Salmon Pate is a quick and easy recipe that can be as a snack or perfect to serve up at a party. Easily made with leftover salmon, there is just 4 ingredients needed and it's ready in just a couple of minutes. A creamy spread with plenty of flavour - serve it on crackers for a canapé that looks far more impressive than it is.
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This dip really has it all. It is creamy, but also light and fresh with the lemon and dill. It has plenty of flavour from the salmon and it feels like something really fancy and indulgent, but it's actually really simple to make. All you have to do is mix everything together, and it's ready in a couple of minutes. Perfect for last minute party food.
Although we love this as a snack or light lunch, this is always our go-to for a canapé. You can make part of it in advance (cooking the salmon) and then the rest can be done as your guests arrive, so it's nice and fresh. Salmon canapés always go down well.
If you are looking for some other party food recipes to try, then why not try our Cranberry Brie Bites, Paneer Tikka, Smoked Salmon Canapés, Easy Mushroom Tartlets or Mini Sausage Rolls.
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Why You Will Love It
- Delicious party food - Salmon is always a winner at a party and you can serve these on mini crackers for delicious party food.
- Ready in minutes - If the salmon is already cooked, then everything can be mixed together in a couple of minutes.
- Can be prepared in advance - You can cook the salmon the night before and then make the salmon pate when your guests arrive.
- Versatile - This can be a snack, served as a starter or as part of a larger platter.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Cooked salmon - We used leftovers from our Honey Garlic Butter Side of Salmon. You could some fresh salmon and flake it up for this recipe, or even use finely chopped smoked salmon.
- Cream cheese - We used full fat plain cream cheese as it has the most flavour. You could use a lighter cream cheese if you prefer, but it wouldn't be as creamy.
- Lemon - This really lightens up the salmon pate. Make sure it is a juicy lemon, otherwise you might need to use a whole one.
- Dill - The perfect partner to salmon. Chives or parsley would work too.
- Salt and pepper - Season to taste.
Variations
This is a really simple recipe (which is what we love about it), but there are a couple of ways that you could change it up. If you fancied something different to salmon, then you could use cooked trout or mackerel instead.
When it comes to the cream cheese, we used plain but you could use garlic and herb instead. We love dill with salmon, but chives or parsley would also work. You could also swap lemon for lime if that is all you have.
How to Make Salmon Pate
One: Put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Two: Mix well so that everything is combined.
What to Serve with Salmon Pate
There are so many different ways that you can use this salmon pate. We love spreading it on some crostini as a snack or a light meal. You could also serve it up as a starter at a dinner party. It would go really well on the side of our Epic Prawn Cocktail or alongside some Cheese Straws.
Why not take a cheese board to the next level and add some of this to it too? It also goes really well on our Grazing Platter. Basically, anything you would have pate on, you can add this salmon pate too.
Dannii's Top Tips
- You could use a mixture of cooked salmon fillet and smoked salmon to add some extra flavour. If you are using smoked salmon, then use less salt.
- If you wanted some garlic and herbs in this, then you could use a garlic and herb cream cheese.
- You could make this lighter by using half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt.
- Add a bit of smokiness with a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Add some extra crunch with finely diced red onion mixed in.
- To make this dairy free, then use a vegan cream cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is best eaten fresh, however if you do have any leftovers, then it can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for 2 days.
No, this isn't suitable for freezing.
Yes, as long as you make sure that there is no cross contamination then this is gluten free.
More Salmon Recipes
If you've tried this salmon pate recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Salmon Pate
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) Cooked salmon
- 200 g (7 oz) Cream cheese
- 0.5 Lemon - juice only
- 5 g (0.25 oz) Fresh dill - chopped
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
- Mix well so that everything is combined.
Recipe Tips
- You could use a mixture of cooked salmon fillet and smoked salmon to add some extra flavour. If you are using smoked salmon, then use less salt.
- If you wanted some garlic and herbs in this, then you could use a garlic and herb cream cheese.
- You could make this lighter by using half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt.
- Add a bit of smokiness with a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Add some extra crunch with finely diced red onion mixed in.
- To make this dairy free, then use a vegan cream cheese.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Shay says
Do you cook the salmon yourself or buy the canned salmon?
Dannii Martin says
It talks about this in the ingredients section of the post. I cook it myself.
Nancy says
My swedish mother n law made this but it had liquid smoke and a very small amount of finely diced onion in it. I missed that flavor when I made this so will add it next time
Sandra Pfeiffer says
When you make this, how long does it last? Can you freeze it for later use?
Dannii Martin says
In the FAQ section there is a part about storage and freezing. 2 days in the fridge and it can't be frozen.
Mary says
Please can I freeze the pate how long doe it last in the refrigerator
Dannii Martin says
No, this isn't suitable for freezing. There is a section in the FAQs about this.
Ann says
Very easy recipe. The flavours are a little too subtle as a dip. You taste the dill and cream cheese. Maybe works better with smoked salmon.
Paul says
I just had some with spaghetti as a light ragu. It was delicious!
Jovita says
Salmon pate is always a favorite of mine. Made this for a party this weekend! Everyone loved it, and can't wait to make it again!
Jill says
Such a perfect recipe for leftover salmon. Definitely going to make this soon.
Biana says
Salmon pate looks like such a fun appetizer! Great for New Years.
Claudia Lamascolo says
The whole family enjoyed these flavors and salmon is a favorite a great recipe and will make again!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Perfect for Hogmanay with some crackers Happy New Year when it comes xx