Salmon Mousse with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Introduction
This silky Salmon Mousse is a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that requires only a few ingredients. Its creamy texture and bright lemon-dill flavor make it perfect for parties or a simple snack.

Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 8 ounces smoked salmon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons dill (finely chopped, plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill to a food processor.
- Step 2: Blend the mixture until smooth, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed for even blending.
- Step 3: Chill the mousse until ready to serve. Serve cold over cucumbers, crackers, small toasts, bagel chips, or vegetables.
- Step 4: If serving on cucumber slices, transfer the mousse to a pastry bag and pipe it neatly onto each slice. Garnish with extra dill before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, let the cream cheese soften fully at room temperature before blending.
- Add a splash of crème fraîche or sour cream for extra creaminess and tang.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch—reduce quantity to one teaspoon.
- Try adding a teaspoon of horseradish for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store the salmon mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and bring it to a cool room temperature to enhance the flavors. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon?
This recipe works best with smoked salmon for its flavor and texture. Using fresh salmon would require cooking and may change the mousse’s consistency and taste.
How long should I blend the ingredients?
Blend for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If your processor is smaller, pause and scrape down the sides occasionally to ensure even blending.
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Salmon Mousse with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This creamy and flavorful Salmon Mousse is a simple and elegant appetizer made with just four main ingredients. Blended smooth with cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh lemon juice and zest, and dill, it makes a perfect cold spread for crackers, toasts, cucumbers, or bagel chips. Ready in minutes, it’s ideal for entertaining or a light snack that’s both impressive and delicious.
Ingredients
Salmon Mousse Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 ounces smoked salmon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill to a food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps.
- Serve Chilled: Transfer the mousse to a serving dish or a pastry bag if piping onto cucumber slices. Keep the mousse cold until ready to serve.
- Presentation: Serve the salmon mousse cold over cucumbers, crackers, small toasts, bagel chips, or vegetables. Garnish with additional chopped dill for a fresh flavor and appealing look.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier blending.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for acidity.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor; dried dill can be used but should be adjusted accordingly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This mousse can be piped onto cucumber slices or other bite-sized bases for a fancy appetizer presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salmon mousse, smoked salmon appetizer, cream cheese spread, easy appetizer, party appetizer, low lactose appetizer