Atlantic salmon is a weekly staple for us when it comes to healthy eating. (I’ll write another post about why this is my favorite!) Salmon is a tasty fish that can be cooked in a number of different ways, whether you buy it fresh or frozen.
Leftover salmon from the day before is delicious protein source. I think eating cold salmon is the best way to enjoy it because it’s easier, tastes better, and doesn’t smell like fish! Read on, and I’ll explain
I like to meal prep salmon because it stays good in the fridge and can be used in a lot of simple recipes. Two or three extra pieces of fresh salmon are something I like to cook so I can eat them all week. But eating plain cold salmon every day can get boring fast. I’ve found many easy and tasty ways to eat cold salmon that I save over the years, so I never get bored with it.
This post will show you 10 of my favorite ways to use up cold-cooked salmon fillets. This will help you make your weekly meal prep more interesting and fun. With some imagination, you can make quick, healthy meals and snacks that the whole family will love with salmon that you have left over.
1. Salmon Salad
One of the easiest ways to eat cold salmon is to make a simple salmon salad I like to break the cooked salmon into bite-size flakes and combine it with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, celery, onion, hardboiled egg and fresh dill For extra crunch you can add some chopped nuts or seed mix. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy scooped onto a bed of lettuce or stuffed into a pita pocket or wrap. It makes for a satisfying work lunch or weekend picnic meal.
2. Salmon Cakes
Leftover salmon also works great in homemade salmon cakes or patties. Simply mix together cold flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, lemon zest fresh parsley and seasonings of your choice. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Enjoy as is or served on a bun with all the fixings for a delicious salmon burger. The cakes freeze well too so you can stock up for quick weeknight meals.
3. Loaded Baked Potato
Baked potatoes make the perfect vessel for loaded-up leftovers. To give your cold salmon new life, top a hot baked potato with flaked salmon, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, snipped chives and bacon bits or crispy prosciutto. The combination of warm potato and creamy cool salmon is so satisfying. It’s an easy way to get extra veggies too by piling on broccoli florets, sautéed spinach or asparagus.
4. Salmon Avocado Toast
For a quick breakfast or snack, try smashing some cold salmon onto toasted whole grain bread or bagel halves along with mashed avocado, lemon juice, red onion and everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds. It combines creamy, hearty and crunchy textures all in one open-faced toast. I like to make a batch of salmon toast when I have friends over for weekend brunch. It’s simple but feels fancy.
5. Salmon Rice Bowl
Turn leftover salmon into a easy grain bowl for lunch. Cook up your favorite whole grains like quinoa, farro or brown rice. Then pile scoops of the cold salmon over top along with sautéed or roasted veggies, greens, toasted nuts and seeds, avocado and a drizzle of vinaigrette. You can get really creative with mix-ins and toppings to keep your salmon grain bowls feeling fresh all week long.
6. Baked Salmon Dip
Here’s another yummy way to eat cold salmon that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser Make a dip by mixing together flaked salmon with cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish, top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve the hot creamy dip with veggie sticks, crackers or bagel chips for dipping. It’s a super easy appetizer for parties and game day snacks.
7. Salmon Chowder
Chowders and bisques are such a comforting way to use up leftovers. To make an simple salmon corn chowder, sauté diced onion, celery and potatoes in olive oil. Then add broth, milk, corn kernels and your cold flaked salmon. Simmer until the potatoes are fork tender then finish with a swirl of heavy cream. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. You can also make a creamy salmon chowder using your favorite veggies like leeks, carrots and cauliflower.
8. Salmon Fried Rice
Stir fries and fried rice dishes make great vessels for leftover proteins. To add some extra protein to fried rice, simply throw in some chopped or flaked cold salmon along with the veggies. The salmon pairs perfectly with classic fried rice flavors like ginger, garlic, scallions, peas, carrots and eggs. A drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil finishes it off. Enjoy this salmon fried rice bowl on its own or wrapped up in lettuce leaves or seaweed sheets.
9. Salmon Tacos
Give Taco Tuesday a boost of protein by stuffing corn tortillas with leftover salmon. Simply break up the cold cooked salmon into large chunks and pieces. Then fill warmed tortillas with the salmon, shredded cabbage, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime wedges and your favorite taco sauce. Quick-pickled onions also make a great tangy, crunchy topper. The fresh flavors and textures pair so nicely with the rich salmon.
10. Salmon Salad Sandwich
Lastly, one of the easiest ways to enjoy cold leftover salmon is between two slices of bread for a satisfying sandwich. Layer flaky salmon, greens, tomato slices and sliced cucumber on whole grain or sourdough bread. Spread on some cream cheese, mustard or hummus to make it extra creamy and flavorful. For an extra crunch, add sliced radish, sprouts or pickled veggies. Enjoy this salmon sandwich for lunch with veggie sticks and fruit on the side.
How to store cooked salmon properly
Storing leftover salmon properly is crucial to ensure food safety and to maximize its shelf life. Let salmon cool to room temperature after cooking it before putting it in a container that won’t let air in or tightly wrapping it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days.
The fastest way to prepare salmon
I used to use my toaster oven or a 400 F oven to roast fresh salmon or salmon that had been frozen. Using a paper towel to soak up any extra water, I would coat the fish in a little olive oil spray, season it with Seasonello, and put lemon slices on top. Then I would roast it for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how thick it is. That is still a great way to cook salmon, and I still use it when I’m cooking for a big group. But on a normal weeknight, time is of the essence.
The above method looks pretty quick and easy, but I don’t have time for that right now, and this is BY FAR my favorite way to cook salmon. Plus, my husband likes it too.
- Take a 6–8-ounce frozen salmon fillet out of its packaging and put it right into an air fryer set to 400F.
- Add salt, pepper, or Seasonello to the olive oil spray, and then add lemon slices on top.
- Cook for 14 minutes (from frozen) and serve!!
- When salmon is done, it should be opaque and golden, and a food thermometer should read 145 F inside.
That’s a pretty high temperature for cooking. The outside gets some color to make it look good, and the inside is flaky and moist.
One extra piece of salmon for lunch the next day is something I always try to make when I cook three salmon fillets at once.
Cold smoked vs hot smoked salmon (The difference!)
FAQ
Is cold leftover salmon good?
How do you eat cold cut salmon?
How do you eat leftover salmon?
What to eat with salmon?
Here’s another one of our quick sides to go with salmon: the best broccoli! It’s bright green and crisp tender, served with red onion, olive oil, and feta cheese crumbles. If you prefer, try Sauteed Broccoli, Instant Pot Broccoli, or Roasted Broccoli instead. Or go for broccoli’s elegant cousin: this Perfect Roasted Broccolini!
Is eating salmon beneficial?
Salmon is beneficial for health and is part of a healthy and balanced diet. Salmon has vitamin D, healthy fats, calcium, selenium, iodine, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein.
What to eat with cold poached salmon?
The flavour of a cold poached salmon on its own along with the saute of vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots are preferred by a lot of people over covering it up with sauces. This recipe will work great with any kind of salmon fish you have.
Can you eat salmon cold on a salad?
You can eat salmon cold on a salad, and that’s the way we prefer to serve it! Here are a few of our favorite meal ideas: As a Sandwich. Pile this salad onto slices of your favorite bread and enjoy a scrumptious salmon salad sandwich. (Salmon salad with avocado on bread would be especially tasty!) In Lettuce Wraps.