These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (2024)

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (1)

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Ree Drummond was late to the game when it comes salmon. "I didn't start liking salmon until my 40's," she says. But these days, she loves making blackened salmon, sheet pan salmon puttanesca, and other salmon recipes as a nutritious alternative to her typical steak dinner. After all, salmon is a good-for-you, quick-cooking fish that's perfect for healthy weeknight dinners. But what happens when you make a big batch of baked salmon and have leftovers to spare? Don't worry! These easy leftover salmon recipes will put your tasty fish dinner to work again and again.

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 from Mediterranean-inspired to taco-spiced. 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. From quick lunch ideas to next-day pasta recipes, these creative ways to use leftover salmon will save you time and money in the week ahead.

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1

Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (3)

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.

SHOP BOWLS

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2

Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (4)

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.

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3

Everything-Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (5)

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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4

Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (6)

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.

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5

Smoked Salmon Dip

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (7)

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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6

Thai-Inspired Salmon Salad

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (8)

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.

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7

Salmon Cakes

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (9)

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.

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8

Creamy Asparagus and Salmon Pasta

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (10)

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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9

Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (11)

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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10

Salmon Croquettes

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (12)

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

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11

Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (13)

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.

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12

Salmon BLT Sandwich

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (14)

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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13

Salmon Salad

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (15)

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.

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14

Salmon and Rice Bowl

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (16)

This salmon and rice bowl is based off the viral TikTok recipe that so many people are obsessed with—and we can see why! It's easy, flavorful, and a great way to use up both leftover salmon and rice.

Get the Salmon and Rice Bowl recipe at Get On My Plate.

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15

Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (17)

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.

SHOP FOOD CONTAINERS

These Leftover Salmon Recipes Are Great for a Quick Lunch or Dinner (2024)

FAQs

Is leftover salmon any good? ›

Cooked salmon boasts a longer shelf life, remaining palatable for three to four days after being prepared. This makes it an ideal candidate for delightful leftovers.

How do you reheat salmon for lunch? ›

Put the fish on a rimmed baking sheet and warm it a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. Follow this tip: Go low and slow when reheating your leftover salmon fillet to ensure that it won't dry out. Don't forget to add back moisture with a splash of water.

Does salmon taste good reheated? ›

It always results in the reheated fish becoming dry and flavourless, which you don't want! The key is to reheat your cold leftover salmon at a low temperature. Slowly reheat it to keep it moist and flaky, which is precisely what you want it to be.

Why is leftover salmon so fishy? ›

During storage, bacteria on the surface of the fish convert TMAO into a volatile compound called trimethylamine (TMA), which produces an unmistakably fishy odor the longer the fish is stored. The second fishy smell in cooked salmon (and other fatty fish such as mackerel and tuna) comes from a different source.

How long should you eat leftover salmon? ›

If you're eyeing a piece of cooked salmon that's been sitting in the fridge for a few days, you don't have to guess if it's still good. The USDA says that cooked fish is safe to eat for three to four days.

Can you eat day old cooked salmon? ›

Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent bacterial growth.

How long do cooked salmon leftovers last? ›

Cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Make sure to allow the cooked salmon to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.

What pairs best with salmon? ›

All vegetables go with salmon. A few of my favorites are spinach sautéed with garlic, tomatoes drizzled with good olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and grilled asparagus. Coleslaw is a good choice too.

What does Gordon Ramsay serve with salmon? ›

Grilled Salmon with Garlic Mushroom and Lentil Salad » Gordon Ramsay Restaurants.

What vegetables pair well with salmon? ›

The next time you make salmon, pair it with one of these delicious veggie side dishes. Veggies like zucchini, broccoli, cucumber and spinach are perfect sides for summer. Plus, these healthy sides are easy to make, only taking 30 minutes or less to prepare.

Can you eat cold cooked salmon? ›

Eating cold leftover salmon is a great way to save time and effort. You don't have to worry about reheating it or going through the whole cooking process again. I like to eat it as is, make salmon salad out of it, add it to a salad or even make a sandwich.

How do you reheat salmon so it's not fishy? ›

Add Moisture

Before you pop it in the oven, rub a tablespoon of olive oil or squeeze a half lemon over the surface of the fish. Both methods help preserve the original flavor and freshness of the fish. Or, reheat salmon on a pan with a splash of water before turning on the burner.

Can dogs have salmon? ›

However, well-cooked, boneless salmon is definitely on the list of people food approved for dogs. Choose fresh, boneless fillets, since they're less likely to harbor small bones. But be sure to check for tiny bones anyway before cooking.

Can you eat cooked salmon the next day? ›

Information. Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, it's important to use food within recommended time before it spoils or becomes dangerous.

Is cooked salmon good for leftovers? ›

Cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Make sure to allow the cooked salmon to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.

Can you reheat and eat salmon the next day? ›

It is best to avoid reheating Salmon and finish your meal at once with all leftovers. But if you still have some excess food, then preserve it quickly. Reheating food multiple times increases the risk of bacteria growth and food poisoning. You can only reheat the amount of food you plan to eat and do it only once.

Can I eat cold leftover salmon? ›

In short, fully cooked salmon that has been safely refrigerated for a sufficiently short period of time so as to have not gone bad can be heated to whatever temperature you want, or even eaten cold if you really want.

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