12 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Salmon

Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook. It’s healthy, delicious, and versatile. However, salmon fillets tend to be quite large, so I often have leftovers after cooking one for dinner.

I used to struggle with what to do with leftover salmon. I didn’t want to just eat the same salmon fillets plain again. But with a little creativity, leftover salmon can be transformed into a variety of tasty new dishes!

I’ll show you 12 of my favorite ways to use up extra salmon in this article. You’ll never get tired of leftover salmon again with recipes like salmon salad, salmon cakes, salmon tacos, and more.

An Overview of Leftover Salmon Recipes

Here’s a quick summary of the leftover salmon recipes I’ll cover:

• Salmon Salad – Flake the salmon and mix it with mayo onions celery, etc. for a tasty salad.

• Salmon Cakes: To make tasty salmon cakes, shape the salmon into patties and either bake or fry them.

• Salmon Tacos: Pat the salmon dry and put it on warm tortillas. Top with salsa and avocado.

• Salmon Burgers – Make patties and serve on buns for a twist on classic salmon burgers.

• Salmon Fried Rice – Toss flaked salmon with veggies and rice for a quick weeknight meal.

• Salmon Quiche – Mix salmon into an egg custard and bake for an easy brunch dish.

• Salmon Pasta – Flake salmon over pasta for a creamy, protein-packed dinner.

• Salmon Niçoise – Transform the French classic salad with leftover salmon instead of tuna.

• Salmon Dip – Purée the salmon with cream cheese, herbs and lemon for a tasty dip.

• Salmon Frittata – Add salmon to a veggie-packed baked egg dish.

• Salmon Hash – Cook potatoes, salmon, and veggies together for a hearty breakfast.

• Salmon Pizza – Top pizza dough with salmon, veggies, cheese and zesty sauce.

Now let’s get into the recipes! Keep reading for more details on how to transform leftover salmon into these easy, delicious dishes.

1. Salmon Salad

One of the easiest ways to use leftover salmon is to make it into a tasty salmon salad. Simply remove any skin and bones, and flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.

To make the salad, combine the flaked salmon with mayonnaise, chopped celery, minced onions, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I also like to add some capers or diced pickles for a burst of briny flavor.

The salmon salad can be served scooped onto lettuce leaves, stuffed into tomatoes, spread on bread or crackers, or eaten plain with a fork. It makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner, and keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

I love salmon salad because it comes together in just 5 minutes, and lets the delicious salmon flavor shine. The creamy, tangy salad is so versatile too – try it in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, scooped onto salad greens, or stuffed into hollowed out tomatoes or cucumbers for a fun presentation.

2. Salmon Cakes

Another classic way to repurpose leftover salmon is to form it into yummy salmon cakes or salmon croquettes. These crispy salmon patties make a wonderful lunch or dinner, especially when served with tartar sauce or lemon wedges for dipping.

To make salmon cakes, first remove any bones or skin from the cooked salmon, and break it into flakes with a fork. Gently mix the salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, herbs, salt, and pepper until it holds together.

Then form the mixture into patties, coat with more breadcrumbs or panko, and pan-fry in oil until golden brown and heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side. You can also bake the salmon cakes in the oven for a healthier version.

I like to use both fresh breadcrumbs and flour in my salmon cake recipe to help bind the delicate salmon without drying it out. Dijon mustard and parsley add lots of flavor. These crispy yet tender salmon cakes make an easy yet impressive weeknight meal.

3. Salmon Tacos

For a fun and fast taco night, use up leftover salmon in these easy salmon tacos! Simply break up the cooked salmon into chunks or flakes. Rub the salmon with Cajun seasoning for warmth and spice.

Then sauté the spiced salmon pieces in a hot skillet just until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Assemble the tacos by layering the salmon over warmed corn tortillas along with your favorite taco toppings.

I love bright citrus salsa, creamy avocado, shredded cabbage, and queso fresco or feta cheese on my salmon tacos. A squirt of lime juice adds even more zing. The contrast of the spicy, flaky salmon with the cool, crisp toppings is incredible.

These salmon tacos are a fresh and easy way to use up leftover cooked salmon. The bold Cajun seasoning gives new life to the fish. Customize them to your liking with your favorite taco toppings – the salmon stands up well to lots of flavors!

4. Salmon Burgers

If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy weeknight meal, whip up these delicious salmon burgers! Simply mix the flaked salmon with parsley, eggs, panko crumbs, Dijon, and lemon zest until combined. Form into patties and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve the juicy salmon burgers on buns with all your favorite burger toppings. I love a schmear of tangy remoulade or tartar sauce, crisp lettuce, beefsteak tomato slices, and pickled onions. A side of oven fries completes the meal.

These salmon burgers are so satisfying and packed with flavor. Each tender bite bursts with lemon and herb goodness. The creamy sauce provides a nice contrast to the meaty salmon patties. Make this your new go-to weeknight dinner!

5. Salmon Fried Rice

Here’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal – salmon fried rice! Simply chop up any leftover cooked veggies you have on hand. I love using broccoli, carrots, onions, and peas.

Flake the cooked salmon into bite-size pieces. Toss everything together in a large skillet or wok along with cooled cooked rice, soy sauce or sesame oil, garlic, ginger, eggs, and other desired seasonings. Stir-fry until heated through and serve.

The salmon adds lots of protein and hearty flavor to the veggie fried rice. Scrambled eggs make it extra rich and satisfying. Feel free to throw in any other veggies or seasonings you have on hand too.

This quick salmon fried rice is endlessly customizable. Use it as a tasty way to clean out your fridge at the end of the week!

6. Salmon Quiche

Here’s an elegant brunch dish that’s easy to throw together – a savory salmon quiche! You’ll need chopped onion, spinach or kale, shredded cheese, and some eggs to make the custard filling.

Chop the cooked salmon into bite-size flakes and stir it in along with any other desired fillings. Pour the egg mixture into a pie crust and bake at 375 degrees F until set, about 30-40 minutes. Let cool before slicing and serving.

I love how versatile quiche is, and salmon adds lots of savory richness. Feel free to swap in any other leftover veggies or cheeses. A quiche is a great make-ahead breakfast or brunch option for feeding a crowd too.

7. Salmon Pasta

Pasta gets a protein punch when you mix in flaked salmon! Simply boil pasta like farfalle or penne to al dente. Prepare a quick sauce while the pasta cooks.

A creamy sauce of butter, garlic, lemon, white wine, and Parmesan is perfect. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce and cooked salmon pieces until combined. Season with extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.

The buttery lemon sauce blankets each tender pasta shape and chunk of salmon. I love the richness that the salmon lends to an everyday pasta dinner. This recipe easily scales up to feed a crowd too.

8. Salmon Niçoise

Why not give the classic French Niçoise salad a delicious salmon twist? You’ll still have tender potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives and eggs like the original. But swap out the traditional tuna for your leftover cooked salmon.

Break the salmon into large flakes and scatter them over the salad ingredients. Dress it all with a bright vinaigrette infused with mustard, garlic, herbs, and capers. A sprinkle of red onion and fresh parsley finishes it off.

The Niçoise flavors of briny olives, tangy capers, and tart vinaigrette pair so well with the rich salmon. This hearty yet refreshing salmon salad makes a wonderful light summer meal.

9. Salmon Dip

Here’s an easy yet impressive appetizer for your next party – a creamy salmon dip! Simply pulse together cream cheese, sour cream, the cooked salmon, lemon juice, herbs, capers, onions, and Worcestershire sauce.