Smoked Salmon Party Dip
A creamy smoked salmon dip with fresh herbs and lemon, perfect for parties or appetizers, served with crisp vegetables and lettuce for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat or low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup nonfat or light sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup smoked salmon (4 oz.), chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions (white and green parts), finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium red cabbage (optional) ⓘ
- 8 leaves curly leaf lettuce (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 2 medium green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Put cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and puree for 30 seconds or until smooth.
- Scrape the pureed cottage cheese into a medium bowl.
- Stir in the sour cream, chopped smoked salmon, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and optional red cabbage.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with green bell pepper strips and optional lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, blend the cottage cheese longer until very smooth. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for added protein and tang. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. This dip is versatile and can also be used as a spread for English Muffin Snacks.
Serving Suggestions
This dip pairs beautifully with green bell pepper strips and optional lettuce leaves for a fresh crunch. You can also serve it with whole grain crackers or pita chips. For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving it alongside other seafood recipes or your favorite veggie platter for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld over time, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing the dip, as it may alter the texture. When ready to serve again, simply stir and enjoy cold, as reheating is not recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Salmon Party Dip contains roughly 275 calories, with 14g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the dip a few hours or a day in advance allows the flavors to develop further. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What can I use instead of smoked salmon?
If smoked salmon isn't available, you can use canned salmon or even shredded cooked chicken for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste of the dip.
Is there a way to make this dip vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cottage cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or tofu blended with lemon juice. Use vegan smoked tofu for a similar taste to smoked salmon.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).