This Smoked Salmon Dip without Cream Cheese is a light, creamy, and flavorful alternative made with blended cashews, fresh dill, chives, and smoky salmon. It’s the perfect dairy-free dip for crackers, veggies, or a brunch spread, offering all the richness without the dairy! This smoked salmon dip without cream cheese is a hit for special occasions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Raw cashews – Creates a creamy, dairy-free base with a mild, buttery flavor.
- Water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar – Helps blend cashews smoothly and adds a tangy, bright flavor to the smoked salmon dip.
- Olive oil – Adds richness and helps achieve a smooth texture in the salmon dip.
- Dijon mustard – Enhances depth with a slight tang and mild spice.
- Garlic – Adds a savory, aromatic kick.
- Smoked paprika – Boosts the smoky flavor, complementing the salmon.
- Fresh dill & chives – Brings freshness and classic salmon pairing flavors.
- Smoked salmon – The star ingredient, adding richness and smoky umami to this smoked salmon dip.
- Capers (optional) – Adds a briny pop of flavor to the smoked salmon dip without cream cheese.
- Cayenne (optional) – Gives a subtle heat for extra depth.
Alternative Ingredients
- Raw cashews – Macadamia nuts or sunflower seeds provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Olive oil – Avocado oil offers the same richness with a neutral taste.
- Dijon mustard – Whole grain mustard or yellow mustard keep the tangy depth with slight variations.
- Smoked paprika – Regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke mimics the smoky depth.
- Fresh dill – Dried dill (use 1/3 the amount) still gives a herby touch but with a milder flavor.
- Fresh chives – Green onions (finely chopped) offer a similar mild onion flavor.
- Smoked salmon – Canned salmon with a dash of liquid smoke is a more budget-friendly alternative for this smoked salmon dip.
- Capers – Chopped green olives provide a similar briny, salty kick.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in healthy fats – Cashews, olive oil, and salmon provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Rich in protein – Smoked salmon and cashews offer a good protein boost for sustained energy in this smoked salmon dip without cream cheese.
- Packed with Omega-3s – Salmon supports brain health and reduces inflammation.
- Good source of vitamins – Dill, chives, and lemon juice add vitamin C, A, and K for immune and skin health.
- Dairy-free & gut-friendly – Cashew-based cream is easier to digest for those with dairy sensitivities.
- Contains antioxidants – Garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs help fight oxidative stress.
Expert Tips
Let It Chill – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for a richer taste. This step is crucial for making the best smoked salmon dip without cream cheese.
Use High-Quality Smoked Salmon – Opt for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the dip’s brightness more than bottled juice.
FAQs
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.
Freezing isn’t recommended since the texture may change, but you can refrigerate it for a few days.
You can try using sunflower seeds or a mix of silken tofu and coconut cream for a nut-free version.
You can use canned salmon with a dash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this smoked salmon dip without cream cheese with crisp crackers, sliced cucumbers, or toasted baguette for a perfect appetizer. It also pairs beautifully as a spread on bagels, inside wraps, or alongside fresh veggies for a light and flavorful snack.
Storage Suggestions
Store this smoked salmon dip without cream cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, stirring before serving as it may thicken. Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can alter the texture, but you can make it a day ahead to let the flavors meld.
You’ll also enjoy:
- 2-Ingredient Ranch Dip
- Green Onion Dip
- Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
- Mango Pico De Gallo
- Pineapple Avocado Salsa
- Zucchini Baba Ganoush
Smoked Salmon Dip Without Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for 4-6 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp capers
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 3 oz smoked salmon chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender or food processor along with water, lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Add cayenne if using.1 cup raw cashews, 1/4 cup water, 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 garlic, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach a light and creamy consistency.
- Transfer the cashew mixture to a bowl. Gently fold in the dill, capers, chives, and chopped smoked salmon.1 tsp capers, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 2 tbsp fresh chives, 3 oz smoked salmon
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, lemon juice, or dill if desired. Chill the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve cold with crackers, sliced cucumber, or toasted baguette slices. Garnish with extra chives and dill for presentation.
Video
@cookinglikekate Looking for a dairy-free dip? Try this Smoked Salmon Dip Without Cream Cheese, a creamy, smoky, and healthy choice for your next gathering. #smokedsalmon #dairyfree #Smokedsalmondip #healthycooking #comfortfood ♬ for the girlies – Mercedes 😉
Notes
- Soaking Cashews: If you don’t have time to soak the cashews, you can quickly boil them for 10 minutes to soften them.
- Texture Adjustment: Add more water if the dip is too thick, or blend a bit longer for a smoother consistency.
- Smoked Salmon: For the best flavor, use wild-caught smoked salmon, but any good-quality smoked salmon will work.
- Herb Substitutions: Feel free to adjust the herbs – parsley or tarragon are good alternatives to dill and chives.
- Make-Ahead: This dip can be made a day ahead; refrigerating it allows the flavors to develop even more.
- Serving Tip: It pairs well with crackers, veggies, or on a toasted bagel for a light snack.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Leave a Reply