate the dip for 45-60 minutes to allow ingredients to harmonize and develop depth, then serve chilled alongside crisp crackers, toasted baguette, or fresh vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Whip Cream Cheese Precisely: Beat cream cheese until completely smooth, which takes 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer with paddle attachment to eliminate any lumpy texture.
• Balance Flavor Carefully: Add horseradish and lemon juice gradually, tasting as you mix to achieve perfect tangy-creamy balance without overwhelming the delicate salmon.
• Handle Salmon Gently: Fold salmon minimally to preserve its delicate flakes and prevent breaking down the fish’s texture during mixing.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigeration isn’t just about cooling; it allows ingredients to marry and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles, enhancing overall dip quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 201
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 422 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg