This creamy, savory carrot spread is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, especially Easter, and features smoked salmon as the base. In this recipe, I’ll share how to make this easy appetizer that's guaranteed to be the star of your next party.
This carrot spread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can use it as a dip for your favorite vegetables or as a spread for sandwiches and canapes. Its vibrant color and incredible flavor also make it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of simple appetizers.
If you enjoy this carrot spread recipe, you'll also love my smoked salmon canapes. These elegant appetizers feature a creamy smoked salmon mixture atop a crispy bread base.
For a simple, tasty canape, try my turkey bites. And if you're in the mood for something light and refreshing, my cucumber bites are the perfect choice.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. With a food processor, you can have the spread ready in no time.
- Classic Flavors: The combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs is a classic that never fails to impress.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a party or a family gathering, this carrot spread will definitely impress your guests.
- Versatile: This spread can be served in multiple ways - as a dip with crackers, as a sandwich filling, or even as a canape topping, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
- Beautiful Presentation: This spread is shaped and garnished to look like a carrot, making it a stunning centerpiece for your appetizer table.
Key Ingredients
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this carrot spread recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Smoked Salmon: The star of our recipe, it brings a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the other ingredients.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy base to our spread, balancing out the flavors of the smoked salmon and herbs.
- Greek Yogurt: Brings a tangy note to the spread, compliments the other flavors and adds a hint of freshness.
- Homemade Mayonnaise: It enhances the creaminess of the spread and adds a subtle richness. I’ve used homemade mayonnaise but you can also use store-bought.
- Fresh Dill: Adds a fresh, herby flavor that compliments the smoked salmon beautifully.
- Green Onion: Brings a mild, savory flavor and a bit of texture to the spread.
How to Make Carrot Spread
Making this incredible carrot spread is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Blend Smoked Salmon
Blend smoked salmon: Use a food processor to blend the smoked salmon. You want it to be finely chopped for a smooth consistency in your spread.
Add cream cheese and spices: Add the smoked salmon to a bowl along with the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients together until they are well combined and have a smooth texture.
Mix and Shape
Add dill and chives: Next, add the cut dill and chives to the mixture. Mix these in well using a spoon. These herbs will add a fresh, savory flavor to your carrot spread.
Shape, cover, and refrigerate: Transfer all the mixture onto a large rectangular serving platter and shape it into a carrot. Grated cheese can be used to top the salmon spread neatly.
Prepare and add garnish: Rinse parsley and pat dry with a paper towel. Then trim the stems, secure them with a clean rubber band, and insert it into the top of the carrot cheese spread. This will give it a realistic carrot look.
Chill the spread in the fridge: Make sure to chill the spread in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. It can also be prepared and refrigerated a day in advance. Cover and seal it with plastic food wrap to prevent parsley from dying and cheese from drying.
Serve: This delicious carrot spread can be served with crackers, the perfect dip for these crunchy snacks.
Tips for Making the Best Carrot Spread
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For this carrot spread recipe, opt for wild smoked salmon for a robust flavor. Always use fresh parsley for the decorative touch. The quality of your ingredients will shine through in the final product.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before blending. This will guarantee a smooth and creamy texture for your carrot spread. Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
- Allow Time to Refrigerate: Refrigerating the spread for at least 2 hours before serving is essential. This time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive spread. It can even be made and refrigerated a day in advance.
Serving Suggestions
- Looking for a light lunch? Spread this delicious carrot dip on a slice of dark rye bread and top it off with a few slices of fresh cucumber. The crispness of the cucumber compliments the rich, smoky flavor of the salmon spread.
- For a classy dinner party appetizer, serve this carrot dip on a rectangular serving platter surrounded by a variety of crackers. Guests can help themselves to this creamy, flavorful spread as they mingle.
- If you're hosting a casual get-together, this carrot spread also makes a perfect pair with a glass of white wine. The smooth texture of the spread and the tangy flavor of the wine complement each other beautifully.
- This versatile carrot dip can also be used as a base for a delicious sandwich. Simply spread a generous amount of the dip on a slice of bread, add some fresh vegetables, and you have a tasty and unique sandwich.
Recipe Variation Ideas
This delicious carrot spread recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
- Herby: If you're a fan of fresh, vibrant flavors, this variation is for you. Simply add a quarter cup of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, and chives, to the carrot spread mixture. This will give your carrot spread a refreshing and aromatic twist that's perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
- Spicy: For those who like a bit of heat, try the spicy variation. Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carrot spread mixture. This will give your spread a spicy twist that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
- Nutty: If you're a fan of nutty flavors, you can add a unique twist to this carrot spread recipe by including a handful of finely chopped walnuts. The walnuts will add a delicious crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to the spread, making it perfect for serving on crostini or crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can easily substitute the wild smoked salmon with other types of smoked fish, such as trout or mackerel. Just make sure the fish is deboned and flaked before blending.
This carrot spread pairs well with a variety of crackers. However, for a sturdy base that won't overpower the flavor of the spread, I recommend using whole wheat or rye crackers.
If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender or even a hand mixer. The goal is to achieve a smooth, well-blended consistency for the salmon before adding the other ingredients.
While you can serve the spread immediately, I highly recommend refrigerating it for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive spread.
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for your creativity. You can add capers for a briny twist or lemon zest for a refreshing flavor. Just make sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly to balance the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store: Leftover carrot spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually meld and improve after a day or two, so it's a great make-ahead appetizer for your next gathering.
- Freeze: I would not recommend freezing this carrot spread. The texture of the vegetables and dairy-based ingredients can change significantly upon thaw, and not in a desirable way.
Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Pinecone Cheese Spread Appetizer
- Carrot and Cheese Canapés Appetizers
- Carrot Cupcakes with Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
- Healthier Homemade Carrot Cake
- Smoked Salmon Canapés
Recipe Card
Carrot Spread with Smoked Salmon (Easy Appetizer)
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cheese Spread
- 8 oz. - wild smoked Salmon
- 16 oz. - softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup - Greek yogurt plain
- ¼ cup - homemade mayonnaise
- ¼ tsp. -sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp. - black ground pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup - fresh dill
- ½ cup - green onion (chopped)
For Carrot Cheese Spread Decor
- 1 bunch - fresh organic parsley
- 4 oz. - freshly grated cheddar cheese freshly grated
Instructions
How to Make Carrot Spread
- Blend smoked salmon: Use a food processor to blend the smoked salmon. You want it to be finely chopped for a smooth consistency in your spread.
- Add cream cheese and spices: Add the smoked salmon to a bowl along with the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients together until they are well combined and have a smooth texture.
Mix and Shape
- Add dill and chives: Next, add the cut dill and chives to the mixture. Mix these in well using a spoon. These herbs will add a fresh, savory flavor to your carrot spread.
- Shape, cover, and refrigerate: Transfer all the mixture onto a large rectangular serving platter and shape it into a carrot. Grated cheese can be used to top the salmon spread neatly.
- Prepare and add garnish: Rinse parsley and pat dry with a paper towel. Then trim the stems, secure them with a clean rubber band, and insert it into the top of the carrot cheese spread. This will give it a realistic carrot look.
- Chill the spread in the fridge: Make sure to chill the spread in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. It can also be prepared and refrigerated a day in advance. Cover and seal it with plastic food wrap to prevent parsley from dying and cheese from drying.
- Serve: This delicious carrot spread can be served with crackers, the perfect dip for these crunchy snacks.
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Mary says
How adorable! The cutest thing I've ever seen!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you Mary! 🙂
Vika says
How beautiful and so creative! I will be making it for Easter for sure. Thank you!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you very much Vika. It tastes delicious too. Enjoy! Thank you for stopping by and commenting 🙂