Canned salmon is cheap, packed with protein, and easy to keep on hand, but figuring out what to do with it is another story. It’s not exactly the first thing people reach for, but it should be. With the right recipes, it can hold its own in pasta, burgers, quiches, and even sushi bakes. These meals make the most of that pantry staple without feeling like a backup plan.
Crispy Salmon Bites
These crispy salmon bites are pan-fried to perfection and can be served as an appetizer or main dish. They work well on top of a salad, alongside rice and vegetables, or dipped into your favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
This salmon salad combines canned salmon, fresh dill, lemon, and roasted chickpeas for a flavorful and protein-packed meal. It works well on toasted bread, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
Salmon Patties
These crispy salmon patties turn canned salmon into a great dinner option. They cook up quickly, taste great, and feel like a step up from the usual pantry meals. Serve them with a simple side or on a bun for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Patties
Chickpea Salmon Salad
This salad combines canned salmon and chickpeas with fresh ingredients like red onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. It comes together in minutes and makes a quick and satisfying meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salmon Salad
Dill Salmon Mousse
This creamy salmon mousse is smooth, flavorful, and easy to make. It pairs well with crackers or vegetables and is a great way to use canned salmon for a simple appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Dill Salmon Mousse
Kale Salmon Salad with Mozzarella Cheese
This hearty salad combines canned salmon with kale, fennel, oranges, and mozzarella cheese. Tossed in a citrus dressing, it comes together quickly and makes a great dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salmon Salad with Mozzarella Cheese
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake
This sushi bake delivers all the flavors of sushi without the extra work. Canned salmon, spicy mayo, and rice get baked together for a dish that is simple, flavorful, and great for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake
Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta
This creamy pesto pasta with canned salmon is ready in just 25 minutes. It makes a great weeknight meal that is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Salmon Pasta
Salmon Quiche
This salmon quiche combines canned salmon, goat cheese, and dill in a rich and satisfying dish. It works well for breakfast, brunch, or dinner and can be made ahead for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Quiche
Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce
These salmon burgers are made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings. They cook quickly, taste great, and pair well with a creamy avocado sauce for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce
Salmon Spinach Quiche
This quiche is packed with flaky salmon, fresh spinach, and plenty of cheese. The homemade crust bakes up golden and crisp, making this a great meal for any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Spinach Quiche
Canned Salmon Pasta
This simple pasta dish comes together in 30 minutes with canned salmon, spinach, and peas. It is a great way to turn pantry staples into a fresh and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Pasta
Canned Salmon Salad
This salmon salad is creamy, quick to prepare, and great for sandwiches or crackers. It is similar to tuna salad but uses canned salmon for a fresh and flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Salad
Spinach Salmon Burgers
These crispy salmon burgers are made with canned salmon and fresh spinach. They cook in just 30 minutes and can be served on buns, in wraps, or over greens for an easy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Salmon Burgers
Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is loaded with asparagus, canned salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy lemon dill dressing. It works well for dinner, meal prep, or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
Sheet Pan Lemon Caper Salmon Cakes
These sheet pan salmon cakes cook up with crispy potatoes and asparagus in just 30 minutes. Everything comes together on one pan, making cleanup easy and dinner effortless.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon Caper Salmon Cakes
Salmon Pasta Bake
This baked pasta dish combines canned salmon, green peas, and spiral pasta with a touch of lemon. It bakes up golden and delicious, making it a great meal for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Bake
Salmon Cheese Ball
This salmon cheese ball mixes canned salmon with cream cheese and horseradish for a quick and flavorful appetizer. It pairs well with crackers and is a great way to serve canned salmon at a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Cheese Ball
Salmon Melt
This salmon melt requires no chopping and only a few minutes under the broiler. The salmon and cheese create a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Melt
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
