Smoked Salmon Ceviche-Style Dip with Zesty Ranch Protein Crackers

This Smoked Salmon Ceviche-Style Dip brings serious centerpiece energy without asking much of the cook. Milton's teamed up with Fishwife for this tasty recipe.

Smoky salmon meets bright lime, juicy mango, crisp cucumber and a little jalapeño heat before being folded into a cool, creamy base. It has all the colorful, citrusy energy of ceviche without any complicated prep.

Milton’s Zesty Ranch Protein Crackers are ready for every scoop. Their bold, savory flavor plays beautifully with the sweet mango, fresh cilantro and smoky richness of the salmon. Serve this easy smoked salmon dip at brunch, happy hour or any gathering that deserves something unexpectedly delicious.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Quick-Pickling Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tins smoked Atlantic salmon, drained with oil reserved
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus more for finishing
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ small red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 1 Persian cucumber, finely diced
• ½ ripe mango, finely diced
• ½ avocado, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon reserved oil from the tins, plus more for finishing
• Flaky sea salt and ground white pepper, to taste
• 16 Milton’s Zesty Ranch Protein Crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Combine the lime juice and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add the red onion and jalapeño, then let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. This lightly pickles the vegetables and softens their sharper edges.
2. Flake the smoked salmon into the bowl in generous pieces. Keep some larger pieces intact to give the finished dip plenty of texture.
3. Add the cucumber, mango, avocado, cilantro and 1 tablespoon of the reserved tin oil. Gently fold the ingredients together, taking care not to mash the avocado or salmon. Season lightly with flaky sea salt and white pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and spreadable.
5. Fold about two-thirds of the salmon mixture into the cream cheese. Stir gently so colorful pieces of mango, cucumber, avocado and herbs remain visible.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture across a shallow serving bowl or plate. Spoon the remaining salmon mixture over the top.
7. Finish with a light drizzle of reserved tin oil, a squeeze of fresh lime and a few cilantro leaves.
8. Serve immediately with Milton’s Zesty Ranch Protein Crackers for scooping.

The Secret Is in the Tin

Save that flavorful oil. Folding a spoonful into the dip carries the salmon’s smoky richness through every bite and helps bring the citrus, mango and creamy base together.

Before adding salt, taste the completed mixture. The salmon and reserved oil may already provide plenty of seasoning.

Serving Ideas

Serve this smoked salmon dip as a colorful party appetizer, an easy brunch centerpiece or part of a larger seafood snack board.

For a perfectly layered bite, scoop the creamy salmon mixture onto a Milton’s Zesty Ranch Protein Cracker, making sure to catch a little mango, cucumber and avocado along the way.

Planning a larger spread? Pair it with Milton’s Fish Charcuterie Board Ideas and Pairings for even more smoky fish, creamy toppings and fresh vegetables.

Make-Ahead Tips

The red onion and jalapeño can be diced several hours ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator.

For the freshest texture and color, assemble the dip shortly before serving. Mango and cucumber release moisture as they sit, while avocado can soften and darken over time.

Keep the Milton’s Zesty Ranch Protein Crackers separate until serving so they stay satisfyingly crisp.

More Seafood Appetizers and Shareable Bites

Keep the fresh, citrusy flavors going with more recipes made for scooping, stacking and sharing.

• Make a full Fish Charcuterie Board with Milton’s Crackers featuring smoked fish, creamy spreads, fresh vegetables and plenty of crisp pairings.
• Try this bright Crab Salad with Gluten Free Crackers, layered with cucumber, grapefruit and a creamy citrus dressing.
• Build a colorful Spring Board with Edible Goat Cheese “Paint” for another creative appetizer that looks impressive without feeling fussy.

Explore more snack inspiration in the Milton’s Recipe Collection.