Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 4 oz (115 g) smoked salmon, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• 2 green onions, finely sliced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts (for coating)

• Optional: capers or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Mix the Cheese Base
   In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Flavor
   Stir in smoked salmon, dill, green onions, and a little salt and pepper.
   Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

3. Form the Cheese Ball
   Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball or log.
   Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up.

4. Coat and Garnish
   Spread the chopped nuts on a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the nuts until fully coated.
   Garnish with extra dill or a few smoked salmon strips for presentation.

5. Serve
   Serve with crackers, cucumber slices, toasted baguette rounds, or celery sticks.