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Salmon is a versatile ingredient that is common in most world cuisines. It will enhance any meal whether you’re splurging on top-quality fresh fillets or smoked salmon or getting by on the canned variety. Plus, it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease inflammation in your body and support brain health.
With such an excellent ingredient, the big question is, what to do with it? This article will answer that question by giving you 50 delicious recipe choices.
1. Wild Salmon With Dill Butter & Fennel Recipe
The combination of salmon, dill butter, and fennel is made in gastronomy heaven. This wholesome, low-carb dish is tasty and can be whipped up in less than 60 minutes.
Tips:
- Please take note of the prep for this recipe: make the butter first and take your salmon out half an hour before so that it is at room temperature by the time you are ready to cook it.
- If you want to get ahead, make the dill butter a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Double the number of ingredients in this recipe required for the dill butter. Keep the second ‘log’ for cooking other types of fish (e.g., halibut, hake, flounder, etc.) or as a dressing for boiled potatoes.
2. San Diego Style Salmon Tacos
San Diego, California, is known for their fish tacos. This recipe celebrates that reputation by including freshly grilled salmon, a homemade orange-habanero sauce for heat, and crushed blue-corn chips for texture on a warm tortilla.
Tips:
- Making the orange-habanero sauce is the longest step in the recipe (30 minutes in total, plus cooling time). You can make the sauce up to two days before if you want to reduce the time spent in the kitchen making these tacos.
- If you’re making these tacos for family or friends who are less tolerant of heat, substitute the habanero chili with a milder one, like jalapeno or cayenne. You can even make batches of the sauce: one hot and the other gentle so that people can help themselves to whichever one they prefer.
3. Smoked Salmon Breakfast Pizza
What do you get if you mix breakfast with dinner? A delicious smoked salmon breakfast pizza. This crowd-pleaser works any time of day and uses store-bought pizza dough, cutting down on prep time.
Tip:
- Take note of the steps in the recipe. To get a crispy base, cook the pizza base in the oven for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
- If you don’t like runny eggs, you can add sliced or diced boiled eggs, or even scrambled eggs, to the pizza base to make it more to your taste.
4. Sheet-Pan Salmon With Simple Bread Salad
A one-pan recipe is a convenient way to cook various foods together in the same dish, ensuring that the flavors merge and that it’s all done simultaneously. Plus, it saves on washing up afterward. This sheet-pan salmon and bread salad recipe is quick, very easy to prepare, and has all the goodness in one well-rounded meal.
Tip:
- You can use any other crusty bread if you don’t have sourdough bread.
5. Salmon En Croûte
Salmon en croûte is a retro showstopper dish that never lets you down on flavor, almost like the salmon version of a Beef Wellington. It has a golden, flaky puff pastry encasing the salmon in the center, framed by spinach on all sides. More traditional salmon en croûte recipes have spinach layered on the salmon rather than on the sides.
However, this slight twist on the original is modern and looks the part of a centerpiece dish. It is also ideal for younger, fussier family members who don’t like spinach since you can cut it away.
Tips:
- Use store-bought puff pastry.
- Make sure to drain the spinach from any liquid before use. Otherwise, your pie will end up soggy around the edges.
6. Asian Smoked Salmon and Wasabi Panna Cotta
Panna cotta has come a long way since people saw it strictly as a dessert. Nowadays, you can find various savory panna cotta recipes online and on numerous restaurant menus. Try this Asian smoked salmon and wasabi panna cotta for luxury and decadence.
It takes a bit of planning since you need to start this recipe at least three hours before (preferably the night before). Yet, this makes it the perfect ‘wow’ dish for hosting guests since you won’t have to do much before serving.
Tips:
- Suppose you’re not confident that the panna cottas will unmold perfectly. In that case, you can serve these beauties in the ramekins or molds they’re already in.
7. Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryers are all the rage nowadays, for a good reason. Using an air fryer is quicker and healthier. Plus, the unit is easy to clean. This air fryer salmon recipe is tasty and ready in 10 minutes, making it the perfect mid-week meal if things are crazy busy.
Tip:
- These salmon filets pair well with any potato (mashed, boiled, or roasted), salad, or vegetables on the side.
8. Salmon Chowder
=> Click here to get the recipe
Seafood chowders come with unique ingredients, depending on who you ask and which region in the US you find yourself in. This salmon chowder is an all-in-one meal, using gorgeous salmon fillets, potatoes, sweet corn, salty bacon, and a kick of jalapeno chili. Enjoy!
Tips:
- If you feel like adding something extra, serve this chowder with crusty bread on the side.
9. Salmon Poke Bowl
=> Click here to get the recipe
This salmon poke bowl recipe is a Hawaiian favorite, healthy, fresh, and has many complementary flavors. It doesn’t require cooking, and you can adjust the spice levels to your liking. It is the perfect lunch or dinner, especially if you’re having guests, since it can be made in advance and served cold.
Tips:
- Reduce or omit the rice if you want a small, light lunch. You can always bulk it up again with rice for a heartier meal, like dinner.
- The recipe suggests using sashimi-grade salmon, which means that the seller is confirming that the salmon is safe to consume raw. Therefore, ensure that you only purchase top-quality salmon from a trustworthy source.
10. Healthy Salmon Pasta
Pasta is a great all-rounder, loved by young and old alike, and makes for a speedy weekday meal. Make this creamy yet healthy pasta by combining salmon, peas, dill, and crème fraîche. This extraordinary combination will make you doubt its nutritional value, thinking it’s far too good to be healthy.
Tips:
- If you dislike peas, replace them with asparagus tips, lima beans, or green beans.
- Instead of penne, try using other types of pasta (e.g., rigatoni, macaroni, orzo, etc.)
- You can also use sour cream if you don’t have crème fraîche.
11. Blackened Miso Salmon With Creamy Coconut Cucumber Salad
Once your ingredients are prepped, this recipe is super simple and only takes about 30-35 minutes. The blackened miso salmon is perfectly balanced with the creamy salad and can be served with any rice of your choice. Be adventurous and try the black rice, as suggested in the recipe.
Tip:
- The miso paste is one of the key ingredients in this meal and is hard to substitute if you want the same flavor. However, assume it’s necessary to swap out this item. Then, you can try using soya sauce, fish sauce, or even tahini instead.
12. Salmon Tikka
The seafood version of the famous chicken tikka masala, these salmon tikka skewers are ideal for an outdoor barbeque. Make sure to let your salmon marinate for at least 1 hour before grilling. Also, don’t let the long list of ingredients for the marinade put you off – it is well worth it!
Tips:
- If you’re using bamboo or wooden skewers, wet them a little before placing your salmon tikka skewers on the barbeque or under the oven grill so that it doesn’t burn.
- Serve this dish with fluffy pilau rice, garlic naan, jajik sauce (yogurt, cucumber, and mint salad), or some onion pakoras.
13. Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Smoked salmon pinwheels are an excellent starter for any event, especially over the holidays. The recipe doesn’t require cooking and has only three ingredients, making these delicate flavor bombs easy to prepare, even for children.
Tips:
- Make these pinwheels 1-2 hours ahead to save time in the kitchen while you are entertaining.
- Double the ingredients to serve a slightly larger crowd (e.g., 8+).
14. Teriyaki Salmon
For an Asian twist, try your hand at sweet and tangy teriyaki salmon. This dish pairs exceptionally well with stir-fried vegetable noodles or rice with steamed greens of your choice. Before cooking, marinate your salmon for at least 20 minutes (ideally for 2 hours).
Tips:
- If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute this ingredient with sweet marsala wine or sherry.
- If you have store-bought teriyaki sauce, you can use it in place of the mirin, maple syrup, and soy sauce. Substitute the quantities of these ingredients with the teriyaki sauce. Remember that the consistency might be runnier since it will lack the maple syrup that helps the marinade stick to the salmon. To counter this, add one tablespoon of honey or syrup to thicken the marinade.
15. Salmon Avocado Crispy Rice Paper Rolls
The combination of crispy rice paper, flaky salmon, and soft avocado cannot be overstated. It is a magnificently tasty appetizer that you can quickly transform into a dinner and, given that it only takes about 15-20 minutes, can happen on a busy weeknight.
Tips:
- Rice paper rolls can be found in most grocery stores, but you can also order them online.
- If you don’t have soyaki for a dipping sauce, you can use sweet soy sauce or a combination of soy and teriyaki sauce.
16. Salmon Florentine and Quinoa Pilaf
Salmon Florentine will feel like a gourmet dinner, yet it is easy enough to whip up mid-week and comes in at less than 350 calories per serving. It is a colorful dish that, in this recipe, is accompanied by healthy quinoa and pine nuts.
Tips:
- If you’re feeling a bit naughty, you can replace the quinoa with regular (white) pilau rice.
- If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese instead.
17. Salmon Potato Cakes
Salmon potato cakes are loved by young and old, making them a great family recipe. It’s also an inexpensive meal that comes together in 30 minutes, thanks to store-bought hashbrown potatoes and canned salmon.
Tips:
- This recipe is only for two servings (four cakes). Double the ingredients to make enough for 3-4 people.
- Serve these salmon potato cakes with a slice of lemon, creamy yogurt-garlic dipping sauce, and a side of green salad or green vegetables.
18. Dijon Baked Salmon
If you’ve got a few mouths to feed, try this salmon baked in the oven with a tasty Dijon mustard and parsley topping. The recipe heroes the beautiful salmon, leaving the side dishes up to you. You can pair it with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or a salad – whatever you feel like.
Tip:
- There is no need to cover the salmon while it is in the oven. The Dijon layer will keep it moist enough.
- You can still make this recipe if you only have salmon fillets rather than the whole salmon. Just reduce the baking time to about 15 minutes.
19. Beetroot Salmon Gravlax
It would be best if you started prepping this beetroot salmon gravlax 24 hours before the time, but the result is worth the effort. This Nordic dish is a delight for the senses and will be a crowd-pleaser on any given day. Still, it is prevalent around the holidays and other special occasions.
Tips:
- If you’d rather skip making your own flatbread, you can buy them at a local grocery or bakery.
- Read this recipe at least twice before you start. It is best to take note of all the additional tips and tricks related to the overnight curing process.
20. Crispy Salmon Fillets
Crispy salmon fillets are the perfect combination between soft, flaky fish and the texture you get from the breadcrumbs. These salmon fillets keep well in the freezer and can be quickly cooked from frozen.
Tips:
- For this recipe, reduce the ingredients by half if you want to serve only 4-5 people. You can also keep the amount as is and freeze the leftovers.
- Serve crisp salmon with a simple side salad, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
21. Smoked Salmon Bagel Cheese Ball
An easy appetizer you can make in no time is smoked salmon bagel cheese balls. It is the perfect start to any dinner party or lunch gathering and goes well with toast on the side. Once you have all your ingredients measured, combine them, molding the lot into two balls and placing them in the fridge or freezer.
Tips:
- The recipe instructs that you put the two smoked salmon bagel cheese balls in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. However, you can also make this a day ahead and leave it in the fridge to firm.
- Instead of toast, you can serve this with wholewheat crackers, blinis (small pancakes), waffles, or slice up a baguette or ciabatta – whatever carrier you fancy.
22. Smoked Salmon Quiche With Goat Cheese
A salmon quiche is a beautiful way to use up any leftover ingredients you might have around. Not only is it a great carrier of flavor, but you can substitute many items (even in this recipe) for others more to your taste. It pairs well with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- You can swap the puff pastry for a shortcrust if you prefer.
- A quiche freezes well. However, puff pastry can lose its structural integrity. If you’re doing meal prep, instead, use shortcrust pastry. Or, once thawed, put the quiche back in the oven to crisp up and keep the puff pastry’s flakiness.
23. Salmon, Spinach, and Crème Fraîche Potato Bake
This bake is anything but boring. It heroes the salmon underneath a layer of potatoes, like a gift waiting to be opened. It is a comfort dish during the colder months and a crowd-pleaser regardless of the occasion.
Tips:
- Instead of sliced potatoes, you can opt for a potato mash layer (almost like a salmon and spinach ‘shepherd’s pie’).
- You don’t need to serve anything with this dish since it has everything in one bake. However, if you want, you can add another vegetable.
24. Salmon Kedgeree With Lime & Coriander
Kedgeree is a popular dish that the British serve as breakfast or brunch. In this recipe, Asian flavors shine through, giving this salmon kedgeree a modern and fresh twist that will have you craving it long after you had it.
Tips:
- You can serve this kedgeree warm or at room temperature.
- For a slightly healthier version, replace the basmati rice with brown rice.
25. Pan-Seared Salmon Burgers With Fennel Slaw
Are you craving a burger but looking for something fresh and light? This quick, easy, pan-seared salmon burger recipe offers the best of both worlds: the richness of a traditional burger, yet balanced by the acidity of the citrus fennel slaw. An added bonus is the nutritional value.
Tips:
- Make double the number of salmon patties and freeze the rest for up to 2 months (cooked or uncooked). To thaw, refrigerate overnight and use it when you’re ready.
- If you’re on a budget, you can substitute the fresh salmon in this recipe for the canned variety.
26. Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls
These colorful chipotle salmon bowls are hard to ignore. They are packed with ingredients that make your mouth water, like salmon, feta, avocado, and creamy chipotle mayonnaise—everything you love together in one dish.
Tips:
- If you’re not keen on cilantro, you can replace this herb with flat-leaf parsley.
- Increase the chipotle by one tablespoon if you can handle more heat.
27. Salmon Loaf
The salmon loaf is a healthier (and some will say tastier) version of the classic meatloaf. Made from canned salmon, it is also budget-friendly and quick enough to make as a mid-week meal for a family.
Tips:
- Serve this salmon load with any side of your choice, such as vegetables, a salad, or potatoes.
- Remember to leave it for a few minutes after it’s come out of the oven to give it more time to settle and thus make it easier to slice.
28. Creamy Salmon Potato Salad
A succulent dish that will leave you more than satisfied, this creamy salmon potato salad can be served at room temperature. Present it in a trifle bowl for a bright, enticing centerpiece that shows off each layer.
Tips:
- This salad has everything you could need, so don’t worry about adding any extra side dishes if time is not on your side.
- If you prefer, you can replace the smoked salmon with regular, cooked fillets of salmon flaked into the salad.
29. Mini Salmon Cakes With Sriracha Lemon Aioli
The salmon is the lead actor in this story. Yet, the relationship with its aioli co-star will blow you out of the water. A flavor explosion, these mini salmon cakes will make you the talk of the town if served at a get-together.
Tips:
- You can freeze any leftover salmon cakes (don’t count on there being any left, though!)
- If you don’t have sriracha sauce, use any chili sauce or Tobasco.
30. Teriyaki Pineapple Salmon
=> Click here to get the recipe
As much as you might fight the combination of fruit and fish, you will love teriyaki pineapple salmon. The sweetness of the pineapple and the umami flavor of the teriyaki in this recipe is a match made in food heaven. Chances are, you’ll want to go back for more.
Tips:
- You can use brown or even black rice as an alternative to white rice.
- If fresh pineapple is not in season, you can use canned. Make sure you buy the solid rings rather than the diced pineapple.
31. Spiced Salmon With Tray Baked Sag Aloo
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Salmon goes to the next level in this recipe that pairs it with the classic Indian side dish: sag aloo. Sag aloo is basically potatoes, greens, and some spices. This recipe mixes potatoes with cooked spinach, and the salmon gets covered in warm spices.
Tips:
- This recipe doesn’t call for anything more, but if you’re feeling generous, heat some naan or pita bread to serve with the salmon traybake.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add two chopped bird’s eye chilies to your sag aloo mix before cooking.
32. Paprika and Lime Salmon Kebabs
=> Click here to get the recipe
These paprika and lime salmon kebabs are incredibly healthy and have lovely acidity, cooled down with herby coconut yogurt. They look the part, and you can serve it with a side such as leafy, green salad or your favorite vegetables.
Tips:
- Instead of a griddle pan, you can cook these on the barbeque. A keeper when you’re looking for a nice summer grill to enjoy the outdoors.
33. Breakfast Bagel Sandwich With Smoked Salmon
Who doesn’t love a warm bagel first thing in the morning? The timeless combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese gets an upgrade in this recipe with the addition of an egg, which will make your day start sunny side up.
Tips:
- If you prefer, you can add scrambled eggs instead.
- Don’t have bagels? These ingredients go just as well on fresh bread or toast.
34. Salmon Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a refreshing Vietnamese dish that is super healthy and versatile. On top of that, they are delicious, especially paired with the proper dipping sauce. These salmon versions take a little effort to assemble but are excellent finger food options for parties.
Tips:
- If you’ve got little helpers around the house, start a production line – it will go much quicker!
- If you don’t have rice paper, you can leaf these spring rolls wrapped in lettuce.
35. Coconut Curry Salmon
The beauty of this coconut curry salmon is that you have complete control over how spicy you want this winter warmer to be. Just make sure you keep tasting the dish to determine the heat level. Increase the red curry paste and sriracha for more kick, or reduce it to suit your preference.
Tip:
- If you’ve taken the dish too far in the heat department, calm it down by adding more coconut milk (100-200 ml). You can also use cream or regular milk if you don’t have the coconut variety.
36. Salmon Ceviche
Ceviche is raw fish cured with acidic juices, typically from citrus fruit like lemon and lime. It provides a refreshing and clean flavor, satisfying you without feeling heavy or bloated. It is also the perfect starter since the acidic juices will prepare your taste buds for more. Salmon ceviche offers precisely that.
Tips:
- Since you’re not doing much to the salmon, ensure you are using top quality, fresh salmon that can stand up to be presented in its most ‘naked’ form.
- The longer you marinade your salmon in the acidic juices, the more it cures or ‘cooks.’ If it’s your first time experimenting with ceviche, you might thus choose to leave it for a few minutes longer than the recipe suggests.
37. Salmon With Lemon Cream Sauce
There aren’t many things as satisfying as a warm, creamy dish (except if you’re lactose intolerant, of course). This recipe focuses on the salmon but then pairs it with a creamy sauce elevated by the acidity, making the meal rich yet still feeling light.
Tip:
- The dish will go well with a side serving of pasta to mop up all the sauce or, for a healthier touch, serve it with some steamed green vegetables.
38. Salmon Rice Balls
Salmon rice balls are made from very few ingredients but are delicious and will keep well packed as a lunch to school or work. You can also rope your little ones in to help make these, as they are easy and fun to roll.
Tips:
- These balls are great if you have leftover rice needing a makeover.
- You can use leftover, cooked salmon or canned salmon.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil.
39. Salmon Mac ‘n Cheese
Just when you think mac ‘n cheese can’t get any better. This recipe combines the American classic with tinned salmon, which bulks it up, provides texture, and gives you more protein than the traditional version.
Tips:
- Mac ‘n cheese is rich, so balance it with a fresh salad and tangy dressing.
- You can substitute the Gruyere cheese with Cheddar if you prefer.
40. Herby Dutch Baby With Smoked Salmon
This herby Dutch baby with salmon is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. A more savory version of the traditional Dutch baby with fruit and powdered sugar, this healthy alternative is just as bright and delicious. Take your eggs and milk out at least one hour before so that they can reach room temperature.
Tips:
- The secret to the perfect Dutch baby is air and heat. Make sure you mix your eggs well (until it froths) and that your pan is piping hot (use gloves!) before pouring in the batter.
- Serve your Dutch baby with a dollop of Crème Fraiche or cream cheese on top of the salmon.
41. Spinach Stuffed Salmon
Salmon is marvelous as a lone star, but it gets even better in this recipe. Stuffed with cheesy spinach, it adds another dimension to the salmon that goes perfectly together. Don’t worry about the stuffing looking messy or spilling over the edges of the salmon if you’re being generous. It’ll be consumed before you can even say, ‘sorry about the presentation.’
Tip:
- Serve this dish with brussels sprouts (as suggested in the recipe), broccoli, or asparagus.
42. Spicy Salmon Maki Bowl
If you like sushi, you will love these spicy salmon maki bowls. The ingredients are the same as you would find in a maki roll. Yet, instead of being wrapped in seaweed, it is presented as a deconstructed version.
Tips:
- If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use soy sauce.
- If you have seaweed sheets, why not try wrapping these ingredients to give you the real version of a maki roll?
43. Salmon Fillets in Tomato and Garlic Sauce
This recipe is simple yet memorable and delicious –the building blocks of Mediterranean cuisine. Although the hero of the dish, the salmon fillets also show off the juicy tomatoes and stunningly tasty garlic sauce.
Tips:
- Try and get heirloom tomatoes with different colors for this recipe. The bright red, orange, yellow, and purple varieties will visually take your dish to the next level.
- This dish is perfect just as it is, but if you’re feeling hungry, add some boiled baby potatoes or a fresh green salad to compliment the salmon and tomatoes.
- Reduce the ingredients by half if you are serving 3-4 people.
44. Baked Salmon Gnocchi
Baked salmon gnocchi is a warming one-pot meal that is ready in half an hour and only requires eight ingredients. The creaminess of the gnocchi balances perfectly with the broccoli’s texture and the salmon’s flakiness to offer a meal that will soon become a family favorite.
Tips:
- This recipe calls for fresh gnocchi. Use the shop-bought version rather than making your own if you want to keep the preparation at 30 minutes.
- You can substitute the broccoli with other hardy vegetables, like cauliflower or brussels sprouts.
45. Confit Salmon
Confit salmon, as a cooking method, is when you cook salmon in grease or oil at a low temperature. The term might seem fancy or complicated (better left to more experienced chefs). Still, this recipe is one of the quicker and easier recipes on this list, with only five ingredients and a total of 3-5 minutes of cooking time.
Tips:
- If you have a kitchen thermometer, get the oil to about 98.6°F for the perfect confit.
- Serve this melt-in-your-mouth salmon with boiled potatoes, butter noodles, or steamed vegetables.
46. Smoked Salmon Dip
This salmon dip is ideal for any occasion and will have people begging you for the recipe. What’s not to like about the tasty combination of smoked salmon, bacon, and a slight kick from a jalapeno?
Tip:
- Serve this dip with any crackers (e.g., plain, wholewheat, wholegrain, etc.), bagels, toast, or even nachos.
47. Maple Soy Salmon With Peach Salsa
Pairing fruit with fish is common in many countries, yet it might still be a strange concept to wrap your head around if you’ve never tried it. This maple soy salmon with peach salsa is the perfect place to start.
Tips:
- You can easily substitute the peaches with mango, apricots, or pineapple.
- A side dish that will pair well with the maple soy salmon is steamed or sticky rice, quinoa, or even a bed of leafy greens.
48. Pesto Salmon Phyllo Parcels
Besides the usual staples (olive oil, salt, and pepper), this recipe only requires three ingredients. It is that simple yet packs a punch. The recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled if you’re hosting a dinner party and want plenty of delicious pesto salmon phyllo parcels.
Tip:
- Try this dish with different pesto instead of basil, like sundried tomato or lemon pesto. You can even substitute pesto for olive tapenade.
49. Baked Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Sauce
Salmon is versatile and can even be transformed into humble meatballs. Topped with a creamy avocado sauce, you will have a tough time deciding whether to go the traditional beef meatball route or keep to this healthy winner. Even your kids will love this one.
Tips:
- You can use canned tuna instead for a budget version of this recipe.
- Make double the number of meatballs and freeze the rest for another day.
50. Salmon Martini
Yes, you read correctly: a salmon cocktail that you can drink. There are only two steps to this recipe, yet note that you will have to start prepping this drink at least three weeks before when you want to serve it. And don’t worry, this martini won’t taste fishy at all. It will have a subtle smokiness from the salmon but not overpower the cocktail itself.
Tip:
- You can freeze your salmon-infused gin for up to one month.