Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish around. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids protein, B vitamins and minerals like potassium. No wonder it’s a regular on many dinner tables.

But like any perishable protein, you can easily end up with leftovers. And salmon leftovers need to be handled carefully to avoid waste.

The good news? There are lots of delicious ways to repurpose cooked salmon fillets. With a little creativity you can give your leftover salmon new life in appetizing second meals.

Here are 15 genius ideas for using up leftover cooked salmon:

1. Make Simple Salmon Salad

One of the easiest leftover salmon recipes is salmon salad. It takes just minutes to throw together.

Simply flake the cooked salmon into bite-size pieces. Toss with minced celery, onions, pickles and/or any other chopped veggies you like.

Bind it all together with Greek yogurt, mayo and seasoning like Dijon mustard, lemon juice and herbs. Stuff into a sandwich or serve over salad greens.

2. Whip Up Salmon Cakes

Leftover salmon also makes fantastic salmon cakes or salmon patties. They’re just like crabcakes, but more budget-friendly.

To make them, mix flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, onions, herbs and seasonings. Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve with remoulade, tartar sauce or lemon wedges.

3. Build a Hearty Salmon Bowl

For a satisfying one-bowl meal, layer your leftover salmon over grains like rice or quinoa. Add roasted veggies, greens, avocado, nuts and a flavorful dressing.

Some tasty combos include teriyaki salmon bowls, Mexican-style salmon bowls with salsa and beans, and Mediterranean salmon bowls with olives, feta and hummus.

4. Make Salmon Sliders

Here’s an easy way to use up leftover salmon: miniature salmon burgers! Make patties using the salmon cake method above. Pile them onto mini buns with your desired toppings.

Some fun slider ideas include salmon burgers with pesto mayo, Hawaiian salmon sliders with grilled pineapple, and Cajun salmon sliders with spicy remoulade.

5. Toss Salmon in Pasta

Pasta loves seafood, so it’s a no-brainer to add flaked leftover salmon to pasta dishes. Simply cook the pasta, stir in the salmon to heat through, and toss with your favorite sauce.

Creamy sauces, pestos and fresh herb sauces all complement salmon beautifully. Top with extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest and chopped parsley.

6. Make Luscious Salmon Risotto

Risotto makes a wonderful showcase for leftover salmon. As the rice slowly simmers, the salmon gently heats, absorbing all the surrounding flavors.

Stir your salmon into seafood risotto, mushroom risotto or classic risotto. Garnish with greens and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

7. Enjoy Salmon Fried Rice

Fried rice is a tasty way to stretch small amounts of leftover protein. Cook your rice, chill it, then stir-fry with sesame oil, soy sauce, eggs, veggies and salmon.

Some easy mix-ins include peas, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, green onions, edamame and kimchi. Top with sesame seeds and sriracha if you like it spicy.

8. Wrap Salmon in Lettuce

For fast low-carb lunches or light dinners, wrap your leftover salmon in lettuce leaves. Boston, butter and romaine all make good wraps.

Pile the salmon with veggies, herbs, nuts and sauce. Try combinations like avocado-salmon wraps with chili lime dressing, Greek salmon wraps with feta and olives, or Asian salmon wraps with pickled ginger.

9. Put Salmon on Salad

Turn simple green salads into hearty main-dish meals by topping them with leftover cooked salmon. It provides a protein boost that turns salad into a satisfying dinner.

Some tasty salad ideas include salmon Niçoise, salmon taco salad with black beans and salsa, and salmon Caesar salad.

10. Add Salmon to Omelettes

Leftover salmon also jazzes up omelettes and frittatas for easy brunch or breakfast options.

Make plain or filled omelettes, then add a stripe or layer of flaked salmon before folding and sliding onto plates. Garnish with dill, capers, lemon wedges or sour cream.

11. Load up Salmon Toast

For an easy weeknight dinner or snack, top crusty toast with leftover salmon and veggies. Mash soft cheese like ricotta or goat cheese on the toast first to make the flavors adhere.

Then pile on the salmon, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, greens and herbs. Finish with a squeeze of citrus and a drizzle of olive oil.

12. Whip Up Salmon Dip

Here’s an appetizer that’s sure to please: salmon dip! Blend cream cheese, Greek yogurt and seasonings. Then fold in cooked, flaked salmon. Chill until ready to serve with crackers, chips and veggies.

For fun flavor twists, add ingredients like horseradish, wasabi, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes or chipotle peppers.

13. Make Hearty Salmon Chowder

When you have a bigger batch of leftover salmon, transform it into comforting salmon chowder.

Sauté aromatics like onions and celery. Make a creamy base with flour, broth and milk or cream. Then add bite-size salmon pieces, potatoes, corn and seasonings. Top with bacon bits for a smoky finish.

14. Fill an Omelette

A salmon quiche or frittata makes another satisfying way to use leftover cooked salmon. Whip up eggs mixed with cream or milk and pour into a pie crust or baking dish.

Top with bite-size salmon pieces and any other fillings you enjoy like onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes or cheese. Bake until puffed and golden brown.

15. Toss Salmon with Pasta

It’s easy to turn leftover salmon and veggies into pasta salad. Cook pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini or penne. Toss with vinaigrette and mix in flaked salmon, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and chopped herbs.

Chill the pasta salad for at least an hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld. Sprinkle with feta or shredded Parmesan if desired.

How to Store Leftover Salmon

To safely reheat and eat leftover salmon, it’s important to handle and store it properly after cooking. Here are some tips:

• Let cooked salmon cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Refrigerate promptly in shallow airtight containers.

• Use leftover salmon within 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness and flavor. The oils in fish can turn rancid quickly.

• When reheating salmon, use the microwave, skillet or oven. Heat it to 165°F or until steaming hot throughout. Do not reheat more than once.

• You can also use leftover cooked salmon cold in recipes like salad, sandwiches and dips.

Getting Creative with Leftovers

With such a versatile ingredient, there are countless ways you can give leftover salmon new life. Let your imagination run wild!

Try topping pizzas or flatbreads with leftover salmon and quick-pickled onions. Toss it in tacos or stuff it into quesadillas. Stir some into your next pot of seafood gumbo or jambalaya.

Make salmon hash by sautéing diced potatoes, peppers and onions, then mixing in chunks of salmon. Add salmon to eggs Benedict or smoked salmon scrambles. Mix salmon with mayo, crackers and lemon juice for an easy fish spread.

The possibilities are endless. With a little creativity, you can transform leftover cooked salmon into all kinds of delicious second meals. Your tastebuds will thank you.

What are your favorite ways to use up leftover salmon? Share your ideas and inspiration in the comments!