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Salmon is one of the most versatile, flavorful, nutrient-rich proteins you can add to your dinner rotation. If you’ve wanted to add it to your menu but are wondering “What can I make with salmon?”, this list is for you! Whether craving something light and fresh or rich and comforting, there's a perfect salmon recipe for every occasion.
This roundup of the 23 best salmon recipes will help you switch things up and keep salmon meals interesting. From baked, pan-seared, grilled, air-fried, or tossed into a fresh salad or pasta, crispy, creamy, spicy, or smoky, there is something for everyone!
So, whether you’re looking for quick weeknight meals with salmon or impressive dishes for special gatherings, grab your favorite salmon fillet (or smoked salmon for some recipes!) and try one of these tasty salmon recipes for dinner!
But, before we start, I'd be remiss to not mention my favorite purveyor of Alaskan wild salmon: Net to Table Seafoods! Their small family fishery sustainably catches salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska and ships it on dry ice to my doorstep.
The fish is tender, juicy, nutritious, and so flavorful that even my toddler loves it! You can make all of the recipes on this post with Net to Table Fish. Try them out today and get $40 off your first order of $100+with my code "MaesMenu40".
Now without further ado...
The 25 BEST Salmon Recipes
The following salmon meal ideas are easy enough for the novice chef, yet deliver gourmet flavor and presentation to impress your family or dinner guests! The variety of flavors and preparation styles offer a range of delicious options, from light and refreshing to rich and indulgent. And if you’re wondering what to make with the salmon dishes, I offer some side recommendations too!
Marry Me Salmon
Creamy, savory, and downright irresistible, this Mary Me Salmon lives up to its name! Tender, flaky salmon filets are coated in a luscious sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with roasted veggies or pasta for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Crunchy, buttery pecans meet tender, flaky salmon in this easy and elegant dish. The nutty crust locks in moisture while adding the perfect texture contrast to the delicate fish. Serve it with a side of Brussels sprouts or a crisp salad for a well-balanced dinner.
Sweet meets heat in this bold and flavorful recipe! A spicy brown sugar glaze caramelizes the salmon as it bakes in the oven for a bold and exciting flavor. Topped with fresh mango salsa, the refreshing burst of sweetness makes this dish feel like a tropical treat!
If you love creamy (easy!) pasta dishes, this dish is a must-try. Flavor-packed smoked salmon is tossed in a silky lemon cream sauce with dill, al dente pasta, and cream cheese. It comes together in just 20 minutes!
Short on time? Let the air fryer do the work! This is one of my favorite salmon recipes for a crispy outer crust and tender inside. And it’s ready in under 20 minutes! Seasoned with savory spices and herbs, it’s a great fuss-free healthy meal.
Tender salmon filets are topped with a spicy-sweet glaze (featuring bourbon, brown sugar, and smoked paprika!) that makes a simple dish feel extra special. The caramelized sauce adds just the right amount of heat that enhances the rich, flaky salmon. Serve this with couscous salad and broccoli for a tasty meal.
These bite-sized salmon pieces are packed with smoky BBQ flavor and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. This recipe makes a great protein-packed snack, appetizer, or easy dinner with sides! I love serving these with sweet potato fries and blistered green beans.
This dish is the perfect blend of protein, veggies, and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Pan-seared, savory marinated salmon filets are paired with a crisp homemade veggie slaw and tender rice, then topped with a creamy spicy mayo and sesame seeds. Dinnertime perfection!
Wood-fired flavor meets perfectly grilled salmon in this easy recipe. It’s a must-try for grilling enthusiasts, packed with smoky, tender, savory flavors that celebrate the essence of summer!
This easy recipe takes you step-by-step to cook the most tender, buttery salmon imaginable using a sous vide method–or cooking vacuum-sealed in a low-temperature water bath. This method locks in all the rich flavors of salmon and then the filets are topped off with a lemon dill sauce.
These Greek-inspired bowls are packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors–including herb-roasted salmon, chickpeas, crisp greens, colorful veggies, feta cheese, and plenty of herbs and spices all tossed in a creamy feta cucumber dip. Great for quick lunches or a light dinner!
Also known as salmon en croute, this sophisticated yet simple recipe features a rich, savory salmon and creamy spinach filling wrapped in a flaky puff pastry and baked in the oven. It’s a showstopping centerpiece perfect for impressing guests at brunches or as a dinner appetizer.
Combining Caesar salad (with a homemade high-protein Caesar dressing), al dente chickpea pasta, and blackened salmon creates the ultimate pasta salad! This protein-packed meal is chock-full of textures and creamy flavors for a dish that is as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Love sushi but don’t want to hand-roll? This easy sushi bake allows you to enjoy the flavors of salmon sushi in casserole form! Layers of umami-seasoned sushi rice, crisp nori, sweet-savory-tangy shredded salmon, and imitation crab, are baked in the oven then topping with Asian seasonings and creamy avocado. Serve with cucumber salad and miso soup!
Switch up taco night with these chili and coconut amino-seasoned salmon tacos! The tender, flaky fish is complemented with crunchy, creamy homemade veggie slaw and stuffed into warm corn tortillas for an exciting combination of textures and flavors!
This salty-sweet salmon dish combines an easy butter, honey, citrus, and spice glaze with Old-Bay-seasoned salmon fillets then baked in the oven until irresistibly juicy and tender. Pair this dish with steamed greens and potatoes for a Southern-inspired meal!
This creamy, comforting salmon rice dish is packed with buttery, citrus flavor and delivers a gourmet-style meal in just 30 minutes! Perfect for an elegant, quick-fix dish during the week or to impress dinner guests.
A bold, creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced salmon, need I say more?! Baked salmon fillets are served atop a creamy tomato-infused fettuccine alfredo for a delicious meal the whole family will love! Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes!
One pan, minimal effort, and maximum flavor–this sheet pan recipe is the ultimate quick-fix dinner for busy weeknights. Salmon fillets and fresh asparagus are topped with a homemade honey dijon glaze and then broiled in the oven until perfectly tender.
Put a twist on classic burritos with this mouthwatering charbroiled salmon recipe. Made with savory-seasoned salmon, corn, rice, melty cheddar cheese, a homemade queso-inspired recipe, and your favorite toppings, this dish will change how you eat burritos!
Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared in a garlic-anchovy butter sauce and then baked in the oven with juicy capers until perfectly flaky. Served with fresh lemon juice, this dish is an explosion of flavor that pairs well with various sides for a full-spread delicious meal.
Make your own fresh, healthy salmon poke at home with this easy recipe! Loaded with sushi rice, rich smoked salmon, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, poke sauce, and topped with sesame seeds and spring onion, you won’t want to order out again!
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these hearty pan-fried salmon patties are an easy and delicious appetizer or main dish. Make them with canned or fresh salmon, and pair them with homemade tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!
What is the internal cooking temperature of salmon?
According to the FDA, the safe temperature for well-done salmon dishes is 145ºF, though some chefs cook it to 130-135ºF for medium done. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and err on the side of caution for food safety.
What is the best way to cook juicy salmon?
The best rule of thumb for making juicy salmon is to avoid overcooking it! Follow the recipes for the salmon ideas for optimal cooking methods and cooking times, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Also, if cooking salmon fillets, allow them to rest before serving to help retain their moisture.
Can you use skin-on and off salmon interchangeably?
Yes! Skin-on is best for salmon fish recipes with crispy textures in pan-seared or grilled dishes, while skin-off fillets work well for baking or flaking into dishes like pasta or bowls. Choose based on your preference!
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover salmon?
If you have leftover cooked salmon fillets, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat if desired using low heat in the oven or a skillet with a little oil to avoid drying it out.
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Hi, I’m Chelsea Mae Plummer. I’m a professional recipe developer, food photographer, wife, and mother based in Fort Collins. Colorado. Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I believe food should be accessible, nutritious, doable, and delicious I work hard to develop easy, quick, and nutritious recipes you can count on to fuel you through all of life’s adventures, whether working, parenting, studying, participating in sports, or more!
