Got a can of salmon? Try these canned salmon recipes: inventive ways to use this delicious, pantry-friendly ingredient!

Call us crazy, but canned salmon is one genius ingredient to keep stocked in your pantry. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive than canned tuna. But prepared correctly, it transforms into loads of quick and easy meal ideas! The best part: unopened canned salmon is shelf stable for 3 years. That’s one shelf-stable protein! Stock up your pantry with a few cans and use it for whipping up salmon salad sandwiches for quick lunches or salmon and rice bowls for dinner. Keep reading to browse some favorite recipes for canned salmon from this website and a few others around the web.
And now…10 tasty canned salmon recipes!
Here’s a classic canned salmon recipe: Salmon Salad! It’s a creamy, crunchy mix of tangy flavors: just like Tuna Salad but using canned salmon. The flavor is savory and satisfying, and this recipe has a healthy spin with less mayo. It takes just 5 minutes, and works with crackers, in lettuce wraps, in a sandwich, and more.
Here’s a tasty canned salmon recipe that’s worked its way into our regular rotation: Salmon Patties! Otherwise known as Salmon Cakes, these babies are just like crab cakes but they use canned salmon instead. Using canned makes them fast and easy to make — and cheaper than using fresh salmon. Pair them with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce, and the contrast of the crisp, herb-scented patties against the creamy dipping sauce is unreal.
Here’s a recipe that works with canned salmon and satisfies every time: Salmon Caesar Salad! Imagine: tender, flakes of salmon nestled with bursts of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy croutons. It’s all covered in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing that makes each bite absolutely sublime.
Need a quick and easy lunch idea? Try this Salmon Salad Sandwich! A unique spin on the classic tuna version, it’s irresistibly creamy and savory: a tasty spread that comes together in minutes. Spread it on bread for a quick lunch, or try it on a croissant for a brunch idea. Either way, it’s hard to resist this hearty sandwich: and it requires no cooking or fancy kitchen skills whatsoever.
This canned salmon pasta recipe is fast, fresh, light, and uses a handful of everyday ingredients. It's ready in about 20 minutes and is ridiculously simple to make! Making it with canned salmon instead of fresh makes it easy to whip together with pantry staples. via Salt and Lavender
Are you a salmon lover? Here’s one for you: this salmon croquettes recipe! Similar to salmon cakes, they’re simple and incredibly tasty. Mix canned salmon with some spices and breadcrumbs, then pan fry them until golden. Serve dipped into tartar sauce or remoulade, and they’re a total treat!
This quick and easy Spicy Canned Salmon & Rice Bowl makes an easy high protein, budget-friendly, 5-minute lunch that's great for meal prep! Canned salmon is the star of the dish, served over brown rice with cucumbers, sriracha, scallions, and furikake or nori. via Skinny Taste
These spicy salmon meatballs are quick and easy to make with with canned salmon! The salmon also makes them budget-friendly. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish alongside some rice and vegetables. via MJ and Hungryman
Canned salmon recipes often riff on favorites with canned tuna, like this salmon macaroni salad! It's ready in just 30 minutes, a quick and easy dinner or lunch made from pantry staples. Mix the noodles with salmon with a creamy sauce and crunchy veggies. via Simply Recipes
Last up in these canned salmon recipes: Salmon Burgers! These tasty numbers feature canned salmon, panko, refreshing lemongrass, and a sweet-spicy zingy combo of red curry paste and brown sugar. So good and so simple! via Pinch of Yum
Another salmon option: try smoked salmon!
Want a no-cook meal with salmon? Try smoked salmon instead of canned salmon! There are lots of creative smoked salmon recipes to get your wheels turning:
- Try a Smoked Salmon Sandwich
- Go for Smoked Salmon Pasta
- Opt for a Smoked Salmon Bagel or Smoked Salmon Omelette
- Try Smoked Salmon Toast or Smoked Salmon Salad

10 Tasty Canned Salmon Recipes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
A salmon salad sandwich is a quick and easy lunch idea! Creamy and savory, it’s a tasty spin on the classic tuna. For the other canned salmon recipes, see above.
Ingredients
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 dill pickle, finely chopped (¼ cup)
- 1 5-ounce can salmon (2/3 cup cooked flaked salmon)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt*
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 4 slices bread
- Lettuce leaves, tomato, etc: for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the celery, red onion and dill pickle as noted above.
- Drain the salmon and place it in a medium bowl: mash it lightly with a fork. Add the chopped vegetables, capers, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and kosher salt and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt if desired.
- If desired, spread the bread with mayonnaise. Add lettuce or other sandwich toppings. Spread the salmon salad onto one half of the bread and top with the other slice of bread.
- Category: Main dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Seafood
Keywords: Canned salmon recipes, recipes for canned salmon, canned salmon recipe,
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