Easy Christmas Tree Appetizer with Salmon Dip
The holiday season is the perfect time to bring fun and creativity to your table, and this Salmon Dip Christmas Tree makes it simple, delicious, and a memorable addition. With its rich, smoky salmon flavor blended into a creamy dip, this recipe feels a little fancy while still being easy to prepare.
You’ll love how the spread can be arranged into a festive tree shape, topped with cheese snowflakes, bright herbs, and crackers for the “trunk.” It’s not just food—it’s a centerpiece that gets people talking while they snack.
Whether served with breadsticks, pita chips, or fresh veggies, this dip offers something everyone can enjoy. The best part is you can prepare it ahead of time, so all that’s left is assembling before guests arrive.
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Equipment You Will Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Cookie cutters (snowflake shapes)
- Blender or food processor
- Lemon zester or peeler
- Citrus juicer
- Sharp knife
- Teaspoon
- Christmas Tree wooden serving board
Salmon Dip Christmas Tree
The Salmon Dip Christmas Tree is a creamy appetizer made with rich smoked salmon and smooth cream cheese. Shaped into a festive tree and topped with herbs, cheese snowflakes, and colorful garnishes, it’s both a centerpiece and a snack. Serve with crackers, toast, or veggies for a holiday treat that’s fun and elegant.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 cup Philadelphia cream cheese or similar
3–4 ounces cold-smoked salmon
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 lemon
1/4 cup olives or pickles
2–3 sprigs dill
A few green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup crackers
2 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Use cookie cutters to create the cheese snowflakes. Place a slice of cheese on a board and shape into small snowflakes. Use the remaining cheese for the dip.
- Place the cream cheese, remaining cheddar, olives, and chopped dill in a blender. Zest the lemon with a lemon peeler. Pour the lemon juice into the blender. Set aside some smoked salmon, and add the remaining fish to the blender. Blend the dip until smooth.
- Place a tree trunk on a board in the shape of a Christmas tree with stick crackers. Using a teaspoon, spoon the dip into the bottom of the board, forming tiers of the tree.
- Fill the board completely. Arrange the smoked salmon pieces. Add star crackers and decorations. Sprinkle the dip with lemon zest and arrange the cheese snowflakes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve. Serve with breadsticks, crackers, or pita chips. Healthy eaters can enjoy the dip with vegetable sticks and whole grain bread.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
Step-By-Step Process
This Salmon Dip Christmas Tree is a standout choice for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or festive potlucks where you want something both fun and flavorful. Serve it alongside other seasonal bites for a spread guests will remember long after the party. Don’t miss more party food recipes and roundups on my blog for plenty of holiday inspiration.
If you loved this recipe, try Cranberry Turkey Pinwheels or Sweet Christmas Tree Charcuterie. You can also explore my collection of Christmas Charcuterie Boards for even more festive entertaining.
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