21 Easy Leftover Salmon Recipes for a Simple Seafood Supper
Tacos, bowls, and so much more!
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Even if you don't consider yourself the biggest salmon fan, it's never too late to expand your palate! Take it from Ree Drummond, who fell in love with the fish decades into her cooking journey. "I didn't start liking salmon until my 40's," she says. Now, Ree has become somewhat of a salmon connoisseur, whipping up salmon recipes like blackened salmon and sheet pan salmon puttanesca as a lighter alternative to her typical steak dinners and creamy pastas. While we enjoy all kinds of seafood recipes for different reasons, salmon is one of the most nutritious, quick-cooking pescatarian proteins that make the perfect healthy weeknight dinner. And even if you're left with lots of baked salmon leftovers, there are so many ways to repurpose them night after night!
Here, you'll find out just how versatile salmon can be in meals. Not only can you serve it warm or cold, but the flavor of salmon can also vary (think Mediterranean-inspired, taco-spiced, and more)! Try the Greek salmon couscous bowls or the salmon lettuce wraps drizzled with teriyaki sauce. You can simply use salmon as an addition to sandwiches and salads or transform the fish into tasty salmon cakes or croquettes. We've even included a few leftover smoked salmon recipes that go way beyond your typical bagel spread. And, be sure to check out our tips for reheating rice–it's helpful for making the popular salmon rice bowls. Whether you're looking for quick lunch ideas or next-day pasta recipes, these creative ways to use leftover salmon will save you time and money in the week ahead.
Salmon Tacos
Yesterday's salmon is today's taco! These foolproof fish tacos come together so easily with leftover roasted salmon and street corn-inspired slaw nestled into your choice of corn or flour tortillas. Don't forget the extra squeeze of lime at the end for extra freshness!
Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.
Kale Salad with Salmon
Ree's flavorful kale, red onion, and mushroom salad is even better when served alongside a tender salmon fillet. Doctor up leftover salmon with a coating of balsamic glaze, and you won't even be able to tell it was made the night before!
Get Ree's Kale Salad with Salmon recipe.
Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls
This versatile fish takes well to so many flavors, including herby green goddess dressing! Flake your leftover salmon and place it over a hearty bowl of quinoa, spinach, and veggies. Finish with a generous drizzle of dressing and sunflower seeds for some added crunch!
Get Ree's Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls recipe.
Salmon Cakes with Mango Salsa
This simple salmon cake recipe calls for cooked salmon, which is then skinned, crumbled, and formed into round patties. Then, pan-fry them until golden brown and serve on a bed of rice with tangy mango salsa!
Get the Salmon Cakes with Mango Salsa recipe.
Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls
Coat your leftover salmon in a sweet and spicy sauce, then toss it over white rice for your new favorite weeknight dinner! Finish the bowl with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra texture and flavor.
Get Ree's Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls recipe.
Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls
This fresh veggie and couscous bowl is the perfect base for your leftover salmon. And thanks to the creamy tzatziki, you don’t ever have to worry about your salmon being dry.
Get Ree's Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls recipe.
Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad
Skip the steps for cooking the salmon and just flake your leftover salmon over this crisp, refreshing salad. It's a fun twist on a classic Caesar.
Get the Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad recipe.
Everything-Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites
Yes, you can enjoy the flavors of a bagel without the carbs! These little bites have everything bagel seasoning, spread of cream cheese, and smoked salmon—just like your favorite morning sandwich.
Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl
If you're looking for a weekday lunch that's anything but boring, look no further than a hearty grain bowl. You can switch up the quinoa for your favorite grain, add any veggies you have laying around, and top it with last night's salmon—easy!
Smoked Salmon Dip
If you prepared a big brunch with bagels, smoked salmon, and the works, you may have leftovers to spare. Switch things up the next day with this creamy dip using extra salmon. You can even transform bagels into bagel chips for dipping.
Get Ree's Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.
Thai-Inspired Salmon Salad
Using leftover salmon makes this quick salad even easier! That means more time for making the homemade peanut dressing—it’s worth it!
Get the Thai-Inspired Salmon Salad recipe.
Yuzu Salmon Onigiri
This recipe calls for fresh salmon, which is then broiled and crumbled, but you can easily substitute it for leftover salmon from the night before. Just chop it into small pieces, coat it in creamy yuzu mayo, and dip the sides of the onigiri in furikake for a crunchy, salty finish.
Salmon Cakes
Most salmon cake recipes require you to cook the salmon with the rest of the ingredients, but this one is perfect for using leftover salmon. All you need to do is flake the cooked salmon, then mix with the veggies and binders before searing.
Creamy Asparagus and Salmon Pasta
Fresh spring asparagus adds a pop of color to this creamy pasta recipe, but you can use any veggies you have laying around. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Get the Creamy Asparagus and Salmon Pasta recipe at Foodie Crush.
Salmon Croquettes
Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, these salmon bites make a tasty appetizer or after-school snack. Just swap the canned salmon for cooked salmon and serve with remoulade sauce for dipping!
Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa
This fun variation on fish tacos uses salmon, cabbage, and a tasty avocado salsa. You can use simple leftover salmon, but it'll be even better if your salmon was grilled with some taco seasonings.
Get the Grilled Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa recipe at Cooking Classy.
Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Between the tangy teriyaki sauce and flavorful salmon, you'll forget all about the fact that you're eating a healthy meal.
Get the Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps recipe at Our Salty Kitchen.
Salmon BLT Sandwich
This sandwich should technically be called a "BLTS" (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and salmon). It has an added layer of hearty protein that takes it to the next level.
Get the Salmon BLT Sandwich recipe at Honest Grub Honest Foodie.
Salmon Salad
A cold salmon salad can be used in so many ways. Serve it up for a fancy brunch party or add it to your weekday lunch. It can be served over a bed of greens, on a sandwich, or simply on its own.
Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad
Adding salmon to your pasta salad gives it a boost of protein, so it's perfect for keeping you full throughout the day. Instead of the canned salmon, swap in leftover baked or grilled salmon.
Get the Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad recipe at Marisa Moore.
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