Are you searching for new Smoked Salmon Recipes to add to your collection? You have come to the right place. There is something truly special about the combination of cool, silky smoked fish and rich, creamy cheese.
We often see this pairing on bagels, but it works beautifully in other formats too. This whipped ricotta platter takes those classic flavors and turns them into a shareable dip that feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple to make.
If you need a Smoked Salmon Appetizer that requires zero cooking, this is it. It comes together in just a few minutes using a food processor. The result is a light, airy spread that looks stunning on a table.
You can serve this for brunch, a casual lunch, or even as part of a light Smoked Salmon Dinner with a big salad on the side. It is versatile and always hits the spot.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish quickly becomes a favorite because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Unlike some complicated Smoked Salmon Recipes that require baking or precise timing, this one is forgiving and fast.
You just blend the cheeses and pile on the toppings. It is that easy. The texture is what makes it stand out. Whipping the ricotta with cream cheese creates a cloud like consistency that is easy to scoop.
It is also visually beautiful. The pink salmon, bright green dill, and purple red onion create a colorful display that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Another reason to love this is its flexibility. It works as a Smoked Salmon Appetizer for a party or a personal snack. You can adjust the toppings to suit your taste, making it one of the most adaptable Smoked Salmon Ideas out there.
It captures the essence of an everything bagel with lox but without the heavy bread. This makes it a lighter option that leaves you feeling satisfied but not weighed down.
Finally, it is a budget friendly way to stretch a luxury ingredient. Smoked salmon can be pricey. By serving it as a topping on a rich cheese base, a small amount feeds a whole group.
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make one of the tastiest Smoked Salmon Recipes. The list is short and focuses on fresh, quality items.
- 2 cups 16 ounces whole milk ricotta
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 ounces smoked salmon (chopped)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1/2 of a large lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Bagel crisps (for serving)
- Cucumber slices (for serving)
Make sure your cream cheese is truly soft before you start. This ensures the mixture is smooth and lump free. Using whole milk ricotta is also key for the best texture.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Smoked Salmon Appetizer is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect whipped consistency.
Step 1: Whip The Cheese Base
Grab your food processor. Add the ricotta, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and kosher salt into the bowl. Secure the lid.
Pulse the mixture a few times to get it going. Then, let it process continuously for about one to two minutes.
You want the mixture to look incredibly smooth and creamy. If you see any lumps of cream cheese, keep blending. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.
Step 2: Spread Onto Platter
Once the cheese mixture is light and airy, scoop it out of the processor. Choose a wide serving platter or a shallow bowl.
Spread the whipped cheese across the platter. Use the back of a spoon to create little swoops and swirls. These little pockets will hold the toppings and olive oil nicely.
Step 3: Add The Toppings
Now comes the fun part. Scatter the chopped smoked salmon evenly over the whipped cheese.
Follow with the thinly sliced red onion and capers. Make sure to drain the capers well so they do not water down the cheese.
Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top for a bright pop of citrus aroma. Dust everything with the everything bagel seasoning.
Finally, garnish generously with the chopped fresh dill. The green color really pops against the white cheese and pink salmon.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
Place lemon wedges around the edge of the platter or in a small bowl nearby. Arrange your bagel crisps and cucumber slices for dipping.
Serve immediately while the cheese is fresh and cool. This is one of those Smoked Salmon Recipes that looks impressive but takes almost no time to plate.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you can save them for later. However, this dish is best enjoyed fresh because the toppings can sometimes release moisture.
To store it, transfer the dip into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days.
You might notice a little liquid separating from the cheese after it sits. This is normal for ricotta. Just give it a gentle stir before eating it again.
Since the bagel seasoning contains salt and garlic, it might soften slightly in the fridge. That is okay; the flavor will still be great.
Do not freeze this dip. Ricotta and cream cheese textures change drastically when frozen and thawed, becoming grainy and watery.
For the best experience with leftovers, you might want to add a fresh sprinkle of dill or a squeeze of lemon juice to wake up the flavors.
Tips
Creating the perfect Smoked Salmon Appetizer relies on a few simple tricks. First, quality matters. Since there are so few ingredients, try to buy a good quality smoked salmon and fresh ricotta.
Drain your ricotta if it seems very wet. Excess liquid can make the dip runny instead of fluffy. You can let it sit in a strainer for ten minutes if needed.
Temperature is crucial for the cream cheese. If it is too cold, it will not blend smoothly with the ricotta. Leave it on the counter for at least thirty minutes before starting.
When slicing the red onion, try to get it paper thin. Big chunks of raw onion can be overpowering. You can also rinse the onion slices in cold water to tame their bite.
Feel free to get creative with Smoked Salmon Ideas for dippers. While bagel crisps are classic, crackers, crostini, or even bell pepper strips work well too.
If you cannot find everything bagel seasoning, you can make a quick version. Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt.
For a lighter version, you could use low fat cream cheese, but the texture might be slightly less silky. The whole milk ricotta really helps with the richness.
This dish is great for parties because you can whip the cheese mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and add the toppings right before guests arrive.
If you love heat, consider adding a few red pepper flakes on top. It adds a nice contrast to the cool, creamy dairy.
Always taste your cheese base before plating. Depending on your brand of ricotta, you might want a pinch more salt or lemon juice.
Conclusion
This whipped ricotta platter is truly one of the most delightful Smoked Salmon Recipes you can make at home. It combines the comfort of a bagel and cream cheese with the elegance of a restaurant appetizer.
Whether you are hosting a brunch, looking for Smoked Salmon Dinner sides, or just want a tasty snack, this recipe delivers. It is fast, fresh, and full of flavor.
The mix of textures—creamy cheese, chewy salmon, and crunchy onions—makes every bite interesting. Plus, it is so easy to customize with your favorite dippers.
Next time you are browsing for Smoked Salmon Ideas, remember this simple dip. It requires minimal effort but offers maximum reward.
Give it a try for your next gathering. Your guests will likely ask for the recipe, and you can tell them how simple it really is.
FAQ
Can I Make This Without A Food Processor?
Yes, you can. You can use an electric hand mixer to whip the ricotta and cream cheese. It might take a minute longer to get it perfectly smooth.
What Kind Of Smoked Salmon Should I Use?
Cold smoked salmon (often called lox) is best for this recipe. It has a silky texture that pairs well with the dip. Hot smoked salmon is flaky and works too, but the texture will be different.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
The dip itself is gluten free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten free crackers or cucumber slices instead of bagel crisps.
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead Of Ricotta?
You can swap ricotta for thick Greek yogurt, but the flavor will be tangier. The texture will also be slightly less fluffy than whipped ricotta.
How Long Can This Sit Out?
Since it contains dairy and fish, it should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. If it is a hot day, keep it out for only one hour.
Can I Add Other Herbs?
Absolutely. Chives, parsley, or even fresh basil can be great additions if you do not like dill. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors.
Whipped Ricotta Platter with Smoked Salmon
This simple whipped ricotta platter transforms classic smoked salmon and cream cheese flavors into an elegant, shareable dip. It’s incredibly easy to make with zero cooking, perfect for a fast appetizer or light meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a food processor, combine the ricotta, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Process for 1-2 minutes until very smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Scoop the whipped cheese onto a wide serving platter or shallow bowl, creating swoops with the back of a spoon.
- Evenly scatter the chopped smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, and drained capers over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning, and fresh dill.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, bagel crisps, and cucumber slices for dipping.
Notes
Ensure your cream cheese is truly soft for a lump-free, smooth mixture.
If your ricotta is very wet, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for 10 minutes to prevent a runny dip.
Slice the red onion as thin as possible to avoid overpowering bites; rinsing slices in cold water can also tame their sharpness.
For a lighter dip, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly less silky.
The cheese mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add toppings just before serving.
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt to create your own.
You can use an electric hand mixer to whip the ricotta and cream cheese if you don’t have a food processor.
Always taste your cheese base before plating and adjust salt or lemon juice to your preference.
Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a subtle heat.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
