Canned Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese
You can have this protein-packed canned salmon dip ready in just 15 minutes! Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, greek yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs, this easy dip is perfect for crackers and raw veggies. Can be served as a sandwich or bagel spread, too!
This delicious salmon dip recipe comes together SUPER fast and is incredibly versatile. All you need to make it are 15 minutes and 7 simple ingredients.
Serve it as an appetizer at your next dinner party, or keep it in the fridge for snacks and sandwiches during the week. I’ve included a long list of serving ideas for you below for inspiration!
As a dietitian, I love adding canned salmon to my meals. Both affordable and convenient, it’s such a great staple to keep in the fridge. Plus, it’s a nutrition powerhouse – packed with protein, omega-3s, and micronutrients like vitamin D and calcium.
Want more healthy appetizer ideas? Check out my roundup of 10+ easy appetizers for more recipes! This viral whipped feta dip with balsamic roasted strawberries is a fan-favourite.
What is this salmon dip made of?
- Canned salmon: Feel free to use any species of canned salmon you enjoy, such as pink salmon, coho, or sockeye. I like to purchase MSC-certified sustainable brands if I can! While flexible, I used a 213 gram (7.5 oz) can for this recipe which is the “larger” can. If you can only find the smaller cans of salmon (around 142 grams or 5 oz), feel free to use 2 or 1.5 cans! Choosing salmon with the bones helps you maximize your calcium intake – they’re totally edible and you hardly notice them when they’re all mixed up in the dip!
- Cream cheese: You an use either a light or original cream cheese for this recipe. I usually lean towards original as I like things to be fuller fat. My personal favourite brand of cream cheese is Arla – it’s made with only 4 very simple ingredients.
- Greek yogurt (plain): Unlike regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is strained to remove most of its whey and liquid content. This results in a thicker yogurt with about twice as much protein per serving. I like using greek yogurt in place of sour cream that you may find in most salmon dip recipes – it packs in way more nutrition!
- Green onion: Chopped green onions (or scallions) pair so well with salmon and a delicious “onion-y” flavour to this dip.
- Fresh dill: Similarly, fresh dill is an awesome pairing with salmon and greek yogurt. It provides a delicious freshness to this recipe.
- Lemon: The fresh juice from lemon adds the perfect acidity and brightness to balance out this recipe.
- Garlic powder: I like to use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic here, as it’s quick to use, not overpowering, and blends in really well with every bite.
For a dairy-free version: While I have not tried this recipe with dairy-free versions of cream cheese and/or Greek yogurt – if you have your favourite brands of these, feel free to try them here for a dairy-free version. I would just caution that the yogurt you use doesn’t have a very distinct flavour (such as coconut); you want it to be pretty close to a traditional yogurt taste.
Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
What to serve with salmon dip
There are so many things you can serve this canned salmon dip with, such as:
- raw, crunchy veggies like cucumber, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers, celery, or even cherry tomatoes
- crackers of any kind (my favourite healthier options are these almond flour ones and these seed ones)
- crusty bread, like toasted baguette slices
- chips (I would opt for a neutral flavour and a sturdier chip, like a classic potato chip)
- a seacuterie board (a fun twist on a traditional charcuterie board, using seafood instead of meat!)
OR, you can use this salmon dip as a spread for:
- sandwiches
- bagels
- open-faced toasts
- pita wraps
How to make this recipe
Simply drain + mash the canned salmon in a bowl and add in the remainder of the ingredients. Above is a visual of the proportions!
Then, stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients into a dip. Serve as desired. Easy peasy!
Canned salmon nutrition benefits
Canned salmon is a convenient and relatively affordable food that’s packed with nutrition!
It’s a great source of:
- complete, quality protein
- heart-healthy omega-3s
- vitamin D
- calcium
- B-vitamins, like niacin and B12
- selenium
- phosphorus
Love canned salmon? You may also enjoy this canned salmon pasta, this canned salmon potato salad, or these canned salmon quinoa burgers!
More easy, healthy dip recipes:
Did you give this Canned Salmon Dip Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
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Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese (15-Minutes!)
Ingredients
- 1 can salmon (approximately 213 grams or 7.5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, plain
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt, plain
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup green onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Drain canned salmon and add it to a small bowl. Break up the salmon with a fork.
- Add all other dip ingredients to the bowl. Stir and mash together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve as desired!
Notes
- Feel free to use any species of canned salmon you enjoy, such as pink salmon, coho, or sockeye. I like to purchase MSC-certified sustainable brands if I can!
- While flexible, I used a 213 gram (7.5 oz) can for this recipe which is the “larger” can. If you can only find the smaller cans of salmon (around 142 grams or 5 oz), feel free to use 2 or 1.5 cans.
- Choosing salmon with the bones helps you maximize your calcium intake – they’re totally edible and you hardly notice them when they’re all mixed up in the dip!
- This dip can easily be made in advance – it’s great for a party, or to keep in your fridge for the week to use for snacks or sandwiches.
- Simply store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days.
- If there’s any separation of ingredients, just give it a good stir before using!
- raw, crunchy veggies like cucumber, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers, celery, or even cherry tomatoes
- crackers of any kind (my favourite healthier options are these almond flour ones and these seed ones)
- crusty bread, like toasted baguette slices
- chips (I would opt for a neutral flavour and a sturdier chip, like a classic potato chip)
- serve it on a seacuterie board (a fun twist on a traditional charcuterie board, using seafood instead of meat!)
- OR, you can use this salmon dip as a spread for sandwiches, bagels, open-faced toasts, and pita wraps
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
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4 Comments on “Canned Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese”
This is a PERFECT summer snack, I’m obsessed. It’s yummy and healthy; and I thought I would have it all week but ate it in two days because it was that good
Hi Chelsea! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this kind review! It really means the world and helps so much. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this one!! So great for a summer snack 🙂
This dip is very ordinary and lacking in depth. My mom and dad were also not impressed. I couldn’t figure out what could be added to make it more exciting. I will not be coming back to this recipe.
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy it, Trish!