Creamy Salmon Pâté with Lemon
This creamy salmon pâté with lemon is a light and flavorful spread that combines the richness of salmon with the bright, zesty taste of lemon. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, crackers, or as part of a fresh, summery appetizer platter.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cooked salmon fillet (or canned salmon, drained and flaked)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Salmon: If using fresh salmon, cook the fillet by baking, poaching, or steaming until fully cooked. Let it cool, then flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork, removing any skin and bones.
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Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the flaked salmon, cream cheese, butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Add Seasonings: Add the chopped dill, capers (if using), salt, and pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
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Chill the Pâté: Transfer the pâté to a serving dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the pâté to firm up slightly.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon slices. Serve the salmon pâté chilled with crackers, toast points, or fresh vegetables.
Tips:
- Salmon Options: You can use smoked salmon for a richer, more intense flavor, or a mix of cooked and smoked salmon for a balanced taste.
- Texture: For a chunkier pâté, pulse the mixture less in the food processor or fold in some of the flaked salmon by hand after blending.
- Capers: The capers add a nice briny flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can omit them or replace them with finely chopped pickles.
