What better way to use leftover smoked tuna than in smoked tuna dip? Creamy, smoky, and satisfying are not enough words to describe it. This easy, elegant, and rich spread is perfect for your favorite crackers, chips, and vegetable crudites.
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I recently shared my smoked tuna recipe, and it’s a good thing I hid one of the steaks in the fridge when we were taking pictures. While this recipe will work with canned tuna and liquid smoke, it’s just not the same as tuna fresh from the smoker.
It turns out that everyone else was glad I thought to save one for later. Because when we set out the loaded charcuterie board the next day while watching football, that dip was one of the first things to disappear.
Making the Best Tuna Dip
The key to any award-winning dip is starting with quality ingredients. Smoking your own tuna is ideal, but if you need to go with a can, white albacore works best. A balanced ratio of mayo and cream cheese provides a creamy base with a light tang.
We add brightness with lemon juice, umami with Worcestershire sauce, and a little texture with diced green onions. The spoonful of diced celery and red bell pepper for a little texture is optional but oh so good.
How to Make Smoked Tuna Dip
- Flake the tuna, then blend all the ingredients with a hand mixer until it reaches the preferred texture (some like it chunkier, and others creamier). Take a taste, and adjust seasonings to preference.
Recipe Notes
- Replace the mayo with the same amount of Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie (and more acidic) version.
- For a more vibrant and chunky dip, add diced red bell peppers, diced celery, and minced red onion.
- Add a little horseradish sauce, wasabi, or hot mustard to really spice it up.
- Crumbled bacon sprinkled on top of the dip adds more fun.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Makeovers
This dip is really good the next day. It will last 3-5 days if kept cold in the fridge. Leftovers go particularly well slathered on fresh bread for a great back-to-school sandwich the next day, smeared on bagels for a fast breakfast, or turned into a tuna melt on steroids.
What to Serve With Smoked Tuna Dip
This dip goes great on saltine crackers; taro, tortilla, and pita chips; and fresh veggies. And we always include it on a charcuterie board when entertaining.
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By Imma