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What to do with leftover salmon? Try these genius leftover salmon recipes that bring new life to this healthy fish.

Got leftover salmon and not sure how to use it? Seafood can be tricky, and we’ll admit: often it’s not the most appetizing as a leftover. But there are a few ideas we use when we’re looking to revitalize this healthy fish into a fun new meal! Here are all our top leftover salmon recipes for the best ways to bring new life to leftovers. Make it into a salmon salad sandwich, fry it up into salmon cakes, or even throw it into omelettes and creamy dips.
And now…the best leftover salmon recipes!
The best leftover salmon recipe? Salmon salad! It’s a creamy, crunchy mix of tangy flavors: just like Tuna Salad but using leftover samon! The flavor is savory and satisfying, and this recipe has a healthy spin with less mayo. You can also class it up and serve it with fresh herbs on a croissant. It takes just 5 minutes, and works with crackers, in lettuce wraps, in a sandwich, and more. Lunch just got tastier!
Here’s a delicious leftover salmon recipe that’s worked its way into our regular rotation: Salmon Cakes! These babies are just like crab cakes but they use leftover salmon instead. Pair them with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce, and the contrast of the crisp, herb-scented patties against the creamy dipping sauce is unreal.
Everything is cozier in a bowl, right? Here’s the epitome of a healthy bowl meal: this Simple Salmon Bowl! Throw your leftover salmon into a bowl with rice, crisp tender broccoli, and covered in an easy, creamy flavor popping sauce. Try the Tahini Dressing or Miso Dressing, and prepare to be amazed.
Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s calling your name: this irresistible Salmon Burgers recipe! These burgers are so deliciously satisfying, we’re kicking ourselves this hasn’t been part of our dinnertime repertoire until now. Each bite is hearty and juicy, topped with a creamy remoulade sauce that takes it to rockstar status. This recipe is for raw salmon, but you can use cooked and flaked: 1 pound salmon = 2 cups cooked flaked salmon. (Reduce the cook time slightly since the salmon is already cooked.)
Tuna is traditional in the classic Nicoise salad: but why not use leftover salmon? The word salad doesn’t even really come close to describing the taste treat that is the traditional French Nicoise salad. Hard boiled eggs, green beans, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and tangy potatoes sit on crunchy lettuce with a zesty lemon vinaigrette that makes you want to keep eating it for days. (Substitute leftover salmon for the tuna in the linked recipe.)
Another bowl meal idea: try this Salmon Poke Bowl! Classic poke bowls traditionally feature raw ahi tuna, but you can use cooked salmon as a fun spin. Load up your bowl with crunchy cucumber noodles and sesame carrot ribbons, quick pickled cabbage, rice, and a savory sauce.
Here’s a leftover salmon recipe that’s basic but satisfies every time: Salmon Caesar Salad! Imagine: tender, perfectly seasoned chunks 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.
Leftover salmon works for breakfast or brunch, too! Here’s a fun idea that takes minutes to whip up but feels elegant: Salmon Omelette! The flavor is unreal: seasoned salmon against tender eggs, a burst of salty feta and fresh herbaceous chives. It looks stunning but takes just minutes to make. (Substitute seasoned leftover salmon for the smoked salmon in the linked recipe.)
Here’s a leftover salmon recipe that works for breakfast, lunch, or brunch: Smoked Salmon Toast! We’re all about simple around here, especially recipes that are low effort and high impact. This recipe is simple toast of artisan bread loaded with fluffy whipped ricotta, salmon, capers and fresh dill. The pink salmon looks stunning against the delicate green dill fronds. (Substitute seasoned leftover salmon for the smoked salmon in the linked recipe.)
Last up in our leftover salmon recipes: Salmon Dip! This creamy dip has a bit of a retro vibe, which makes it all the more endearing. Our recipe uses a bit of Greek yogurt for a healthier spin. But it’s still chock full of rich flavor: hearty cream cheese and punchy Dijon. Mix it up in 5 minutes, and it’s good for days in the fridge. (Substitute seasoned leftover salmon for the smoked salmon in the linked recipe, then add additional salt to taste until the flavor pops.)
More ways to cook salmon
Of course, we couldn’t leave you without some of our favorite ways to cook this tender, flaky fish! Outside of these leftover salmon recipes, here are a few favorite ways to cook salmon:
- Try 25 Easy Salmon Recipes
- Go for the best Smoked Salmon Recipes
- Make Miso Salmon or Pan Seared Salmon
- Go for Blackened Salmon or Cajun Salmon
- Try Pesto Salmon, Salmon with Capers or Lemon Dill Salmon
- Opt for Pistachio Crusted Salmon or Pecan Crusted Salmon
Got canned salmon? Go to 10 Tasty Canned Salmon Recipes.
10 Genius Leftover Salmon Recipes: Salmon Salad & More!
This salmon salad recipe is quick and healthy: an easy lunch or dinner! Make it with canned salmon or as a way to use leftover salmon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
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. Stores up to 3 days refrigerated.
Notes
*For dairy free, skip the yogurt and use 3 total tablespoons mayonnaise: add more to taste if desired.
Let us know if you have any questions!