My smoked tuna dip recipe is quick to make and perfect for snacking by the pool. High in protein, it’s a Florida summer favorite.
If you like this recipe, check out my Mexican Tuna Salad next!
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I just got back from my favorite family vacation spot in Florida – Panama City Beach. A recipe for smoked tuna dip is seemingly on every menu there. It’s so easy to make at home and you don’t need a smoker. Perfect for snacking in the summer, especially by the pool when I’m wishing I was back in Florida.
The gulf coast has been my favorite place to relax for years. From Destin, Grayton Beach, Seaside and now to Panama City, we just love it! Sunrise 2511 is my friend’s condo and my favorite place to rent. It’s a penthouse with wraparound balcony, three bedrooms and three baths. If you’re looking for a place to vacation I highly recommend it. And if you’re trying to include more protein in your daily diet, this easy smoked tuna dip recipe will help with that!
More delicious dips
Ingredients for the best smoked tuna dip
- Tuna – In restaurants, you can find this dip made with smoked yellowfin tuna. If you have a smoker and a lot of time, by all means smoke some fresh tuna. But for testing purposes, I used albacore tuna that is packed in water. So quick and simple to make this dip with a package of store-bought tuna!
- Cream Cheese – I use whipped cream cheese because then I can easily stir the dip together by hand. You don’t have to wait for softened cream cheese like if you use a block.
- Liquid Smoke – A little liquid smoke goes a long way in this recipe.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Helps to amp up the smoky depth of flavor in this tuna dip.
- Lemon Juice – I love citrus especially lemon with any kind of fish. Serve lemon slices alongside your dip for an extra punch of flavor.
- Garlic Powder – I prefer the mild flavor of garlic powder over the strong and sometimes harsh flavor of fresh garlic.
- Smoked Paprika – More smoky flavor for the dip.
- Kosher Salt
- Variations – Add some green onions, fresh parsley, creole seasoning, chopped red onion, hot sauce and/or black pepper to customize your dip to your own tastes.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese with the lemon juice, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Stir well until completely blended together. Add the drained tuna and stir until well combined. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight before serving. Keep scrolling for my free printable recipe card.
Pro tips
- Per serving as written, this dip has 8 grams of protein. To increase the protein even more, use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth in a food processor before proceeding with the recipe.
- This is a perfect dip for summer! Just be sure to keep it cold if it’s going to be outside in the sun. Keep it in a cooler. Or here’s a chilled veggie tray for serving.
Serving suggestions
Set this dip out with saltine crackers and celery sticks or sliced bell pepper for dipping. Pita chips or tortilla chips would also be good. And it would be delicious to stuff tomatoes! Here’s some recipes to serve with this dip for easy dinner ideas –
Storage directions
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for 2-3 days. I don’t recommend freezing leftover tuna dip.
Kitchen tools
- My favorite set of mixing bowls with lids for both mixing and storage
- Small spatula, perfect for stirring
- The juicer I use in my kitchen
Smoked Tuna Dip Recipe - a Florida summer favorite
Ingredients
- 6.4 oz albacore tuna packed in water and drained
- 12 oz whipped cream cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with the lemon juice, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
- Use a small spatula to mix them until they are evenly combined.
- Add the drained tuna and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour or overnight before serving.
- Serve with saltine crackers, celery sticks and/or sliced bell pepper.
Nutrition
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