Leftover salmon can be a great starting point for many tasty meals. With a bit of creativity, you can turn this nutritious fish into brand new dishes that are just as good as the original.
You can use leftover salmon in sandwiches, salads, pasta, and even dips. These recipes offer quick and easy ways to make the most of your extra fish. By trying out new ideas, you’ll waste less food and enjoy more variety in your meals.
You can transform leftover salmon into a delicious breakfast or brunch dish with a smoked salmon frittata. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs with cream, salt, and pepper. Sauté onions in butter until translucent in an oven-safe skillet.
Add your leftover salmon to the skillet, then pour in the egg mixture. Sprinkle in some dill for extra flavor.
Cook on the stovetop for a few minutes until the edges set. Then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is fully cooked and golden on top.
This versatile dish works well for any meal of the day. You can easily customize it by adding spinach, cheese, or other vegetables you have on hand.
Salmon pasta primavera is a tasty way to use leftover salmon. This dish combines flaky fish with colorful vegetables and pasta in a creamy sauce.
To make it, cook your favorite pasta. While it’s boiling, sauté some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
In a separate pan, heat up your leftover salmon. Mix everything together with a lemon garlic cream sauce. The sauce brings all the flavors together nicely.
This meal is quick to make and full of nutrients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something filling but don’t have much time to cook.
Salmon quiche with dill is a tasty way to use your leftover salmon. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix beaten eggs, cream, and dill in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Crumble your leftover salmon into small pieces.
Spread the salmon in a pre-baked pie crust. Pour the egg mixture over it. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set.
Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. This dish works well for brunch or a light dinner. You can add cheese or veggies to change it up.
Salmon fried rice is a tasty way to use up leftover salmon and rice. Start by heating oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until lightly browned.
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger for extra flavor. Next, add your leftover rice and break up any clumps. Toss the rice to mix it well with the vegetables and oil.
Create a space in the pan and scramble some eggs. Mix the cooked eggs with the rice. Finally, add your flaked leftover salmon and stir to combine. Season with soy sauce or salt to taste.
This quick and easy meal comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Transform your leftover salmon into tasty tacos with a creamy avocado topping. Start by seasoning the salmon with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Heat a skillet and sear the salmon until it’s warm and slightly crispy. While it cooks, make the avocado crema by mashing avocado with sour cream, lime juice, and salt.
Warm some tortillas and fill them with the salmon. Top with the avocado crema, some shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime. You can add extra toppings like diced tomatoes or cilantro if you like.
These tacos are quick to make and give your leftover salmon a fresh, zesty twist.
Salmon and potato salad is a tasty way to use leftover salmon. Start by boiling diced potatoes until tender. Let them cool before mixing with flaked salmon.
Add chopped celery and red onion for crunch. Mix in some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill.
For extra flavor, try adding capers or chopped pickles. Serve this salad chilled on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling. It’s perfect for summer picnics or quick lunches.
Salmon croquettes are a tasty way to use leftover salmon. They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. You can make them with cooked or canned salmon.
Mix the salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Shape the mixture into small patties. Pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides.
Serve salmon croquettes hot as a main dish or appetizer. They go well with tartar sauce or lemon wedges. You can also put them in sandwiches or on top of salads.
These croquettes are quick to make and budget-friendly. They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you need to use up extra salmon.
Salmon sushi rolls are a tasty way to use leftover cooked salmon. You can make them at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by breaking up the cooked salmon into small pieces. Mix it with cooked rice, a bit of sriracha, and mayo for flavor. Add a splash of soy sauce too.
Lay out a sheet of nori seaweed and spread the rice mixture on top. Roll it up tightly using a bamboo mat. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
You can add extra ingredients like avocado, cucumber, or carrot for crunch and variety. Serve your homemade salmon sushi rolls with soy sauce and wasabi on the side for dipping.
Leftover salmon makes a tasty topping for pizza. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread cream cheese on a pre-baked pizza crust or flatbread.
Top the cream cheese with flaked salmon pieces. Sprinkle capers, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh dill over the salmon.
Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes until the edges are crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This quick and easy meal gives your leftover salmon new life.
You can customize your salmon pizza with extras like sliced tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a great way to use up salmon while enjoying a fun twist on pizza night.
You can turn leftover salmon into a tasty stir-fry with a honey garlic sauce. Start by cutting your salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a pan and add colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and green beans. Cook them until they’re crisp-tender.
Mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger for the sauce. Add the salmon to the pan with the veggies and pour the sauce over everything.
Stir-fry for a few minutes until the salmon is heated through and coated in the sauce. Serve your honey garlic salmon stir-fry over rice for a quick, flavorful meal.
Salmon stuffed bell peppers are a tasty way to use leftover salmon. Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Mix flaked salmon with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices like basil and oregano.
Fill the pepper halves with the salmon mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Bake the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes.
This dish is easy to customize. You can add vegetables like zucchini or onions to the filling. Try different seasonings to change up the flavor. Serve your salmon stuffed peppers hot as a main course.
Tips for Storing Leftover Salmon
Proper storage keeps salmon fresh and tasty for future meals. Follow these guidelines to keep your leftover salmon safe to eat and maintain its quality.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store salmon in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Put it in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep the salmon in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the back. Use refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days.
Label the container with the date you stored it. This helps you track how long it’s been in the fridge. Before eating, check for any odd smells or appearance. If it looks or smells off, throw it out to be safe.
Freezing Techniques
Freeze salmon if you won’t eat it within 3-4 days. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Push out as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn.
Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen salmon stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it. Don’t refreeze thawed salmon. Use it within 1-2 days of thawing.
For best quality, freeze salmon in small portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need. Vacuum-sealing is ideal if you have the equipment, as it removes all air and prevents freezer burn.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers key nutrients that support your health in many ways. Let’s look at two major benefits of eating salmon.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are good for your heart and brain. They may help lower inflammation in your body.
Omega-3s can reduce your risk of heart disease. They may also boost your mood and memory. Your body can’t make omega-3s on its own. You need to get them from food.
A 3-ounce serving of salmon gives you about 1.5 grams of omega-3s. That’s more than half of what you need each day. Eating salmon twice a week can help you meet your omega-3 needs.
Protein Content
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Your body needs protein to build and repair tissues. It also helps make enzymes and hormones.
A 3-ounce serving of salmon provides about 22 grams of protein. That’s almost half of what most people need daily. Protein in salmon is easy for your body to use.
Eating salmon can help you feel full and satisfied. This may aid in weight control. The protein in salmon also supports muscle growth and maintenance.
Creative Uses for Leftover Salmon
Leftover salmon offers many tasty options beyond just reheating. You can turn it into fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful pasta dishes with a few simple ingredients.
Salmon Salads
Salmon salads make quick, healthy meals. Flake your leftover salmon and add it to a bed of mixed greens. Toss in some crunchy vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots. For extra flavor, try adding some feta cheese and sliced olives.
A creamy dressing works well with salmon salads. Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, and a touch of honey for a tangy dressing. Or use a classic Caesar dressing for a more traditional taste.
You can also make a salmon Niçoise salad. Combine the salmon with boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, and olives. Drizzle with a mustard vinaigrette for a French-inspired meal.
Salmon Sandwiches
Salmon sandwiches are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Start with good bread – sourdough or whole grain work well. Spread some cream cheese or avocado on the bread as a base.
Add your flaked salmon and top with crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes. For extra crunch, include some thinly sliced cucumber or radishes. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.
Try a salmon club sandwich by adding bacon and an extra slice of bread. Or make a salmon melt by topping an open-faced sandwich with cheese and broiling until bubbly.
For a twist, use salmon in a wrap. Combine it with spinach, red onion, and a tzatziki sauce in a large tortilla.
Salmon Pasta
Salmon pairs wonderfully with pasta. Flake the salmon and toss it with cooked pasta, olive oil, and lemon juice for a simple dish. Add some steamed broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
For a creamy pasta, make a sauce with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the salmon and some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. This works well with fettuccine or penne.
You can also use salmon in a cold pasta salad. Mix it with cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Dress with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dill dressing.
For a baked dish, try salmon lasagna. Layer lasagna noodles with flaked salmon, spinach, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Top with cheese and bake until golden.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
