Canned salmon is a handy ingredient to keep in your pantry. It’s affordable, nutritious, and can be used in many tasty dishes. With a can of salmon, you can make quick meals that are both healthy and satisfying.

You can use canned salmon in patties, salads, pasta dishes, and dips. These recipes are easy to make and don’t require a lot of time or cooking skills. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a family dinner, canned salmon recipes offer plenty of options to suit your needs.

1. Salmon and Avocado Salad

This quick and easy salad combines canned salmon with creamy avocado for a tasty meal. Start by draining a can of salmon and flaking it into a bowl.

Dice a ripe avocado and add it to the salmon. Mix in some finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the salmon mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Serve your salmon and avocado salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light and nutritious meal. You can enjoy it as is or with some crusty bread on the side.

2. Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce

Salmon patties with dill sauce make a tasty meal using canned salmon. To make the patties, mix flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet until golden brown.

For the dill sauce, combine sour cream, fresh dill, garlic powder, and salt. This creamy topping adds extra flavor to your salmon patties.

You can serve these patties as a main dish with vegetables or on a bun as a sandwich. They’re quick to prepare and offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy salmon.

3. Creamy Salmon Pasta

Creamy salmon pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can make with canned salmon. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

You’ll need pasta, canned salmon, cream, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients. Cook the pasta while you prepare the sauce.

Mix the drained salmon into a creamy garlic sauce. Add some dill or lemon juice for extra flavor. Toss the cooked pasta with the salmon sauce.

This dish is filling and packed with protein. It’s also a good way to add more fish to your diet. You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste.

4. Salmon and Potato Cakes

Salmon and potato cakes are a tasty way to use canned salmon. You can make them with leftover mashed potatoes or fresh ones.

Mix flaked canned salmon with mashed potatoes, an egg, and seasonings in a bowl. Add some chopped parsley and minced onions for extra flavor.

Form the mixture into small patties. If they’re too soft, chill them in the fridge for a bit.

Coat the patties in breadcrumbs for a crispy outside. Cook them in a pan with a little oil until golden brown on both sides.

These cakes are great for lunch or dinner. Serve them with a side salad or some veggies for a complete meal.

5. Teriyaki Salmon Stir-fry

Teriyaki salmon stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make with canned salmon. Start by mixing soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create a simple teriyaki sauce.

Heat oil in a pan and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry them until crisp-tender.

Add the canned salmon and teriyaki sauce to the pan. Cook everything together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Serve your teriyaki salmon stir-fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal. This dish combines protein, vegetables, and bold flavors in one easy recipe.

6. Salmon Stuffed Peppers

Salmon stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy meal option. To make them, start by cutting the tops off bell peppers and removing the seeds.

Mix canned salmon with cooked rice, sautéed onions, and garlic. Add lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

Spoon the salmon mixture into the peppers. Place them in a baking dish and cook in a preheated 375°F oven.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender. You can top them with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a crispy finish.

This dish is easy to customize. Try adding diced zucchini or tomatoes to the filling for more veggies.

7. Salmon and Corn Chowder

Salmon and corn chowder is a tasty way to use canned salmon. You can make this comforting soup easily with a few simple ingredients.

Start by melting butter in a pot and cooking onions and garlic until soft. Add flour to thicken the base. Slowly pour in milk and broth, stirring to prevent lumps.

Add corn, potatoes, and canned salmon chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits on top. You can also include celery or carrots for more veggies. This hearty chowder is perfect for cool evenings.

8. Mediterranean Salmon Quinoa Bowl

You can create a tasty and healthy meal using canned salmon in a Mediterranean-inspired bowl. Start with a base of cooked quinoa for protein and fiber.

Add canned salmon on top for omega-3s and more protein. Mix in cucumber, tomatoes, and olives for fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Sprinkle some feta cheese for a tangy taste. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over everything.

For extra flavor, you can add a dollop of tzatziki sauce. This Greek yogurt-based sauce goes great with the salmon and veggies.

This bowl is quick to make and full of nutrients. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

9. Salmon Burgers with Lemon Garlic Aioli

Canned salmon transforms into delicious burgers with this easy recipe. Mix the salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Shape into patties and grill or pan-fry until golden brown.

Top your burgers with a zesty lemon garlic aioli. Blend mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a creamy sauce that complements the salmon perfectly.

Serve your salmon burgers on toasted buns with fresh greens. Add sliced tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition. These burgers make a tasty, protein-packed meal any night of the week.

10. Salmon Mousse

Salmon mousse is a tasty way to use canned salmon. You can make it quickly with a few simple ingredients.

Mix canned salmon with cream cheese, lemon juice, and dill in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

For extra flavor, add finely chopped celery and onion. Some recipes use gelatin to create a firmer texture.

Chill the mousse for at least an hour before serving. Spread it on crackers or cucumber slices for a fancy appetizer.

You can also use it as a dip for fresh vegetables. Salmon mousse is perfect for parties or as a light lunch option.

11. Salmon Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

You can make tasty salmon tacos using canned salmon. Start by mixing the salmon with spices like chili powder and cumin.

For the slaw, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice. Add a touch of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Warm up some tortillas and fill them with the spiced salmon. Top with the fresh cilantro lime slaw.

These tacos are quick to make and full of flavor. They’re perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. You can add extras like avocado or salsa if you want.

12. Salmon Alfredo

Salmon Alfredo is a quick and tasty way to use canned salmon. You can whip up this creamy pasta dish in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious.

To make it, cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions. While that’s cooking, prepare a simple Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Drain and flake the canned salmon, removing any bones if needed. Toss the pasta with the Alfredo sauce and gently fold in the salmon. The warmth of the pasta will heat the salmon through.

For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add some steamed broccoli or peas to the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice finishing touch.

13. Salmon Fried Rice

Salmon fried rice is a quick and tasty way to use canned salmon. You can whip up this dish in about 15 minutes.

Start by heating oil in a pan. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they’re soft. Mix in garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Next, add cold cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry it until it’s heated through. Push the rice to one side and scramble some eggs in the empty space.

Mix the eggs with the rice. Add your canned salmon and frozen peas. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes.

Finish with a splash of soy sauce for a savory touch. Your salmon fried rice is now ready to enjoy!

14. Salmon and Egg Breakfast Muffins

Salmon and egg breakfast muffins are a tasty way to start your day. These protein-packed bites combine canned salmon with eggs and cheese for a filling meal.

To make them, mix canned salmon, eggs, and shredded cheese in a bowl. Add some chopped herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin.

Bake the muffins until they’re golden and set. They’re great for busy mornings or meal prep. You can store them in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Try adding vegetables like spinach or asparagus for more nutrients. These muffins are versatile and easy to customize to your taste.

15. Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Smoked salmon deviled eggs are a tasty twist on a classic appetizer. To make them, start by hard-boiling eggs. Carefully slice the eggs in half and remove the yolks.

Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and finely chopped smoked salmon. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg white halves. For extra flavor, top each egg with a small piece of smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives.

These deviled eggs are perfect for parties or as a protein-packed snack. You can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Health Benefits of Canned Salmon

Canned salmon offers many health perks. It’s packed with nutrients, good fats, and has low mercury levels.

Nutritional Value

Canned salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s rich in protein, which helps build and repair tissues. You’ll get about 22 grams of protein in a 3-ounce serving.

Canned salmon also provides vitamin D, crucial for bone health. A single serving can give you up to 90% of your daily vitamin D needs.

It’s a great source of calcium, especially if you eat the soft bones. This makes it good for your bones and teeth.

You’ll also find B vitamins in canned salmon. These help your body turn food into energy and keep your nervous system healthy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Canned salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These are “good” fats that your body needs but can’t make on its own.

Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in your body. This can lower your risk of heart disease, arthritis, and other health issues.

These fats are also vital for brain health. They can improve memory and may help prevent age-related mental decline.

Eating canned salmon twice a week can help you meet your omega-3 needs. This is easy to do with the many tasty recipes available.

Low Mercury Levels

Canned salmon is a safe choice when it comes to mercury content. It has much lower levels than many other types of fish.

This makes it a great option for pregnant women and young children. You can enjoy the benefits of fish without worrying about mercury risks.

The low mercury levels are due to the type of salmon used and how it’s caught. Most canned salmon comes from wild-caught sources, which tend to have less mercury.

You can eat canned salmon more often than some other fish. This lets you get all its health perks without concerns about mercury buildup.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

Canned salmon is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your meals. With the right techniques, you can create delicious dishes quickly and easily.

How to Choose Quality Canned Salmon

Look for cans with no dents or bulges. Check the expiration date and buy from reputable brands. Wild-caught salmon is often higher quality than farmed.

Choose between:

• Pink salmon: Milder flavor, softer texture
• Sockeye salmon: Richer taste, firmer texture

Boneless and skinless options save prep time. Bone-in varieties offer extra calcium if you don’t mind removing them.

Read labels carefully. Avoid added salt or preservatives if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Proper Storage Methods

Unopened cans last 3-5 years in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container.

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips for freezing:

• Remove skin and bones
• Pack in freezer-safe containers
• Label with date and contents

Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight before using.

Supplementary Ingredients

Enhance canned salmon with these add-ins:

• Lemon juice: Brightens flavor
• Fresh herbs: Adds freshness (try dill or parsley)
• Greek yogurt: Creates creamy texture
• Dijon mustard: Adds tang
• Breadcrumbs: Binds patties or cakes

Spices to try:

• Old Bay seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder

Pair with crisp vegetables like celery or cucumber for crunch. Add avocado for healthy fats and creaminess.

Mix with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing canned salmon dishes, it’s easy to make a few simple errors. Being aware of these mistakes can help you create tastier meals and ensure food safety.

Overcooking the Salmon

Canned salmon is already cooked, so it doesn’t need much heat. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.

Add canned salmon near the end of cooking to keep it moist. For cold dishes, just drain and flake the salmon.

In hot recipes, warm the salmon gently. Mix it in last for soups and casseroles.

Try quick-cooking methods like broiling salmon patties for 2-3 minutes per side. This keeps them crispy outside and tender inside.

Using Wrong Accompaniments

Pairing canned salmon with the right flavors makes a big difference. Some common mistakes can overpower its taste.

Avoid using too many strong spices. Salmon has a delicate flavor that’s easily masked.

Stick to simple seasonings like dill, lemon, and black pepper. These enhance the salmon without overpowering it.

Don’t use heavy sauces. Light dressings or a squeeze of lemon work best.

Try pairing salmon with crisp vegetables like cucumber or celery. Their crunch contrasts nicely with the soft texture of canned salmon.

Ignoring Expiry Dates

Canned salmon lasts a long time, but it’s not immortal. Paying attention to dates keeps your food safe and tasty.

Check the “best by” date before using. While canned goods often last beyond this date, it’s a good guide for quality.

Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can affect the salmon’s quality and safety.

Once opened, use the salmon within 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Don’t use cans that are bulging, leaking, or badly dented. These signs can indicate bacterial growth.