What to Do with Leftover Grilled Salmon – 15 Creative Ways to Use It Up

Grilled salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option However, you may be left wondering what to do with the leftovers if you don’t eat it all in one sitting Thankfully, there are many creative ways to repurpose grilled salmon into tasty new dishes.

With its versatile flavor and flaky texture, leftover grilled salmon can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes. Here are 15 genius ideas to transform those leftovers into quick lunches, satisfying snacks, elegant appetizers and exciting new dinners:

1. Salmon Salad Sandwiches

One of the easiest ways to use up grilled salmon is to make salmon salad Simply flake the cold grilled salmon and combine it with some mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, red onion, capers, fresh dill and seasonings. Spread it on bread or stuffed in lettuce wraps for a satisfying sandwich or wrap. The tangy, savory salad makes a great work lunch or light dinner

2. Salmon Cakes

To give your grilled salmon new life, turn it into flavorful salmon cakes or salmon croquettes. Break the salmon into flakes and combine it with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings like lemon, dill, paprika, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Form into patties and pan fry until golden. Serve with a dollop of tangy remoulade or tartar sauce for an impressive appetizer or main course.

3. Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

For a quick and easy breakfast or snack top a toasted bagel half with cream cheese red onion, capers, and flaky pieces of leftover grilled salmon. The combination of creamy and savory is delicious and satisfying. Lox-style smoked salmon also works great.

4. Salmon Omelet

Jazz up your morning omelet by folding in chunks of leftover grilled salmon. The salmon adds protein, healthy fats, and lots of extra flavor to the fluffy egg dish. Top it with fresh chives for a pretty pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

5. Greek Salmon Rice Bowl

Transform grilled salmon and rice into a hearty Greek-inspired salmon bowl. Flake the salmon over cooked rice and add diced cucumbers, olives, feta, red onion, fresh herbs like dill, and a tangy lemon or Greek yogurt sauce. It’s a filling and healthy lunch or dinner option.

6. Salmon Fried Rice

Stir chopped grilled salmon into fried rice with vegetables, ginger, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil and eggs for a quick and easy one-pan meal. The salmon adds a boost of protein and omega-3s. Drizzle with sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

7. Pasta with Salmon and Cream Sauce

Enjoy leftover salmon in a rich, creamy pasta dish. Flake the salmon into a sauce made with olive oil, garlic, lemon, white wine, parsley, heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Toss with hot pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

8. Salmon Tacos

Warm up pieces of grilled salmon and serve in soft tortillas with crunchy slaw, avocado, cilantro, lime and your favorite taco toppings for an easy yet exciting meal. The bold flavors pair perfectly with the savory fish.

9. Salmon Lettuce Wraps

For a healthy light meal or appetizer, pile grilled salmon, rice, avocado, carrots, cucumber and crispy wontons into cool lettuce wraps. Drizzle with a sweet and tangy Asian sauce like teriyaki, orange ginger or sesame. Customize with your favorite fillings.

10. Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Chop up leftover grilled salmon and mix it with creamy egg yolk filling. Spoon the salmon mixture into halved hard boiled eggs for an elegant hors d’oeuvre with protein. Garnish with capers, dill and a spritz of lemon.

11. Salmon Salad Pasta

Combine flaked grilled salmon with pasta, peas, red onion, capers, parsley, lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. The tangy salmon salad makes a simple yet delicious pasta dish, no cream required. Sprinkle with extra lemon zest and parsley.

12. Salmon Salad Wraps

For grab-and-go lunches or snacks, fill whole wheat tortillas with salmon salad made from leftover grilled fish mixed with Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, lemon juice and dill. Wrap up tight and store refrigerated. The high protein wraps are satisfying and nutritious.

13. Open Faced Salmon Melts

Top baguette slices or English muffin halves with leftover grilled salmon, sliced avocado, tomatoes and melted mozzarella or Swiss cheese for quick open-faced sandwiches. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and serve immediately.

14. Smoked Salmon Dip

Purée leftover grilled salmon with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper and fresh dill. Chill the zesty salmon dip and serve with crackers, celery, cucumber slices or homemade pita chips for easy snacking.

15. Salmon Quiche or Frittata

Bake chopped grilled salmon into a veggie-packed crustless quiche or frittata. Eggs, milk or cream, and cheese hold the salmon and vegetables together into a hearty sliceable pie that’s perfect for brunch.

So next time you have leftover grilled salmon, try whipping up one of these inventive recipes. With endless possibilities for sandwiches, salads, bowls, tacos and more, you’ll look forward to deliciously transforming those leftovers into quick and easy meals all week long.