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Salmon is something I make A LOT… like a lot, a lot in my house. It’s such a versatile fish, and I love how you can grill it, bake it, or even smoke it, depending on your mood. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and tastes amazing, which makes it a win-win. I’ve gathered 25+ of my favorite salmon recipes that I use all the time. These are dishes that I make for quick weeknight dinners when I’m short on time, as well as more impressive recipes for when I have friends over and want to show off a bit.
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Why You Should Cook More With Salmon
- Quick cooking protein. Compared to beef or roasted chicken, salmon cooks incredibly fast. In fact, if you overcook it, it nearly becomes impossible to eat, so keep your eye on that timer.
- Family friendly but also fancy. Salmon has the superpower of going from drab to fab in minutes. It can serve as a satisfying weeknight meal for your family or can be that show-stopping centerpiece for an elegant dinner party.
- Easily accessible to most people. Not everybody can take a stroll to their local fish market for some fresh salmon and that’s okay. The good news is that salmon is widely available in most grocery stores. And with different types and cuts of salmon, there is an option for you regardless of your budget. Whether you choose fresh, frozen, smoked, or even canned, you can find something without having to travel to coastal cities (or ordering online).
Tips for Cooking Salmon
- Prep the fish properly. This will depend on the recipe, but generally, you want to start with clean and dry salmon, so pat them dry with paper towels. Not only does this help the seasonings stick better to the fish, but it also helps to get that nice sear and prevents the fish from steaming. Also, if you find any pin bones (those long, thin bones that run along the length of the fillet), remove them carefully with tweezers.
- Temper salmon first. Like a good steak, it’s important to pull the salmon out of the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows for even cooking and excellent searing of the fish that makes it so irresistibly delicious.
- Avoid overcooking. Salmon cooks very fast and can become dry if overcooked. You want to pull it from heat before it’s fully cooked, as it will continue to cook using residual heat. This is especially important when the salmon fillets are on the thinner side because they will cook faster.
- Let it rest. As with most meats, you want to allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute back into the salmon, making the fish more juicy and tender.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Buy in bulk when it goes on sale. Raw salmon freezes incredibly well, so when you see a good deal, stock up. According to the USDA, raw fish can be frozen for up to 8 months, but it starts losing quality after the 3-month mark. So buy enough to last a few months then do a little meal planning to make sure you use it up in 3 months.
- Know the different types of salmon. King salmon (also known as Chinook salmon) is quite literally the….king of salmon, ranking in as the most expensive type of salmon due to its rich flavor, high-fat content, and large size. Some of the more common budget-friendlier salmon varieties include Sockeye (red salmon), Coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, and steelhead, which is actually a trout that behaves and tastes like salmon.
- Experiment with different cuts of salmon. Boneless and skinless salmon fillets are pricier because of the convenience of being ready to cook, so consider buying skin-on cuts and possibly even whole fish, which can be filleted at home for a fraction of the cost (if you’re up for the challenge, that is).
- Stretch that salmon with satisfying sides. Serve salmon with a side of brown rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or any pasta to make it a complete and satisfying meal. That way, you can still enjoy the deliciousness that salmon offers, but you can easily cut that serving in half and still be satisfied when served with the right sides.
Best Salmon Recipes
If you love salmon as much as I do, having a good list of healthy salmon recipes is a must. Whether you’re looking for air fryer salmon for a quick and healthier option or want to work on your searing technique with pan-seared salmon, I’ve got you covered. And, of course, I didn’t forget about baked salmon or grilled salmon – those are staples in my house. I even threw in some smoked salmon recipes. These are the go-to salmon recipes I rely on, and I can’t wait for you to let me know what you think when you try some of them!
Light and Healthy Salmon Recipes
- Salmon Lettuce Wraps – Cooked on the stovetop and served in Bibb lettuce for a nice refreshing crunch that is oh-so-good!
- Air Fryer Salmon – Delicious, perfectly flakey, salmon in the air fryer in half the time of traditional cooking methods.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta – Use canned salmon or any mild-flavored leftover salmon. This salmon recipe is made with pantry staples, including pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives, this pasta dish is oh-so-good!
- Air Fryer Greek Salmon – Top the salmon fillets with a refreshing Greek salad, and dinner is ready.
Salmon Recipes in Oven
- Lemon Pepper Salmon – Made with my homemade lemon pepper seasoning and minimal prep, this weeknight dinner can be on the table in less than 20 minutes. I love that it’s baked in the oven, so there’s no need to babysit it on the stovetop.
- Stuffed Salmon – This stuffed salmon is filled with Greek yogurt, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and other Mediterranean flavors. It has a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the salmon!
- Honey Mustard Salmon – This easy salmon recipe will bring dinner to the table in no time! The flaky tender salmon is dressed with a simple honey mustard glaze that pairs well with a pasta dish or a simple salad.
- Garlic Cilantro Baked Salmon – With a simple combination of garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and soy sauce, this oven-baked salmon recipe is a keeper! Serve it over white rice and a drizzle of lime juice.
- Crispy Salmon Fish Sticks – Strips of salmon are coated in a creamy garlic sauce and tossed in crunchy breadcrumbs and then baked.
Sheet-Pan Salmon Recipes
- Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon – I love a good sheet pan meal that has the perfect ratio of protein, carbs, fiber, and tons of a flavor. And this sheet pan salmon dish delivers on all that and more.
- Panko Crusted Sheet Pan Salmon – If you’re looking for easy one-pan salmon recipes in oven, add this dish to your repertoire. It’s conveniently baked with asparagus, making it an easy meal for any night of the week.
- Roasted Salmon in Butter – Simple yet full of flavor and satisfying, this is one of the best salmon recipes with its salt-infused butter sauce and fresh oregano and parsley. Serve with asparagus for an easy meal.
- Baked Feta Salmon – Hands down, this is one of my fave salmon recipes in oven. Inspired by my super popular baked feta pasta, this dish is lower in carbs but big on flavor.
Pan-Cooked Salmon Recipes
- Blackened Salmon – Made with homemade blackening seasoning and cooked skin-on in a skillet, this dish delivers a crispy, flavorful crust with a tender interior.
- Salmon Cakes – These restaurant quality salmon cakes are one of my favorite salmon recipes. They’re made in one bowl with simple, wholesome ingredients like eggs, almond flour, spices, and, of course, salmon.
- Pan-Seared Salmon – Cooked until golden brown with a light blend of seasonings, this salmon dish is your next family weeknight dinner.
- Harissa Glazed Salmon – The harissa paste really shines through with its midly spicy flavor creating a sticky glaze over the fish.
- Honey Lemon Salmon – Sweet, sticky, lemony glaze pairs so well with tender, flakey salmon.
Grilled Salmon Recipes
- Salmon Kabobs – With small bites of zucchini, red onions, and tender salmon – this will be one of your go-to grilled salmon recipes this year.
- Salmon Burgers – Move over beef burgers, this salmon version will steal the show with their juicy, flavorful patties and healthier twist. It’s one of my favorite healthy salmon recipes that’s on repeat once the grilling season rolls around.
- Grilled Salmon – If you’re just dipping your feet into grilled salmon recipes, this basic tutorial on how to grill salmon with the skin on will help you avoid overcooked, rubbery salmon.
- Pesto Grilled Salmon & Pasta – Easy and simple to make, the salmon kabobs are cooked on a grill and served with a hefty bowl of pesto pasta.
- Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa – The refreshing citrus salsa is packed with flavor!
Smoked Salmon Recipes
- Smoked Salmon Bagel – The smoked salmon is paired with fresh flavors of lemon, dill, and cucumber for one of my favorite healthy salmon recipes to kick start your day.
- Smoked Salmon Salad – I love smoked salmon so much, I just had to make a salad with it and let me tell you – it did not disappoint.
- Smoked Salmon Platter – It’s packed with fresh veggies, including avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lots of savory and tangy topping options like capers, red onions, and more.
- Cucumber Sushi – Add this to your list of no-cook healthy salmon recipes. It’s basically a large cucumber that’s cored and stuffed with carrots, cucumbers, avocados, and smoked salmon.
- Cucumber Sushi Roll – All your favorite sushi filling rolled into long ribbons of cucumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when the salmon is done cooking?
The most accurate way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer – it should read 145°F when inserted into the thickest part of the fish. Other signs to look for is the color should be opaque throughout and when you gently press into the salmon with your finger, it should feel firm but still have a slight give. Lastly, when the flesh easily flakes with a fork – it’s done.
What cooking method is better for salmon?
This depends on personal preference but for smaller salmon, I recommend using salmon recipes pan cooked as the crispy skin will help the flesh retain flavor and moisture. For bigger fillets, you can make grilled salmon recipes or bake them in the oven (but always watch for doneness!).
What sides pair well with salmon?
You can’t go wrong with roasted vegetables like asparagus or cauliflower steaks. If you’re making grilled salmon recipes, might as well throw some grilled vegetables to make an easy side dish. Any whole grain side dish like saffron rice or risotto complements the salmon well too. Lastly, don’t discount those good, chewy, comforting salmon pasta recipes like lemon pasta or hummus pasta that go so well with seafood.
Now that you’re armed with all my favorite healthy salmon recipes, you’re ready to take your favorite fish to a new level. From air fryer salmon recipes to pan-seared goodness, grilled to smoked and oven-baked, these recipes offer every dish a massive wave of flavor.
Full List of Recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Entree
Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Salmon lettuce wraps with an Asian-inspired honey garlic glaze wrapped in a silky soft Bibb lettuce leaf. Low carb, delicious and perfect for dinner!
15 minutes
Entree
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in seared edges and tender, flaky center. Ready in 10 minutes, low carb & low calorie
10 minutes
Pastas, Salad, Side, Side Dish
Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad is quick & simple to make with just a few pantry staple ingredients. It's great for meal prep & bursting with flavor!
30 minutes
Main Course
Air Fryer Greek Salmon
Full of fresh flavors, this Air Fryer Greek salmon recipe is a breeze to make. Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, is healthy, light and so delicious!
28 minutes
Entree
Lemon Pepper Salmon
This recipe for lemon pepper salmon is both quick and easy to prepare. It's a protein-rich dinner option with a sharp, citrusy flavor punch.
15 minutes
Entree
Stuffed Salmon
This stuffed salmon is filled with Greek yogurt, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and other Mediterranean flavors. So good!
27 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Honey Mustard Salmon
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with this Honey Mustard Salmon. Tender, flaky, and ready in 20 mins for an easy, healthy dinner!
20 minutes
Entree
Garlic Cilantro Salmon
This Garlic Cilantro Oven Baked Salmon is easy to prepare and is a healthy quick option for the busy weekdays that the whole family will enjoy
25 minutes
Entree
Crispy Salmon Fish Sticks
These salmon fish sticks are coated in a creamy garlic sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs and then baked to perfection. They're flaky and delicious!
35 minutes
Main Course
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Salmon – healthy family weeknight dinner baked to perfection in one pan for easy prep, easy baking and easy clean-up!
30 minutes
Main Course
Panko Crusted Salmon
This Panko Herb Crusted Sheet Pan Salmon is coated with a mayo marinade and crispy panko breadcrumbs, then oven baked until golden and flaky
20 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Roasted Salmon in Butter
Simple, yet full of flavor this oven roasted salmon is baked in a butter herb sauce with asparagus. It's ready in under 20 and sure to be a winner!
20 minutes
Main Course
Baked Feta Salmon
Ready to serve in 20 minutes, this simple baked feta salmon is a perfect weeknight meal. Fresh, vibrant and low carb.
20 minutes
Dinner, Main Dish
Blackened Salmon
Flavorful blackened salmon with crispy skin and a homemade blackening seasoning. Flaky, moist, and ready in under 20 minutes, you can't go wrong!
14 minutes
Appetizer
Salmon Cakes
These salmon cakes have a restaurant quality taste to them but they are quick to make with minimal wholesome ingredients and gluten-free flour
21 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Pan Seared Salmon
This Pan Seared Salmon recipe is quick and easy to make with the best golden brown crust and crispy skin. Ready in about 10 minutes, this makes for a delicious weeknight dinner.
15 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Main Dish
Harissa Glazed Salmon
This 5 ingredient Harissa Glazed Salmon recipe is tender, flaky, and has the best sweet heat sauce with harissa paste and honey, pan-seared in 10 minutes!
13 minutes
Entree
Honey Lemon Salmon
You can make this Honey Lemon Salmon with only a handful of ingredients and any skillet. It's quick & easy for healthy weeknight dinners or fancy occasions
20 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Salmon Kabobs
These salmon kabobs are marinated in a tangy mustard sauce and grilled with zucchini and onions. Perfect over a flame for summer grilling!
1 hour 5 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Main Dish
Salmon Burgers
Salmon burgers make a great alternative to beef burgers. Made with only a few ingredients, they're nutrient-dense, protein-packed, and fun for summer grilling!
30 minutes
Main Course
How to Grill Salmon (Skin-on)
Learn how to grill salmon with skin on using this step-by-step tutorial. Grilling salmon this method creates moist fillets that won't stick!
15 minutes
Main Course
Pesto Grilled Salmon & Pasta
Easy and simple to make, pesto grilled salmon is cooked on the grill and then served on a bed of creamy pasta for a delicious summer time meal
30 minutes
Main Course
Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa
This easy and quick grilled salmon recipe is a great low carb dinner. Topped with a citrus salsa it comes together in less than 20 minutes and is easy to prep.
17 minutes
Breakfast, Brunch, Sandwich
Smoked Salmon Bagel
Quick and easy to make this cream cheese and smoked salmon bagel is the perfect brunch recipe. Full of fresh flavors, every bite is delicious!
10 minutes
Salad
Smoked Salmon Salad
This fresh smoked salmon salad is made with avocado, cucumber and eggs and drizzled in a dill, lemon and mustard dressing for a delicious summer dish.
10 minutes
Appetizer
Smoked Salmon Platter
This smoked salmon platter is the perfect appetizer! The presentation is jaw-dropping and the accompaniments are delicious! Great for holidays and potlucks!
15 minutes
Appetizer
Cucumber Sushi
Cucumber sushi is an easy recipe to put together with friends and family. It's easily adaptable to any diet or taste preferences, and a fun twist on sushi.
35 minutes
Appetizer
Cucumber Sushi Rolls
These gluten-free cucumber sushi rolls are so easy to make and they are such a colorful and pretty appetizer. Filled with fresh veggies and a seasoned cream cheese.
15 minutes
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Non-Boring Salad Recipes, Best Pasta Recipes, Most Popular Viral Recipes, and Best Chicken Recipes.
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