Creamy Avocado Salmon Dip

Name: Creamy Avocado Salmon Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted; 1 can (6 oz) wild-caught salmon, drained; 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill); Salt and pepper to taste; Pita chips or fresh veggies for serving

Highlighted under: Bright & Healthy Bites

I love whipping up this Creamy Avocado Salmon Dip for gatherings because it perfectly balances creaminess and freshness. The rich avocado melds beautifully with the savory salmon, creating a dip that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. I usually serve it with crunchy pita chips or veggie sticks, and it always receives rave reviews. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a tasty treat for yourself, this dip is a must-try!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:37:27.929Z

Making this Creamy Avocado Salmon Dip has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months. I find that using ripe avocados enhances the overall texture, giving it a velvety smoothness that pairs perfectly with the flaky salmon. One day, as a last-minute snack for unexpected guests, I threw the ingredients together, and to my surprise, they devoured it!

After tweaking the recipe over time, I discovered that adding a hint of lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also prevents the avocado from browning too quickly. It’s really the little adjustments that can elevate a dish and make it memorable!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Smooth and creamy texture that’s simply delightful
Perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings

The Creamy Base

The star of this Creamy Avocado Salmon Dip is undoubtedly the avocado. When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture when mashed. Avoid overripe avocados as they can lead to a dull flavor and mushy consistency. When mashed, aim for a beautiful blend of smoothness while retaining a few chunks for added texture, which enhances the overall eating experience.

In this dip, cream cheese plays a pivotal role by adding richness and a slight tang that complements the avocado. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it can blend effortlessly into the mix. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt, which will provide a similar creaminess with added protein. Just remember that Greek yogurt has a more pronounced tang, so you may need to adjust the lemon juice accordingly.

Balancing Flavors

Lemon juice is essential not only for its zesty brightness, but it also helps prevent the avocados from browning. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferable as it provides a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled varieties. If you're serving the dip later, you can even add a bit of extra lemon juice right before serving to refresh the flavor. For those who prefer a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mix, which can provide an exciting contrast to the creamy base.

Fresh dill adds an herbaceous note that elevates the other flavors of the dip. While fresh is always best, dried dill can be used in a pinch—just remember that it has a more concentrated flavor, so you need less of it. If you don't have dill, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or cilantro. Each herb will impart its own character to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Dip

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1 can (6 oz) wild-caught salmon, drained
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pita chips or fresh veggies for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Avocado

In a mixing bowl, mash the avocados until smooth but still slightly chunky.

Mix Ingredients

Add the drained salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Stir until well combined.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice or pepper to enhance the flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve with pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. This dip can also be made a few hours in advance
just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is lovely served with crispy pita chips, but it also pairs wonderfully with an array of fresh veggies. Consider slicing colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, or crunchy carrots for a vibrant platter that adds both color and nutrition. For extra flair, drizzle some olive oil or sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika over the dip prior to serving to elevate its presentation.

Consider creating a layered dip experience by serving this salmon dip with additional toppings. Chopped cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese can add delicious contrasts and textures. This not only enhances the taste but also makes the dip more visually appealing—a true showstopper for your gatherings.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Avocado Salmon Dip is an excellent make-ahead option, particularly for busy hosters. You can prepare the dip up to one day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly against the surface to limit air exposure, which can cause browning. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir, and if needed, add a splash more lemon juice to freshen it up.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Beyond that, the quality and flavor can start to fade. You can also freeze portions in a freezer-safe container, but the texture might change upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy. To enjoy it later, thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight and mix well before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to cook and flake the salmon beforehand. Canned salmon works well for convenience.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just be aware that the avocado may oxidize and change color.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make it lighter or vegan.

→ Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free, just ensure that the dippers you choose, like veggie sticks, are also gluten-free.