The most popular fish in America (and the second most popular seafood after shrimp), salmon is an easy crowd-pleaser and endlessly versatile. Whether you're choosing fillets, steaks, smoked, or canned, we've got easy salmon recipes for brunch, lunch, and dinner. And not only is salmon tasty, it's also incredibly healthy. It's full of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are key for brain and heart health.
If you're choosing between wild and farmed salmon, know that wild is often lower in saturated fat and higher in calcium than farmed fish, and many chefs prefer its firmer texture and stronger flavor. Plus, it's usually eco-friendly. Most of the wild salmon you see at the supermarket is caught in Alaska, home to some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world.
Farm-raised salmon is often more affordable than wild, and widely available throughout the year, so if farmed is more accessible for you, go for it! For the most sustainable options, look for Atlantic salmon from Maine or the Faroe Islands, or for farmed salmon with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification on the packaging.
17 Smoked Salmon Recipes That Are Packed With Flavor
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Egg & Smoked Salmon Tart
This brunch or dinner recipe has it all: golden puff pastry, scallion-studded crème fraîche, runny eggs, and curls of smoked salmon.
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Parsley-Garlic Salmon
This salmon recipe is simple yet so satisfying. In fact, it only takes 15 minutes of prep time. Before going into the oven, the two-pound filet is coated in a sauce that contains parsley and garlic, along with olive oil, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon.
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Speedy Salmon Burgers
Affordable canned salmon is the star of these easy burgers. Serve them on buns with watercress or arugula for some peppery crunch.
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Salmon Tacos With Grapefruit Salsa
Spice-rubbed salmon is topped with a zingy, citrusy salsa for tasty tacos that are still simple enough for a weeknight.
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Curried Coconut Salmon Soup
Ginger and red curry paste add lively flavor to this nourishing soup. If you can't find baby bok choy, feel free to swap in spinach.
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Sweet Chili Salmon Salad
This salad has it all: crunchy snap peas, creamy avocado, punchy shallots, and of course, tender salmon. The sweet chili sauce gives the salad dressing more sweetness than heat, so don't hesitate to whip up a double batch for more salads in the days to come.
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Ginger and Honey-Soy Salmon en Papillote
Here’s a quick dinner everyone will want to tear into. Baking fish and veggies in a parchment paper packet results in supremely tender fish. Let your guests open their packets at the table so everyone can get in on the fun.
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Harissa Salmon and Potatoes
Sweet-hot harissa, a Middle Eastern chili paste, is the star of this show. Different brands have different spice levels; the mild variety of Mina is on the gentler side.
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Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or super-fast dinner, this 10-minute meal (yes, really) hits all the right notes.
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33 Quick and Easy Family Dinner Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour
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Beet-Cured Salmon
More than just a cool brunch trick, these colorful salmon ribbons have an earthy flavor that makes a splash.
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Slow-Roasted Citrus Salmon
Keep this recipe in your back pocket for the next time you host brunch or dinner for a crowd. It may look impressive, but it's super easy to prep.
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Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes and Broccolini
You'll be able to get this healthy recipe on the table in 30 minutes flat and have only one pan to wash. Now that's a weeknight dinner win.
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Salmon With Sautéed Cabbage and Bacon
Bacon, brown sugar, and mustard come together to add big flavor to this hearty dinner. Don't skip the sour cream schmeared onto the plate (although you could swap in plain Greek yogurt). It adds the perfect amount of tang.
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Everything Salmon Skewers With Sriracha Aioli
Putting everything bagel seasoning on salmon is nothing short of genius. Not only does it add flavor, but also a nutty crunch that will make this recipe one of your new go-to's.
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Skillet Hash Browns With Smoked Salmon
Talk about a wow-worthy brunch dish! Frozen shredded potatoes are the secret to getting it on the table quickly. For extra heft, top it with fried or poached eggs.
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Salmon Burgers With Pesto Cream Sauce
Raid your pantry and turn a few tins of flaky canned salmon into juicy, herb-infused burgers. You’ll go from hungry to happy in 20 minutes flat.
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One-Pan Salmon With Roasted Cabbage and Olive Vinaigrette
If you haven't roasted cabbage before, prepare to have your mind blown. In the intense heat of the oven, the sweet side of cabbage comes out, making it the perfect complement to rich salmon. A punchy dressing made with olives and raisins ties it all together.
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33 Healthy Roasted Vegetable Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves
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Salmon With Creamy Cucumber-Fennel Salad
Here's the simple secret to avoiding that unpleasant fishy smell when you're cooking seafood: use the oven. These flavorful salmon fillets bake in just 12 minutes and don't smell like anything other than delicious.
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Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes
While halved potatoes and spice-rubbed salmon fillets roast in the oven, you'll make a quick salsa of avocado, orange segments, and cilantro to spoon on top. The mixture adds a welcome freshness and sweetness to this mouthwatering one-pan recipe.
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Sun-Dried Tomato Butter Salmon and Broccolini
In just under 30 minutes, indulge in this tasty salmon filet and roasted broccolini dish. While we paired the salmon with roasted broccolini, you can choose whatever vegetable you enjoy the most. Serve with additional lemon wedges.
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Chili-Lime Salmon Cakes With Arugula Salad
If you're looking for an easy meal that you can make with ingredients you have on hand, these simple salmon cakes are the way to go. Using canned salmon, the cakes hold together with mayonnaise, egg, and breadcrumbs, while the garlic, lime juice, and cilantro add a fresh edge to the arugula salad.
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Salmon With Lemon-Cilantro Vinaigrette
How about salmon and couscous for your next meal? Drizzle it with a vinaigrette that gets its flavor from fresh cilantro and lemon juice. Serve it with veggies and crusty bread for a well-balanced meal everyone will enjoy.
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