15 Easy Leftover Salmon Recipes For A Weeknight Dinner

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Christmas Deviled Eggs RecipeBest Christmas Dessert RecipesRee's Best Christmas CookiesRee's Holiday Gift GuideChristmas Bark Recipe leftover salmon recipes

Antonis Achilleos

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Even if you don't consider yourself the biggest salmon fan, it's never too late to expand your palate! Take it from Ree Drummond, who fell in love with the fish decades into her cooking journey. "I didn't start liking salmon until my 40's," she says. Now, Ree has become somewhat of a salmon connoisseur, whipping up salmon recipes like blackened salmon and sheet pan salmon puttanesca as a lighter alternative to her typical steak dinners and creamy pastas. While we enjoy all kinds of seafood recipes for different reasons, salmon is one of the most nutritious, quick-cooking pescatarian proteins that make the perfect healthy weeknight dinner. And even if you're left with lots of baked salmon leftovers, there are so many ways to repurpose them night after night!

Here, you'll find out just how versatile salmon can be in meals. Not only can you serve it warm or cold, but the flavor of salmon can also vary (think Mediterranean-inspired, taco-spiced, and more)! Try the Greek salmon couscous bowls or the salmon lettuce wraps drizzled with teriyaki sauce. You can simply use salmon as an addition to sandwiches and salads or transform the fish into tasty salmon cakes or croquettes. We've even included a few leftover smoked salmon recipes that go way beyond your typical bagel spread. And, be sure to check out our tips for reheating rice–it's helpful for making the popular salmon rice bowls. Whether you're looking for quick lunch ideas or next-day pasta recipes, these creative ways to use leftover salmon will save you time and money in the week ahead.

Salmon Tacos

C.W. Newell

Yesterday's salmon is today's taco! These foolproof fish tacos come together so easily with leftover roasted salmon and street corn-inspired slaw nestled into your choice of corn or flour tortillas. Don't forget the extra squeeze of lime at the end for extra freshness!

Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.

SHOP PLATES

Kale Salad with Salmon

Ralph Smith

Ree's flavorful kale, red onion, and mushroom salad is even better when served alongside a tender salmon fillet. Doctor up leftover salmon with a coating of balsamic glaze, and you won't even be able to tell it was made the night before!

Get Ree's Kale Salad with Salmon recipe.

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Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls

Ryan Liebe

This versatile fish takes well to so many flavors, including herby green goddess dressing! Flake your leftover salmon and place it over a hearty bowl of quinoa, spinach, and veggies. Finish with a generous drizzle of dressing and sunflower seeds for some added crunch!

Get Ree's Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls recipe.

Salmon Cakes with Mango Salsa

Erica Kastner

This simple salmon cake recipe calls for cooked salmon, which is then skinned, crumbled, and formed into round patties. Then, pan-fry them until golden brown and serve on a bed of rice with tangy mango salsa!

Get the Salmon Cakes with Mango Salsa recipe.

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Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls

leftover salmon recipes salmon rice bowl

Antonis Achilleos

Coat your leftover salmon in a sweet and spicy sauce, then toss it over white rice for your new favorite weeknight dinner! Finish the bowl with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra texture and flavor.

Get Ree's Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls recipe.

SHOP BOWLS

Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls

Danielle Daly

This fresh veggie and couscous bowl is the perfect base for your leftover salmon. And thanks to the creamy tzatziki, you don’t ever have to worry about your salmon being dry.

Get Ree's Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls recipe.

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Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad

Natalie Perry / The Pioneer Woman

Skip the steps for cooking the salmon and just flake your leftover salmon over this crisp, refreshing salad. It's a fun twist on a classic Caesar.

Get the Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad recipe.

Everything-Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

Ryan Liebe

Yes, you can enjoy the flavors of a bagel without the carbs! These little bites have everything bagel seasoning, spread of cream cheese, and smoked salmon—just like your favorite morning sandwich.

Get Ree's Everything-Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites recipe.

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Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl

Con Poulos

If you're looking for a weekday lunch that's anything but boring, look no further than a hearty grain bowl. You can switch up the quinoa for your favorite grain, add any veggies you have laying around, and top it with last night's salmon—easy!

Get Ree's Mediterranean Salmon Veggie-Grain Bowl recipe.

Smoked Salmon Dip

Brian Woodcock

If you prepared a big brunch with bagels, smoked salmon, and the works, you may have leftovers to spare. Switch things up the next day with this creamy dip using extra salmon. You can even transform bagels into bagel chips for dipping.

Get Ree's Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.

SHOP DIP BOWLS

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Thai-Inspired Salmon Salad

Erica Kastner / The Pioneer Woman

Using leftover salmon makes this quick salad even easier! That means more time for making the homemade peanut dressing—it’s worth it!

Get the Thai-Inspired Salmon Salad recipe.

Yuzu Salmon Onigiri

Whisper of Yum

This recipe calls for fresh salmon, which is then broiled and crumbled, but you can easily substitute it for leftover salmon from the night before. Just chop it into small pieces, coat it in creamy yuzu mayo, and dip the sides of the onigiri in furikake for a crunchy, salty finish.

Get the Yuzu Salmon Onigiri recipe at Whisper of Yum.

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Salmon Cakes

Natasha's Kitchen

Most salmon cake recipes require you to cook the salmon with the rest of the ingredients, but this one is perfect for using leftover salmon. All you need to do is flake the cooked salmon, then mix with the veggies and binders before searing.

Get the Salmon Cakes recipe at Natasha's Kitchen.

Creamy Asparagus and Salmon Pasta

Foodie Crush

Fresh spring asparagus adds a pop of color to this creamy pasta recipe, but you can use any veggies you have laying around. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Get the Creamy Asparagus and Salmon Pasta recipe at Foodie Crush.

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Salmon Croquettes

Immaculate Bites

Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, these salmon bites make a tasty appetizer or after-school snack. Just swap the canned salmon for cooked salmon and serve with remoulade sauce for dipping!

Get the Salmon Croquettes recipe at Immaculate Bites.

SHOP FRYING PANS

Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Cooking Classy

This fun variation on fish tacos uses salmon, cabbage, and a tasty avocado salsa. You can use simple leftover salmon, but it'll be even better if your salmon was grilled with some taco seasonings.

Get the Grilled Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa recipe at Cooking Classy.

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Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps

Our Salty Kitchen

Between the tangy teriyaki sauce and flavorful salmon, you'll forget all about the fact that you're eating a healthy meal.

Get the Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps recipe at Our Salty Kitchen.

Salmon BLT Sandwich

Honest Grub Honest Foodie

This sandwich should technically be called a "BLTS" (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and salmon). It has an added layer of hearty protein that takes it to the next level.

Get the Salmon BLT Sandwich recipe at Honest Grub Honest Foodie.

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Salmon Salad

Well Plated by Erin

A cold salmon salad can be used in so many ways. Serve it up for a fancy brunch party or add it to your weekday lunch. It can be served over a bed of greens, on a sandwich, or simply on its own.

Get the Salmon Salad recipe at Well Plated by Erin.

Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad

Marisa Moore

Adding salmon to your pasta salad gives it a boost of protein, so it's perfect for keeping you full throughout the day. Instead of the canned salmon, swap in leftover baked or grilled salmon.

Get the Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad recipe at Marisa Moore.

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