Canned salmon is a pantry staple that can save you time and money in the kitchen. This versatile ingredient is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for meals.
You can use it in many different ways, from quick lunches to fancy dinners.
With these 16+ canned salmon recipes, you’ll find new and tasty ways to use this handy ingredient. These recipes are easy to make and don’t need many fancy tools or skills.
You’ll learn how to turn simple canned salmon into yummy patties, salads, dips, and more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, these ideas will help you make the most of canned salmon.
1. Salmon Quinoa Salad
Salmon quinoa salad is a tasty and healthy meal you can make with canned salmon. It’s quick to put together and packed with protein and nutrients.
Start by cooking quinoa and letting it cool. Mix in flaked canned salmon, diced cucumber, and bell peppers.
Add some red onion for extra flavor.
For dressing, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like dill or parsley. Pour it over the salad and toss everything gently.
This salad works great for lunch or a light dinner. You can prep it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy meals during the week.
Try adding extras like chickpeas, avocado, or walnuts to change it up. The combination of salmon and quinoa gives you a filling meal that’s good for you too.
2. Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll
You can make delicious spicy salmon sushi rolls at home using canned salmon. Start by preparing sushi rice according to package directions.
Mix drained canned salmon with spicy mayo made from mayonnaise and sriracha.
Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat. Spread rice evenly over the nori, leaving a small strip at the top bare. Flip the nori so the rice faces down on the mat.
Add a line of the spicy salmon mixture along the bottom edge. You can include cucumber strips and avocado slices for extra flavor and crunch.
Roll the sushi tightly using the mat to help shape it. Slice into pieces with a sharp knife.
Drizzle with extra spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
3. Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Salmon Alfredo pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can make with canned salmon. It combines creamy Alfredo sauce with flaky salmon and pasta.
You can whip up this dish in about 30 minutes. Start by cooking your favorite pasta.
While it’s boiling, make the Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Add canned salmon to the sauce and mix gently. Drain the pasta and toss it with the salmon Alfredo mixture.
For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding some steamed broccoli or peas.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious. It’s also a good way to use up canned salmon in your pantry.
4. Salmon and Avocado Toast
Salmon and avocado toast is a tasty and quick meal you can make with canned salmon. Start by toasting a slice of whole grain bread.
Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the toast. Add flaked canned salmon on top of the avocado.
Squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon for extra flavor. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
You can add extras like sliced cucumber, capers, or fresh herbs if you like. This simple recipe gives you a protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes.
5. Salmon Tacos with Lime Crema
Salmon tacos are a tasty way to use canned salmon. You can make them quickly for an easy weeknight meal.
To start, heat up canned salmon in a pan. Flake it with a fork. Add taco seasoning for extra flavor.
For the lime crema, mix sour cream with lime juice and zest. Add salt to taste. If you can’t have dairy, use cashew cream instead.
Warm up some tortillas. Fill them with the seasoned salmon. Top with the lime crema, shredded cabbage, and cilantro.
These tacos are full of protein and healthy fats. They’re also budget-friendly and take less than 30 minutes to make.
6. Salmon and Spinach Frittata
A salmon and spinach frittata is a tasty way to use canned salmon. You’ll need eggs, canned salmon, spinach, and some cheese.
Mix the eggs in a bowl. Add the drained salmon and chopped spinach. Pour the mix into a hot, oiled pan.
Cook on the stove for a few minutes. Then put the pan in the oven to finish cooking.
The frittata is done when it puffs up and the middle is set.
This dish works great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can add other veggies like potatoes if you want.
Serve it hot or cold with a side salad.
7. Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
You can create a delicious teriyaki salmon bowl using canned salmon. Start by heating the salmon in a pan with a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Prepare a base of rice or coconut rice in your bowl. Add the warm teriyaki salmon on top.
For extra flavor and nutrition, include some veggies. Try edamame, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or red cabbage.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top for a finishing touch.
This quick and tasty meal combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in one satisfying bowl.
8. Salmon Chowder
Salmon chowder is a comforting dish you can easily make with canned salmon. This creamy soup combines flaky fish with potatoes and vegetables.
To make it, sauté onions and celery in butter. Add diced potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in canned salmon, cream-style corn, and half-and-half. Heat through and season to taste.
For extra richness, add some shredded cheddar cheese.
This hearty chowder comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
9. Salmon Caesar Wrap
Salmon Caesar wraps make a tasty lunch using canned salmon. Open a can of salmon and drain it well. Mix the salmon with Caesar dressing in a bowl.
Lay out a large tortilla or wrap. Spread the salmon mixture in the center. Add some crisp romaine lettuce and grated Parmesan cheese.
Roll up the wrap tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Cut it in half diagonally to serve.
You can add extras like croutons or bacon bits for more crunch.
This quick meal takes just minutes to make. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a fast lunch.
The wrap provides protein from the salmon and veggies from the lettuce.
10. Maple-Glazed Salmon
Maple-glazed salmon is a tasty way to use canned salmon. You can create a sweet and savory glaze with maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic.
Mix these ingredients in a bowl. Drain your canned salmon and place it in a baking dish. Pour the glaze over the salmon.
Bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes. The glaze will caramelize and coat the fish nicely.
This dish pairs well with rice and steamed veggies. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings gourmet flavor to canned salmon.
11. Salmon and Mango Salsa
Canned salmon gets a tropical twist with mango salsa. This combo brings together the savory fish and sweet fruit for a tasty meal.
To make the salsa, mix diced mango, red onion, and cilantro. Add lime juice and a pinch of salt. Let it chill in the fridge to blend the flavors.
Drain the canned salmon and flake it into a bowl. Mix in some of the mango salsa.
You can serve this cold or gently heat it.
Spoon the salmon-mango mixture onto a plate or into a bowl. Top with extra salsa for more fruity flavor.
This light and refreshing dish works great for lunch or dinner.
12. Lemon Dill Salmon Cakes
Lemon dill salmon cakes are a tasty way to use canned salmon. You’ll need canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and fresh dill and lemon for flavor.
Mix the salmon with breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped dill, lemon juice, and zest. Add some Dijon mustard and garlic powder for extra taste. Form the mixture into small patties.
Cook the patties in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. They should be crispy on the outside and moist inside.
Serve your salmon cakes with a simple lemon dill sauce. These make a quick and healthy meal any day of the week.
13. Salmon Poke Bowl
Canned salmon makes a quick and easy poke bowl. Mix the salmon with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for flavor.
Add the seasoned salmon to a bowl of cooked rice. Top with cubed avocado, sliced cucumber, and bean sprouts for freshness and crunch.
Drizzle some spicy mayo over the bowl for extra kick. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top as a finishing touch.
This simple poke bowl comes together in just minutes. It’s a tasty way to enjoy canned salmon with minimal prep.
You can customize the toppings based on what you have on hand.
14. Smoked Salmon Pizza
Smoked salmon pizza is a tasty twist on traditional pizza. You can make it using canned salmon instead of fresh.
Start with a pre-baked pizza crust or flatbread. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or crème fraîche as the base.
Top with flaked canned salmon, thinly sliced red onions, and capers. Add some fresh dill for extra flavor.
Bake the pizza until it’s warm and the edges are crispy. After baking, you can add some fresh arugula or baby spinach on top.
This pizza is great for a quick dinner or as an appetizer cut into small pieces. It combines the rich taste of salmon with crispy crust for a delicious meal.
15. Salmon Stuffed Peppers
Salmon stuffed peppers offer a tasty twist on traditional stuffed peppers. You can make this dish using canned salmon for convenience.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them in a baking dish.
In a bowl, mix canned salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and Parmesan cheese. Add an egg and some lemon juice for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the peppers with this salmon mixture. Top with additional cheese if desired.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
16. Salmon and Asparagus Skillet
You can make a tasty meal with canned salmon and asparagus in a skillet. Start by heating some olive oil and minced garlic in a pan.
Add trimmed asparagus and cook until it’s almost tender. Then mix in canned salmon, lemon juice, and seasonings.
Let everything simmer together for a few minutes. The flavors will blend nicely.
You can serve it over rice or pasta if you want. It’s a great way to use canned salmon and get some veggies in your meal too.
Nutritional Benefits of Canned Salmon
Canned salmon packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers many health benefits that can boost your diet and wellbeing.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Canned salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are great for your heart and brain.
Eating canned salmon can lower your risk of heart disease. It may also help reduce inflammation in your body. Omega-3s support brain function and may improve your mood.
A 3-ounce serving of canned salmon provides about 1.5 grams of omega-3s. This is more than half the recommended daily intake for adults.
Protein Content
Canned salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein helps build and repair your muscles, bones, and other tissues.
A 3-ounce serving of canned salmon contains about 22 grams of protein. This is nearly half of the daily protein needs for most adults.
Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied after eating. This can help with weight management and muscle growth when combined with exercise.
Vitamins and Minerals
Canned salmon is packed with important vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of vitamin D, which many people don’t get enough of.
Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. A 3-ounce serving of canned salmon provides about 50% of your daily vitamin D needs.
Canned salmon also contains:
- Vitamin B12 for nerve function and red blood cell formation
- Selenium for thyroid health and antioxidant protection
- Calcium for strong bones and teeth (if you eat the soft bones)
These nutrients support your overall health and can help prevent various diseases.
Cooking Techniques for Canned Salmon
Canned salmon is easy to prepare using different cooking methods. You can transform this pantry staple into tasty meals with a few simple techniques.
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying canned salmon creates crispy patties or cakes.
Mix drained salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Shape into patties and cook in a hot skillet with oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
For extra flavor, add chopped onions, herbs, or lemon zest to the mixture. Serve the patties on buns as salmon burgers or with a side salad for a light meal.
Try pan-frying flaked salmon with vegetables for a quick stir-fry.
Heat oil in a pan, add veggies like bell peppers and onions, then toss in the salmon. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Baking
Baking canned salmon offers a hands-off cooking method.
Make salmon loaf by mixing the fish with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Press into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
For individual portions, try baked salmon cakes. Form the mixture into patties and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can also use canned salmon in casseroles. Mix with pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Grilling
Grilling adds smoky flavor to canned salmon. Make foil packets by placing flaked salmon, vegetables, and seasonings on a piece of foil. Fold to seal and grill for 10-12 minutes.
For salmon burgers, form patties and place them on a well-oiled grill grate. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Use a spatula to flip gently to prevent breaking.
Try grilled salmon skewers. Thread chunks of canned salmon with vegetables onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush with oil and grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally.