What To Do With Cooked Salmon Lefovers: 10 Creative Ways To Use Up Extra Salmon

Having leftover cooked salmon can feel like a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have delicious, healthy salmon ready to eat. But on the other, it can be challenging to come up with creative ways to use it up.

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish It’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The healthy fats in salmon may also help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease and arthritis

With its versatility, bold flavor, and nutritional benefits, salmon deserves more than one appearance on your dinner table. Here are 10 inventive ways to transform leftover cooked salmon into tasty new meals:

1. Make Salmon Salad Sandwiches

One of the easiest ways to use up cooked salmon is to make salmon salad. Simply combine flaked salmon with mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, onion, fresh dill, capers, and seasonings. Use the salmon salad as a sandwich filling or eat it with crackers. It’s a classic salmon recipe that makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

2. Toss Salmon With Pasta

Pasta and salmon are a match made in heaven. Toss chilled, flaked salmon with hot pasta, olive oil or pesto, chopped tomatoes, spinach or arugula, feta or parmesan, and garlic or lemon zest. The salmon will gently warm while coating the pasta. It’s a fast weeknight dinner solution.

3. Make Salmon Frittata or Omelet

Eggs and salmon also pair wonderfully together. Make a salmon frittata by combining eggs with flaked salmon, onion, potatoes, and cheese. Pour the egg mixture into a greased skillet and bake until set. Or fold salmon into an omelet with sautéed veggies and cheese for an easy hot breakfast.

4. Top Salads

A salmon salad gets an upgrade when you top a fresh greens salad with leftover salmon. The fish protein turns an ordinary salad into a hearty, satisfying meal. Try pairing cold salmon with spinach, mixed greens, kale, or romaine lettuce.

5. Mix Into Rice Bowls

Turn leftover salmon into fast and healthy rice bowls. Mix salmon with rice, fresh veggies, avocado, nuts, and a flavorful dressing like teriyaki, sesame, or Thai peanut sauce. Rice bowls make the perfect weekday lunch or dinner.

6. Make Salmon Cakes

Salmon cakes are a dinnertime favorite. To make them, combine cooked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve with lemon wedges and remoulade sauce.

7. Stuff Salmon In Potatoes

Give baked potatoes a protein-packed twist. Bake potatoes and halve them, scoop out some of the flesh, then mix it with salmon, onion, sour cream, cheese, and herbs. Heap the salmon mixture back into the potato skins and broil until hot and browned.

8. Fold Into Scrambled Eggs

Make your morning eggs more interesting by adding flaked salmon. Simply sauté onion and peppers until tender, add beaten eggs to the skillet, then fold in chilled salmon just before the eggs finish cooking. Salmon scrambled eggs are easy, tasty, and high in protein.

9. Make Salmon Dip

Transform leftover salmon into a creamy appetizer dip. Purée cooked salmon with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and herbs. Chill the dip, then serve with crackers, bread, or veggie sticks for dipping. Your guests will devour this zesty salmon dip.

10. Top Flatbread Pizzas

Give leftover salmon new life by making personal salmon flatbread pizzas. Spread flatbreads or naan with pesto, marinara, or olive oil. Top with salmon, veggies, and cheese. Broil just until the cheese melts. In minutes, you have hand-held salmon pizzas for a fun dinner.

With so many easy and creative options, you’ll look forward to having leftover cooked salmon. It’s an affordable and sustainable choice for getting more omega-3s and high-quality protein into your diet.

Next time you cook extra salmon fillets or have a can of salmon on hand, try whipping up salmon salad sandwiches, rice bowls, frittatas, or another inventive salmon dish. Your tastebuds and your health will thank you.

Leftover cooked salmon is safe to eat for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.