15 Easy and Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Cooked Salmon

Salmon is one of the healthiest and most versatile proteins out there. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. Salmon can be grilled, baked, pan-seared, or smoked to perfection. It pairs well with a variety of flavors from teriyaki to pesto to lemon dill.

The best part about cooking salmon is that you often end up with leftovers! While seafood leftovers don’t always have the best reputation, salmon is different. It lasts longer in the fridge and freezes well too. Plus, there are so many easy ways to repurpose leftover cooked salmon into delicious new meals.

In this article, I’ll share 15 of my favorite ways to use leftover cooked salmon. You’ll find ideas for salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, pasta dishes and more!

1. Salmon Salad Sandwiches

One of the easiest ways to use up leftover salmon is to make salmon salad. Simply combine the flaked fish with mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, onion and fresh dill. Spread it on bread or toast for a satisfying sandwich Salmon salad is also delicious wrapped in lettuce leaves or stuffed in tomatoes

2. Salmon Cakes

Leftover salmon transforms into tasty salmon cakes or patties. Mix the salmon with breadcrumbs eggs, and fresh herbs. Then pan fry until golden brown. Serve the crispy salmon cakes with a creamy dipping sauce like tartar or remoulade. They make a fabulous appetizer or light meal.

3. Salmon Fried Rice

Here’s a simple dinner idea using leftover rice and salmon. Toss diced cooked salmon with the rice, frozen peas, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil and eggs. The salmon adds a boost of protein to this classic fried rice. Kids love this quick and easy meal!

4. Creamy Salmon Pasta

Pasta gets an elegant protein packed upgrade when you add salmon. Simply toss chunks of cooked salmon with any pasta shape like farfalle or penne. Then dress it with a rich creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt Parmesan, lemon and fresh dill. Dinner is served!

5. Salmon Avocado Toast

For a quick and satisfying meal, top your favorite whole grain toast with mashed avocado, sliced hard boiled eggs, leftover salmon, lemon juice and everything bagel seasoning. It takes just 5 minutes to assemble this protein-packed toast.

6. Mexican Salmon Bowls

Build a flavorful bowl meal by layering rice, black beans, roasted corn, shredded cabbage, avocado and diced leftover salmon. Drizzle the bowls with chili lime crema for a creamy, tangy finish. These Mexican salmon bowls are vibrant, fresh and delicious.

7. Salmon Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is taken to new heights by adding leftover grilled salmon. The combination of tender salmon, crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, croutons and Parmesan is absolutely divine. It’s one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners.

8. Salmon Burgers

Ground salmon mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning makes for hearty salmon burgers. Simply shape the mixture into patties and pan fry until crispy on the outside. Serve the salmon burgers on buns with all your favorite toppings and condiments for an easy weeknight dinner.

9. Smoked Salmon Omelette

Jazz up your morning omelette by adding leftover smoked salmon and creamy goat cheese or feta. Eggs, salmon, herbs and cheese are a match made in heaven. This protein-packed omelette will keep you full all morning long.

10. Salmon Rice Bowl

The rice bowl is a blank canvas for leftover salmon. Cooked salmon served over rice with sautéed veggies and teriyaki sauce is a fast and healthy dinner. Add avocado, sesame seeds, green onions or edamame to round it out.

11. Salmon Niçoise Salad

This classic French composed salad usually contains tuna, but salmon works beautifully too. Hard boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes and olives sit on a bed of lettuce and arugula, then topped with leftover salmon and dressed with a lemony vinaigrette.

12. Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get a taste of luxury when topped with leftover smoked salmon. Just hard boil eggs, scoop out the yolks, mix with mayo, Dijon and dill, then pipe the filling back into the whites. Top each deviled egg half with a small piece of smoked salmon.

13. Salmon Quinoa Bowl

For a hearty, protein-packed lunch, cook up quinoa and roast some Brussels sprouts. Then serve them with leftover salmon, avocado and a tangy yogurt ranch dressing. The mix of flavors and textures in this salmon quinoa bowl is so satisfying.

14. Salmon Salad Sandwiches

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best, like this easy salmon salad sandwich. Use leftover cooked salmon or open up a can. Mix it with celery, onion, mayo, lemon juice and dill. Pile the salmon salad onto crusty bread for a quick lunch or light dinner.

15. Everything Bagel Salmon Salad

Give your salmon salad a fun twist by adding everything bagel seasoning. Mix together cooked salmon, cream cheese, mayo, scallions, lemon juice and everything bagel seasoning. The salad captures all the flavors of an everything bagel with smoked salmon without the carbs. Enjoy it stuffed in celery sticks or lettuce leaves.