Dairy Free Smoked Salmon Dip – Made with Cashew Cream

Learn how to transform a classic party dip into a dairy free delight with this recipe for dairy free smoked salmon dip! Made without cream cheese or mayo and SO MUCH FLAVOR, this dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering – with a creamy texture and an irresistibly bold ingredients that will keep your guests coming back for bite after bite.

The best dairy free smoked salmon dip

I try not to play favorites but I might have to call this smoked salmon dip as my MVP of the year. It’s that good!!

Homemade versions of classic comfort food dips is one of my favorite things to make right now.

And just like the recipes for Dairy Free French Onion Dip, Dairy Free Dill Pickle Dip, and Dairy Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip, this smoked salmon dip is so delightfully creamy and flavorful you won’t even miss the dairy!

Raw cashews are the main ingredient in the creamy base, because out of all the non-dairy substitutes I’ve tried it has the best consistency and mildest flavor that lends itself well to adding other ingredients!

I tested this recipe soo many times to make sure the ratio of ingredients in the creamy cashew base is perfect and closely replicates the consistency you would get if you made a traditional smoked salmon dip with cream cheese. I also tested variations of the add-ins to make sure the flavor is well balanced and unforgettable!

The end result is something I’m so proud to share with you!

Recipe features

• A unique and mouth-watering snack. It’s the perfect appetizer to make and share at your next party, picnic, or even just a lovely dip to have on hand in the refrigerator and enjoy with your favorite crackers and veggies.
• A breeze to make and totally customizable. Not only is it quick and easy to make, it’s also versatile and customizable, so you can modify it to your heart’s content.
• Made with the best ingredients. No dairy, no gluten, and no processed ingredients means it’s a recipe that you’ll feel good about serving to all your friends and family.

What is smoked salmon dip?

Smoked salmon dip is a creamy, savory dip that’s perfect for serving with crackers or vegetables as an appetizer. The star ingredient, of course, is smoked salmon, which adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy creaminess of the dip.

Traditional versions of this dip often include cream cheese or sour cream, but for our dairy-free version, we’ll be substituting raw cashews for that same creamy texture.

We’ll also be adding in some fresh herbs and lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the smokiness of the salmon PERFECTLY.

Ingredients and substitutions

You can find the full list of ingredients, along with measurements, in the recipe card below. These are my ingredient notes and recommendations for easy swaps and substitutions!

To make this dip, all it takes is a few pantry friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Raw cashews

Raw cashews are a key ingredient, as they provide a creamy texture without the need for dairy. Be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes before blending to ensure a smooth consistency.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dip and helps to balance out the richness of the cashews and salmon.

Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast adds a rich cheese-like flavor without the use of any dairy. If you don’t have any on hand it can be left out!

Coconut aminos

Coconut aminos are typically used as a substitute for soy sauce. In this recipe they provide a savory, slightly sweet umami-rich flavor. Gluten free tamari is a good substitute if that’s all you have on hand.

Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

These seasonings add depth of flavor and help and help balance out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Hot smoked salmon

Hot smoked salmon is the star of the show! Look for high-quality, sustainably sourced salmon for the best flavor. Cold smoked salmon can also be used, but it will alter the texture of the dip because it’s softer in texture. See the section below for the differences between the two types.

Capers, red Onion, fresh dill

These ingredients add texture and flavor. Because we’re all about big flavors! Capers provide a briny pop, red onion adds a nice bite, and fresh dill brings a bright, herbaceous note. Red onions can be substituted with thinly sliced green onion or finely minced shallot. Omit onions all together if you’re not a fan. Fresh parsley or chives can be used instead of dill!

Garnishes – everything bagel seasoning, capers, fresh dill, and red onion

Garnishes are the finishing touch that takes this dip to the next level. Everything bagel seasoning supplies a salty, savory crunch, while capers, fresh dill, and red onion add pops of color and flavor.

Hot smoked salmon vs. cold smoked salmon

These two types of smoked salmon differ in the way they are prepared and the resulting texture and flavor.

Cold smoked salmon is prepared by curing the fish with salt, sugar, and other seasonings before smoking it in a low temperature for several hours. This process does not cook the salmon, but rather preserves it and gives it a delicate, silky texture and a subtle smoky flavor. This type of salmon is typically sliced thin and served as a topping on bagels or salads.

On the other hand, hot smoked salmon is cooked through a process of smoking the fish at higher temperatures until it is fully cooked. The result is a flaky, firmer texture and a more intense smoky flavor. Hot smoked salmon can be served on its own as a main course or used as an ingredient in various dishes that require fully cooked fish.

Both cold smoked and hot smoked salmon have their unique flavor profiles and can be used interchangeably in recipes; however in this recipe, I recommend using hot smoked salmon, as the firm and dry texture is a better match for the creamy cashew base. 

How to make dairy free smoked salmon dip

With a small amount of prep work, making this dip is a breeze!

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Soak the cashews.

In a medium-sized heatproof bowl cover cashews with just boiled water. Allow to soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. While cashews are soaking you can prep and measure the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Make the cashew cream base.

Drain cashews thoroughly and add to blender with water, lemon juice, coconut aminos, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Blend on high until smooth and creamy. When done, there should be no pieces of cashew remaining and it should be the texture of sour cream.

Step 3: Add remaining ingredients and chill.

Transfer the cashew cream mixture to a large bowl and mix in smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and fresh dill.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes or up to overnight. Dip will thicken and the flavors will deepen once chilled.

In the images below you can see what the dip looks like before and after chilling.

Step 4: Garnish and serve.

Garnish with extra capers, red onion, chives, dill, and everything bagel seasoning before serving.

Serving suggestions

While crackers and chips are a classic pairing, don’t hesitate to get creative with your dipping options! Vegetables like celery, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers offer a refreshing crunch that perfectly compliments the richness of the salmon.

It would also be delicious as a spread for a toasted bagel, or on a veggie packed sandwich!

These are our favorite gluten free crackers to serve with dips like this one!

Once you’ve chosen your perfect dipping options, it’s time to enjoy! But how long will your dip stay fresh?

How long is smoked salmon dip good for?

The dip should last up to five days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. But it’s probably best to eat it within two to three days for the best taste and texture.

If you plan to serve the dip at a party or gathering, it can be made the day before and stored it in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. I would suggest waiting to add the garnishes until just before serving.

Note: If the dip separates a bit during storage, just give it a good stir to re-incorporate everything before serving!

If you enjoyed this recipe, we’d love it if you would take 5 seconds to rate and review it below! It’s also super helpful for other readers if you share any modifications you made to the recipe. 

And thank you for sharing your kitchen with NK. We’re so grateful you’re here!

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