Salmon has a way of taking on new flavors like no other type of fish. You’ll love how versatile salmon is whether you bake, sear, grill, or poach it, and you’ll love the exciting flavors you add to it. That’s because salmon has a lovely, delicate flavor all by itself, making it easy for marinades or seasonings to make it taste even better.
Beyond flavor, youll find loads of health benefits in salmon. Healthline says that eating salmon regularly will give you a lot of good nutrients. It is full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and potassium.
We always suggest buying more than you plan to use in a recipe because it has so many health benefits and tastes so good. Leftover salmon can take on new forms of delicious entrees with little effort. From layering hot casseroles to crafting quiches and pies, youll find a newfound admiration for this humble catch.
Salmon is one of the most popular and versatile fish to cook. Its rich, flaky texture pairs well with countless flavors and ingredients. The problem is, salmon fillets often come in large portions. Even though fresh salmon is delicious, you might not know what to do with cooked salmon that you have left over.
The good news is there are many tasty ways to repurpose cooked salmon! From salads to frittatas, salmon cakes and more your leftovers can become fun new meals. Here are 10 delicious leftover salmon recipes to inspire you.
1. Salmon Salad
One of the easiest leftover salmon recipes is salmon salad Simply combine flaked salmon with mayo or Greek yogurt, chopped veggies, fresh herbs and seasonings Salmon salad makes a perfect light lunch or dinner, paired with crackers, bread or lettuce cups. Tip add crunchy textures like chopped celery, radish and cucumber. Dill, chives and lemon juice brighten up the flavor.
2. Salmon Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies And salmon makes it extra hearty and delicious Sauté the salmon with the rice, peas, carrots, onions, eggs and soy sauce. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds and sriracha for an easy one-pan meal. Tip break the salmon into small flakes so it mixes evenly into the rice.
3. Salmon Omelette
An omelette makes a satisfying breakfast or brunch. Simply beat a few eggs, then sauté and fold in flaked salmon. Add extras like onion, spinach, cheese or fresh herbs. The salmon gives you plenty of flavor without much effort. Tip: use smoked or gravlax salmon for an extra flavor boost.
4. Salmon Avocado Toast
Toast is the perfect quick lunch, and salmon elevates it to a meal. Put mashed avocado, flaked salmon, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon on top of a piece of crusty bread. Lox-style salmon works great. Add extras like capers, sprouts and a drizzle of olive oil. The salmon and avocado provide healthy fats to keep you full.
5. Salmon Cakes
Like crab cakes, these crispy salmon cakes are made with cooked salmon. Simply mix the salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs and seasonings. Shape into patties and pan fry until golden. Serve with tartar or Greek yogurt sauce. They make great appetizers or meals. Tip: keep the salmon chunks larger rather than over-mixing for the best texture.
6. Salmon Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad gets protein packed with leftover salmon. Make your dressing from scratch with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan and anchovies. Toss with romaine lettuce, croutons and cooked salmon chunks or flakes. It’s filling enough for lunch or a light dinner. Tip: use salmon that’s been marinated or seasoned for extra flavor.
7. Salmon Chowder
Warm up with a creamy salmon chowder on chilly days. Sauté onions, celery and potatoes in butter. Add broth, milk, corn and cooked salmon. Bring to a simmer then finish with garlic, thyme and parsley. Blend half the soup to make it extra creamy. Top bowls with oyster crackers. Tip: use any broth like chicken or vegetable to suit your preference.
8. Salmon Frittata
A frittata makes a fantastic brunch dish when you have leftover salmon handy. Simply sauté onions and spinach, then pour whisked eggs over top. Sprinkle with cooked salmon flakes and shredded cheese. Bake until set, then slice and serve. Tip: smoked salmon adds even more flavor. A sprinkle of fresh dill is delicious too.
9. Salmon Burgers
Ground salmon patties are a fresh take on traditional salmon burgers. Pulse cooked salmon in the food processor until finely chopped. Combine with egg, breadcrumbs and seasonings, then form into patties and pan fry. Serve on buns with all your favorite burger toppings. Tip: mix in diced bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrition.
10. Salmon Dip
Here’s an easy party pleaser: salmon dip! Blend together cooked salmon, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and savory seasonings. Chill until thickened. Serve with crackers, bread, celery and carrot sticks. It takes just minutes to make and keeps well in the fridge. Tip: use any leftover herbs like dill or parsley to add fresh flavor.
More Tips for Using Leftover Salmon
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Store cooked salmon up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Freeze up to 3 months for longer storage.
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Flake into salads, lettuce wraps, tacos, flatbreads, and rice or quinoa bowls.
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Make sandwiches with crusty bread, greens, avocado and other toppings.
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Use in pasta, risottos and grain bowls for a protein punch.
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Mix into dips, spreads and mashed avocados for easy appetizers.
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Whip up salmon cakes, croquettes or fish balls for fun hand-held meals.
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Toss with pizza, nachos, flatbread or bruschetta as a flavor topping.
The Takeaway
With endless possibilities like salads, rice bowls and chowders, leftover salmon can become totally new delicious meals. Get creative with different flavor pairings. Store cooked salmon safely so you can enjoy it for days after cooking. Next time you have extra, try one of these tasty ways to give your salmon a makeover.
Add some omegas to your breakfast scrambles
In the busy world we all live in, breakfast is often overlooked and forgotten. Give your scrambles an extra dose of omega-3 fatty acids if you ever have a lot of time in the morning, like on the weekend.
It’s one thing to get scrambled eggs just right; it’s quite another to use tips and tricks to make them even better. There is a lot to learn, like whether to cook your eggs in bacon grease or clarified butter and why temperature and time are so important for the best scrambles.
When adding soft proteins like salmon to your eggs, make sure you wait until the eggs are almost done cooking all the way through. If you want big pieces of salmon, add them to the pan near the end of the cooking time instead of mixing them with the raw eggs. Otherwise, you will end up with tiny broken-down salmon pieces.
Grill a hot salmon panini
Adding toasty grill lines to a sandwich, whether you use a panini press or a regular cast iron grill pan, makes it taste even better. If you have ciabatta or sourdough on hand, be sure to grab it for your hot salmon stuffers. Any sliced bread will work, though.
Build your sandwich based on your taste buds, or try a few of our favorite combinations. A cozy hot salmon melt using mild white cheddar and a smear of garlic aioli will taste lovely. Otherwise, find your way to your herb garden and snag a few sprigs of fresh dill. Pile ingredients like cool avocado, sliced tomato, fresh baby spinach, and maybe a few capers. Creamy ranch, cucumber, and red onion are all suitable ingredients too.
And finally, a buttery press and a few grill lines will make it look good, give it a nice texture, and make it taste great.
Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe | How Make Garlic Butter Salmon
How do you use up salmon?
From cakes to pasta to dip, there are plenty of ways to use up salmon! Salmon is a versatile ingredient for the next day’s hearty (and yet another winning) meal. Salmon — grilled, broiled, or baked — is undeniably tasty and a star of many dining tables.
What are the benefits of eating cooked salmon for dinner daily?
The daily consumption of salmon can provide proteins of high biological value, healthy fats, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, selenium, and vitamins of groups B, E, and D.
What to eat with salmon?
Salmon Bowl With Farro, Black Beans And Tahini Dressing Leftover fish and hearty salads are a match made in heaven. Since it’s best served room-temp, you could even pack it for lunch. 3. Creamy Bowtie Pasta With Salmon And Asparagus
What can you do with canned salmon?
Whatever you could do with canned salmon, you can also do with leftover grilled or baked salmon. Because of that, it’s important you find some leftover salmon recipes where you can use up the last pieces without having to throw them away. These top-rated salmon recipes below will give you a range of options from salads to rich entrees.