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25 Easy & Healthy Salmon Recipes

These healthy salmon recipes make it easy to prepare protein-rich, flavorful dinners packed with omegas and other good for you nutrients! From pineapple teriyaki salmon burgers to garlic butter baked salmon fillet, there’s something here for any occasion and cooking style.

Collage of easy and healthy salmon recipes

The Best Salmon Recipes

Are you trying to eat healthier? I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us are actively trying to make good choices about the foods we eat on a weekly basis – which is awesome!

An important part of a healthy, fulfilling diet is good protein. And salmon is one of the best sources. This popular and flavorful fish is packed with nutrition and is available fresh, frozen, and even canned. If you need a healthy dinner recipe that cooks up quickly with maximum flavor, salmon is a great place to start.

These easy recipes will make cooking salmon a snap! Even if you’re not familiar with preparing salmon, you’ll be able to create restaurant-style dishes with minimal hassle. Let’s dig in.

Why Is Salmon So Healthy?

You may have heard that salmon is super good for you, but if you haven’t really looked into the actual health benefits of this beloved protein option, get ready! According to Healthline, it truly is a bounty of goodies that will nourish and fortify your body. Let’s take a look at just a few of the benefits of eating salmon:

  • Omega-3s: These fatty acids are also known as DHA and EPA. Your body can’t make them, so you have to get them from your dietary intake. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even reduce your risk of cancer!
  • Protein: Salmon is a great choice for healthy protein, which is an important building block for healthy tissues and bones.
  • B-Vitamins: Salmon is rich in all of the B-vitamins, which are crucial for having good energy levels, proper function of the brain and nervous system, hormonal balance, and more.
  • Tryptophan: Important for regulating your sleep, tryptophan helps your body make serotonin and melatonin.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Salmon truly is a superfood. And it also happens to be super versatile and easy to cook!

whole raw salmon fillet

Kinds of Salmon

The salmon you find at your local grocery store or market may be frozen, fresh, canned, or smoked. In general, pink salmon is available in canned form, which is great for making a quick batch of salmon cakes. Frozen and fresh salmon come in lots of different varieties, such as:

  • Atlantic Salmon: Atlantic salmon is widely available and often used in restaurants and home cooking. It has a mild, delicate flavor and a tender texture. This variety of salmon can often be “farmed,” which tends to have more antibiotic exposure so when looking at Atlantic salmon be sure to ask if it is farmed or wild caught.
  • Sockeye Salmon: Also called “red salmon” due to its vibrant red flesh, sockeye salmon is prized for its rich flavor and firm texture. It’s often enjoyed grilled, smoked, or canned. This variety of salmon is wild caught variety of Pacific salmon.
  • Chinook (King) Salmon: Chinook salmon is the largest and arguably the most flavorful among salmon varieties. It has a high fat content, making it incredibly rich and buttery. Because of its size and taste, it’s considered a premium choice.
  • Coho (Silver) Salmon: Coho salmon has a milder taste compared to chinook and sockeye, but it’s still flavorful and popular for grilling and baking.
  • Pink Salmon: Pink salmon is more affordable and commonly used for canning or processing into various products like salmon patties or spreads.

How to Choose the Best Salmon at the Store

  • Look for Freshness: Check the “sell by” or “use by” date on the package to ensure it’s within the recommended period. Also, examine the flesh of the salmon; it should be firm, moist, and shiny without any dull or discolored patches. If you’re buying fresh fillets, give them a little push with your finger to test their freshness. Fresh fillets will “bounce back,” while older fillets will stay indented where you press them.
  • Smell the Fish: Fresh salmon should have a clean, ocean-like aroma. Avoid any fish with a strong, fishy or ammonia-like smell, as it may be past its prime.
  • Check the Color: Depending on the species, the color of the salmon may vary. For example, sockeye salmon is bright red, while Atlantic salmon is typically lighter. Whichever variety you choose, look for a vibrant and uniform color. Dull or pale salmon indicates that it’s losing its freshness. Whether you’re buying red, pink, or orange salmon, go for bold color.
  • Inspect the Skin: If the salmon is sold with the skin on, check that it’s smooth and without any signs of browning or drying. And if you’re buying a whole salmon? Make sure its eyes are bright, its skin is shiny, and that the fish itself feels firm and strong when you lift it – never soft or floppy.
  • Avoid Freezer Burn: If buying frozen salmon, make sure the packaging is intact and free from ice crystals, which can indicate freezer burn.
  • Sustainability: Consider choosing salmon that is labeled as sustainably sourced or has a certification from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

25 Easy & Healthy Salmon Recipes to Try

Are you feeling inspired to get in the kitchen and cook up some salmon? I hope so! It’s such an easy and rewarding way to add more variety and nutrition to your menu. Plus, there are so many scrumptious ways to make it! Let’s take a look at some amazing salmon recipes. Each one is easy, healthy, and best of all: loaded with flavor!

Salmon patties with dill and lemons.

Salmon Patties

Basic canned salmon is combined with green onions, fresh dill, lemon, and panko, and then pan-fried into crispy little cakes that are juicy and tender on the inside. Serve them on their own, with dipping sauce, or make salmon sliders!
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Cooked salmon fillets in an air fryer basket

Air Fryer Salmon

This might just be the easiest way to make salmon fillets, ever! Let your air fryer work its magic, and enjoy lightly crisped, perfectly browned salmon flavored with butter, garlic, lemon, and just a hint of sweet brown sugar.
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Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce - Quick, delicious, bright and creamy salmon dinner prepared in just one skillet and served with an incredible lemon garlic cream sauce! All you need is about 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients.

Creamy Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

The creamy lemon sauce in the recipe is so good, you’ll be scooping up every last drop! Easy pan-seared salmon fillets are finished in the sauce, blending the flavors and creating a complex, but bright, result.
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Scooping out a piece of salmon.

Oven Baked Salmon and Asparagus

Bright green asparagus is layered in the bottom of a casserole dish, and topped with generous fillets of salmon spread with garlicky butter. A bit of lemon, a short time in the oven, and it’s done! You can serve this dish with crusty bread for a complete meal!
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Salmon Fillets with Cream Sauce in a Skillet

Creamy Garlic Dijon Salmon

Dijon mustard, with its strong, wine-like taste and fragrance, elevates this easy skillet meal. You’ll love the combination of savory salmon, tender vegetables, and rich, creamy, garlic Dijon sauce.
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Overhead of three salmon tacos with mango avocado salsa served on a plate.

Salmon Tacos

It’s a flavor explosion! Chili-lime salmon is piled into a soft taco, and topped with mango avocado salsa and a creamy, tangy cilantro-yogurt sauce. Taco night will never be the same!
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A foil packet that has been torn open to reveal baked salmon with a tomato topping and rice.

Tomato Pesto Salmon and Rice Recipe Baked in Foil

Using instant rice, you can put these foil packets together in just minutes, and they bake to perfection, hands-free! Prepared tomato pesto, a little olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper add oodles of flavor, color, and fragrance.
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Overhead image of a skillet with three salmon fillets in a cream sauce mixed with baby spinach and cherry tomatoes.

Pan Seared Salmon

Another pan-seared favorite, this version taps into fresh, Italian-fusion goodness. You’ll love how easily the creamy sauce with cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach comes together, complete with basil, parsley, and a little bit of Parmesan.
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overhead shot of four baked salmon fillets on a sheet pan set on top of green vegetables.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is the quintessential sheet pan dinner. Tender salmon bakes right alongside fresh broccoli florets, all dressed with a quick butter and herb sauce with a hint of lemon. This would be wonderful served with fingerling potatoes or a batch of warm crescent rolls. Yum!
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Maple Mustard Salmon in Foil - Delicious, sweet and tangy salmon coated with an amazing maple syrup and mustard sauce, and baked in tin foil to a flaky perfection!

Maple Mustard Salmon in Foil

Move over, honey mustard! This maple mustard salmon is made with pure maple syrup, two kinds of mustard, and a little salt and pepper. Wrap it up in foil (or parchment, if you prefer) and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Dinner? Done! It’s a foolproof recipe with a tangy sweetness you won’t be able to resist.
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A grilled salmon burger on a plate with another behind it being topped with red onion and lettuce.

Salmon Burgers

A tropic-inspired twist on ordinary salmon burgers, these beauties boast not only a teriyaki and pineapple topping, but also a creamy yogurt-sriracha sauce! You won’t be able to get enough of these bold, refreshing flavors! Served on pretzel buns with fresh lettuce, they’re a perfect summery dinner you can make year-round.
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Salmon Cobb Salad with Spinach and Feta - Tender spinach and romaine lettuce topped with delicious oven-baked salmon, tomatoes, eggs, bacon, avocados and feta, all tossed together with a tangy lemon-mustard dressing.

Salmon Cobb Salad with Spinach and Feta

This easy salad is a wonderful way to turn leftover salmon into a fresh dinner option. Chock-full of bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and eggs, it’s a smorgasbord of color and texture, all on a bed of leafy romaine and spinach. The warm, oven-baked salmon adds a punch of protein, and it all goes perfectly with a quick and easy homemade vinaigrette.
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side shot of creamy stuffed cajun salmon fillets in a skillet

Cajun Stuffed Salmon

If you’re like me, you sometimes want a spicy little kick to your meal! This is a great way to bring some Cajun persuasion to your kitchen! Cream cheese, cheddar, and a good spoonful of your favorite Cajun seasoning mix make a mouthwatering filling for savory salmon fillets, and it’s so simple to make! Once the fillets are stuffed and seasoned, you give them a quick pan-sear, and serve. It’s a fast, festive dinner that’ll wake up your tastebuds!
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Pan seared salmon fillets in a cast iron skillet.

Honey Garlic Sauce Salmon

This pan-fried recipe for salmon features a simple sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice. The salmon turns out beautifully tender, with crispy edges and a glazed appearance. Perfect for a busy weeknight, but fancy enough for an elegant dinner!
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an english muffin topped with a slice of smoked salmon and a poached egg; top is garnished with hollandaise sauce and chopped chives.

Eggs Halifax

Eggs Halifax is a delicious twist on Eggs Benedict that’s sure to be your new brunch favorite! English Muffins are topped with smoked salmon, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, and fresh chives.
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overhead shot of a poke bowl with rice, diced mango, diced tuna, diced salmon, diced cucumbers, diced avocados, and greens.

Poke Bowls

It's easy to make a gourmet Poke Bowl at home packed with fresh tuna and salmon, crunchy veggies, steamed rice, and flavorful sauces!
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side shot of four crab stuffed salmon fillets arranged on a long oval plate.

Crab Stuffed Salmon

This super easy Crab Stuffed Salmon is made with tasty salmon fillets and a homemade cream cheese and crab meat filling.
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roasted sockeye salmon fillets with asparagus

Baked Sockeye Salmon with Asparagus

With our easy Sockeye Salmon recipe, you'll enjoy perfect flakiness and juicy salmon alongside tender roasted asparagus cooked in the same pan!
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Pan with salmon skewers

Prosciutto Wrapped Salmon Skewers

Quick and easy to make, these Prosciutto Wrapped Salmon Skewers will knock the socks off of your usual busy weeknight dinners.
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Brown Sugar Salmon

Glazed Salmon Recipe

Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, this sweet and tangy glazed salmon recipe is an easy weeknight meal that will quickly have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Flourless Salmon Piccata in Foil - A healthy and incredibly delicious dinner with flourless piccata sauce poured over salmon and cooked in foil.

Salmon Piccata in Foil

Salmon Piccata is a simple yet nutritious salmon recipe. It's a fabulously tasty dinner featuring salmon smothered in piccata sauce and cooked to perfection in foil.
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Crock Pot Salmon

Slow Cooker Salmon with Creamy Lemon Sauce

This Slow Cooker Salmon recipe yields tender, flaky fish, topped with a luscious creamy lemon sauce. 
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A dinner plate served with roasted cherry tomatoes and salmon.

Oven Baked Pesto Salmon

This easy, baked pesto salmon recipe makes tender, perfectly flavored salmon that's ready in just 30 minutes.
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close up shot of a whole cooked salmon fillet set on a piece of foil and topped with lemon slices, herbs, and green onions.

Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon

You’ll love this Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon recipe, seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and green onions.
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roasted maple teriyaki salmon fillets on a baking sheet with roasted veggies

Maple Teriyaki Salmon with Veggies

This Maple Teriyaki Salmon with Veggies is a hearty and delicious weeknight dinner for your family! Salmon fillets are soaked in a maple teriyaki marinade and baked with your favorite vegetables.
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Want to check out even more ideas? Be sure to check out my growing collection of mouthwatering salmon recipes.

How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge?

The shelf life of salmon in the refrigerator varies depending on its freshness at the time of purchase and how well it’s stored. In general, fresh salmon should be eaten within 1 to 2 days of purchase. Here are a few tips to maximize the freshness and longevity of salmon in the fridge:

  1. Store Properly: Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure and moisture loss.
  2. Keep Refrigerated: Store the wrapped or sealed salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is usually the bottom shelf.
  3. Check for Freshness: Before using, inspect the salmon for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, sliminess, or discoloration. If it appears questionable, it’s best to discard it.
  4. Smell and Texture: Fresh salmon should have a mild, ocean-like aroma and a firm texture. If it smells overly fishy or has a mushy texture, it may be past its prime.

When in doubt, trust your senses and use your best judgment!

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