Recipes

20+ Hearty Salmon Recipe Ideas You’re Sure to Love

Salmon is a popular seafood entree, and for good reason. It’s tasty, easy to cook, and is loaded with protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. It’s also super versatile. From poke bowls and breakfast dishes to a variety of main entrees, there are a ton of different ways you can cook salmon. 

Not sure where to start? Check out these incredible salmon recipe ideas. 

Baked salmon recipes

Baked salmon is tender, juicy, and can take on a wide variety of different flavor profiles. Here are a few simple recipes to help you get started. 

1. Baked dijon salmon 

Baked Crusted Salmon with rosemary.

This salmon dish gets much of its flavor from dijon mustard and fresh parsley. It also has a satisfying crunch, thanks to the addition of crushed walnuts and panko breadcrumbs. 

2. Herb-crusted salmon with roasted tomatoes

Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also designed to allow you to pull your salmon right out of the freezer and toss it in the oven. This recipe is perfect for those hectic nights when you’re wondering what you’ll make for dinner. 

3. Garlic roasted salmon with Brussels sprouts

Roasting your salmon fillets on a bed of Brussels sprouts and garlic with some wine and fresh herbs is a deliciously easy way to cook a memorable dinner. This sophisticated and tasty meal is excellent when served with a side of couscous and is a great option for impromptu dinner parties. 

Grilled salmon recipes

When the weather is nice, heading outdoors to grill your salmon is a great idea! There are also many different ways to prepare salmon for the grill. Here are a few you’ll definitely want to try.

1. Apricot-chile glazed salmon

Glazed salmon on black background.

This sweet glaze with a kick gives the grilled salmon a unique and unforgettable flavor. You can use either jam or preserves as a base and, if you can’t find New Mexico chilis, it’s fine to substitute it with your favorite chili powder. 

2. Barbecued salmon with corn relish 

This simple barbecued salmon is easy to make, and it pairs perfectly with a relish made from peppers and grilled sweet corn. It’s so refreshing and is always a favorite during the summer months. 

3. Fresh salmon burgers with dill sauce

Similar to a crab cake, salmon burgers are the flakey, flavorful cousin of hamburgers. Once grilled to perfection, the lemon-yogurt sauce adds a refreshing twist. 

4. Juicy salmon burgers

These classic salmon burgers feature the flavors of lemon and dill. They’re delicious when served on toasted whole wheat buns and topped with tartar sauce. 

5. Grilled salmon skewers with melon salsa

If you’re looking for a light summertime meal, you can’t go wrong with these grilled salmon skewers topped with a salsa made from fresh melon, bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice. 

Seared salmon recipes 

Searing whole salmon in a hot pan will give it delicious crispy skin. If you haven’t tried it before, you’ll be surprised by just how tasty it is. Start by experimenting with these great recipes. 

1. Crispy seared salmon with tomato-cucumber salad

Greek salad with grilled salmon.

This seared salmon is plenty crispy without the need for breadcrumbs. Topping it with a salad made from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers gives it extra color and a satisfying crunch. 

2. Seared salmon noodles with scallions

This Asian-inspired salmon dish combines udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tasty sauce. It’s a full-flavored, one-dish meal that’s easy to make on even the busiest of weeknights. 

3. Seared salmon with pesto fettuccine

A delicious meal that you can whip together in 20 minutes, this fettuccini dish is made with refrigerated pesto and seared salmon. It looks beautiful and is also full of fresh flavor. 

4. Seared salmon with lentils

This recipe for seared salmon with lentils is a classic French dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is also classy enough to serve at your next dinner party. 

Smoked salmon recipe ideas

Smoked salmon is usually cured and then either hot or cold smoked. This gives it a smokey flavor and a soft, tender texture that almost melts in your mouth. Once you try some of these smoked salmon recipe ideas, you’re sure to be hooked.  

1. Smoked salmon & cream cheese omelet

Omelet with smoked salmon and dill.

Omelets are very easy to make and adding cream cheese, fresh dill, and smoked salmon gives them a sophisticated twist. This perfectly decadent dish will make a great addition to your next brunch. 

2. Smoked salmon maki rolls

These sushi-like rolls are delicious, and since they don’t contain any rice, they’re also low carb. The blend of smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, and carrots is light and refreshing, and dipping it in some quality soy sauce will bring out even more flavor. 

3. Salmon and egg breakfast casserole

This unexpected twist on a breakfast casserole uses bagels instead of bread. The salmon, cottage cheese, and shredded Swiss combine to give it a creamy, smoky flavor. Best of all, you can make it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up. 

Creative salmon recipe ideas

1.  Salmon salad with herbed yogurt

Grilled salmon fillet and fresh vegetable salad.

A simple pan-cooked salmon filet and an herbed yogurt dressing make the perfect topping to a light salad. This recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. 

2. Salmon tacos with pineapple salsa

Next time you’re craving tacos, try something different! This recipe is made with salmon seasoned with chili powder, a light and tasty pineapple salsa, and whole wheat flour tortillas. Serve it with a side of homemade slaw. 

3. Salmon quiche

Salmon quiche is rich and creamy, making it a perfect breakfast or lunch dish to serve during the holidays, special occasions, or just to treat yourself! We recommend you make at least two and keep extra in the freezer for later. 

4. Greek salmon and orzo

Made with a salmon steak, feta cheese, and orzo, this Greek-inspired dish is excellent when served as a side. It also makes a quick and easy lunch. Try making extra so you can enjoy it a few times during the week. 

5. Dilled salmon potato salad

This twist on a classic potato salad adds a refreshing splash of dill and an extra serving of protein. This fun and creative recipe alone will be the talk of any potluck or family get-together. 

Add salmon to your shopping list today

If you’re ready to start experimenting with some of these delicious salmon recipe ideas, there’s no time like the present! Just head over to Instacart.com, add all the ingredients you need to your shopping list, then kick back and wait for your grocery delivery. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

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