Salmon is extremely versatile for use in tons of recipes. Perhaps you made too much of your favorite salmon recipe, and now you’re left with a fridge chock full of fish.
The number of times I have made these leftover dishes in the last few weeks is… a lot. Too many to count.
And even though my cooking skills are nonexistent, I’m developing what some might call a habit of keeping and using extra salmon to create these heavenly dishes.
1. Salmon Chowder
Chowder is just the thing for those chilly days, isn’t it? It’s a rich, creamy, and hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s pure comfort food.
Let your extra salmon be the hero of this dish, and you’ll have something that’s not only heartwarming but also super healthy. I mean, with all the nutritional goodness salmon packs, it’s a total win-win.
2. Salmon and Egg Breakfast Scramble
This scramble is as gorgeous as it is packed with flavor. You can serve this meal any time of day, especially when you want to wow your guests without a ton of effort. It looks so fancy!
Yes, it has breakfast in the name, but try serving it for dinner. I promise nobody will complain. Fluffy, fresh eggs are waiting for you, mixed with that delicious salmon and a pop of citrusy dill.
For some extra deliciousness, top it with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. SO GOOD.
3. Salmon Cakes
Made just like a hamburger patty, these salmon cakes will be an absolute smash hit with kids and adults.
For this fish cake recipe, you’ll want to have your leftover salmon fillet and some homemade tartar sauce ready. And don’t you worry, the sauce is incredibly easy to make.
Every single bite of these patties gives you big, beautiful flakes of salmon, with no fishy taste at all. And the best part? You can pair these cakes with so many different sides.
My personal favorites are baked beans, a sweet corn pudding, or a fresh cucumber salad!
4. Salmon Caesar Salad
Ready to kick your usual Caesar salad up a notch? Just add your leftover salmon into the mix. It’s a game-changer.
Of course, you can’t forget the fresh greens, a really good dressing, and those crunchy croutons. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a salad with incredible flavors and textures.
Just like other recipes, you can totally swap in other proteins for this salad. And if you want to make the dish gluten-free? It’s as simple as using gluten-free bread for your croutons. Easy peasy.
5. Salmon Quiche
Just picture this: a crispy pastry case filled with egg, cheese, cream, spinach, and delicious shredded salmon. This quiche is a savory custard that delivers a fantastic seafood flavor. It is just so, so good.
For this recipe, you have total freedom to use fresh, canned, or even smoked salmon.
You’ll know you nailed it when the quiche comes out moist and fluffy with a perfectly flaky crust. You can even tweak it by using other seafood like shrimp or crab meat.
6. Healthy Salmon Spinach Pasta
You have to give this recipe a try if you’re feeling a little frugal but are still craving some seriously delicious pasta. It’s so quick, so easy, and totally affordable.
Tender spaghetti and your leftover salmon come together with fresh spinach and a super speedy sauce. The whole thing is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish! Weeknight dinner hero right here.
7. Leftover Dill Salmon Sandwiches
Salmon and dill are a flavor duo that you are going to love, even tucked inside a sandwich! The combination is just perfect.
Add in a little lemon, some sprouts, creamy avocado, and Greek yogurt, and you are in for such a tasty treat. I’d suggest making a few extra sandwiches because you’ll definitely want to have these for a light lunch or an early afternoon meal!
8. Salmon Fried Rice
If you happen to have some leftover rice along with that salmon, then this recipe is calling your name! It’s just perfect.
With very little prep work, just a few ingredients, and only one pan, you can whip up a scrumptious meal in 30 minutes or even less.
For this fried rice, you will need to have a Japanese salted salmon. But don’t you fret, because making it is super simple.
All it takes is salmon, salt, and some sake. Infused with the flavors of scallions, eggs, and light seasonings, this salmon fried rice has a refreshing Japanese taste you’ll want to make again and again.
9. Salmon Nicoise Salad
The Nicoise salad is a total staple of French cuisine, with its roots in the city of Nice. Traditionally, it’s made with tomatoes, boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, and olive oil.
But we’re giving it a fancy little twist by using salmon instead of tuna, plus an oh-so-creamy blue cheese dressing. Yes, please!
Your leftover salmon gets layered right on top of this colorful salad. Add some beans and soft-cooked eggs for an amazing texture.
10. Salmon Spring Rolls
Bring a totally unique taste to your table by making these Vietnamese-style spring rolls. For the absolute best results, make sure you find the freshest vegetables and spices you can.
These spring rolls are not just bursting with nutrients; they’re also incredibly filling, all thanks to the addition of salmon and rice vermicelli.
Got some extra shrimp, too? These spring rolls are super adaptable, so feel free to use shrimp instead of salmon.
11. Salmon Soufflé
With delicious flakes of tasty salmon in every single bite, this soufflé is about to become your new favorite brunch. I just know it.
Serve it with some crusty French bread or a classic tomato soup for a complete meal that feels totally a la Francaise. It’s simple, but so elegant.
12. Salmon Dip
With just cream cheese, green chiles, lemon juice, green onions, and your leftover salmon, you can create this summery and totally delicious dip! The simple ingredients come together so easily, and the whole thing will be done in 15 minutes.
It’s best when served chilled, so make sure to factor in two hours of chilling time when you’re planning to make this. While this dip is usually served with crackers, it’s also amazing as a spread on bagels.
Just imagine those tender chunks of salmon swimming in cheese and spices. Are you drooling yet?
13. Salmon Pasta Salad
One of my absolute favorite summer meals has to be salmon pasta salad! It’s so fresh and satisfying.
This recipe is at its best when served cold, so you’ll want to make it ahead of time to let all those flavors really develop and meld together. The result is a honey mustard-flavored pasta mixed with chives, bell pepper, cheese, shallot, and paprika.
And when you add in your leftover salmon? Your taste buds will be so happy!
My favorite part about this recipe is just how easy it is to toss all the ingredients together. It’s a breeze!
And another awesome thing is that you can totally make adjustments to the salad based on whatever you have growing in your garden or hiding in your fridge.