13 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Cooked Salmon

Leftover cooked salmon can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes, from hearty main courses to lighter salads and appetizers. With a little creativity, you can give new life to leftover salmon fillets and enjoy them throughout the week. Here are 13 tasty recipes to try the next time you have extra cooked salmon on hand.

1. Salmon Cakes

Salmon cakes are a great way to repurpose leftover cooked salmon. Simply combine flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings like parsley, dill, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, or Dijon mustard. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. Serve salmon cakes on their own, in sandwiches, or with a tangy sauce or aioli. They make a satisfying meal any time of day.

2. Salmon Salad

Flake leftover cooked salmon and mix it with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream to make a quick salmon salad Add minced red onion, celery, capers, fresh dill, lemon juice, and any other ingredients you like Salmon salad is delicious stuffed in a pita pocket, served over greens, or spread on crackers or bread.

3. Pasta with Salmon and Vegetables

Transform spaghetti or linguine into a hearty salmon dinner. Sauté chopped vegetables like zucchini bell peppers and onions. Add flaked cooked salmon, pasta, and a sauce made with olive oil, lemon, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan. Toss everything together and serve.

4. Salmon Fried Rice

Stir flaked salmon into fried rice for an easy weeknight meal. Simply cook rice according to package directions. Then sauté aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions in sesame oil. Add the cooked rice and salmon, then season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha.

5. Salmon and Potato Hash

Make a satisfying salmon hash by pan frying diced potatoes and onions until lightly browned. Then gently fold in flaked cooked salmon and cook until heated through. Season with salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with a fried egg for extra protein.

6. Leftover Salmon Tacos

Build flavorful tacos with leftover salmon. Warm corn or flour tortillas and fill them with flaked salmon, shredded cabbage, diced avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime crema or chipotle crema. Quick, easy, and full of Mexican flavors.

7. Salmon Salad Sandwich

A salmon salad sandwich makes a nice portable lunch. Mix together flaked salmon, mayo or yogurt, diced celery, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Spread on sliced bread, whole grain toast, or a croissant. Top with lettuce, tomato, and onion if desired.

8. Salmon and Vegetable Stir Fry

Revive leftover salmon by adding it to a veggie stir fry. Simply stir fry vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers in peanut or sesame oil. Then add flaked salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes just until warmed through. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

9. Creamy Salmon Chowder

Simmer salmon, potatoes, onions, celery, and corn in a creamy broth for a hearty chowder. Bake salmon fillets and flake the fish once cooled. Make a simple broth with chicken or vegetable stock, milk or half and half, and thyme. Add the salmon and vegetables and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

10. Salmon Avocado Toast

Top toasted bread with flaked salmon, mashed avocado, lemon juice, red onion, capers, and dill for an easy yet elevated breakfast or lunch. The combo of creamy avocado and savory salmon is delicious. Customize your toppings to suit your taste.

11. Salmon Cobb Salad

Turn leftovers into a hearty main-dish salad. Arrange lettuce greens on a plate. Top with flaked salmon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles. Drizzle with a red wine vinaigrette for a tasty and nutritious meal.

12. Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Stuff halved hard-boiled eggs with a creamy filling of mashed egg yolks, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced red onion. Top with leftover smoked salmon and fresh dill. Perfect for parties or picnics.

13. Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

Spread cream cheese on a toasted bagel half. Top with a layer of flaked leftover salmon and sliced red onion. Season with salt, lemon pepper, and fresh dill. Add capers or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor. An easy breakfast or lunch sandwich.