We love making salmon because it's quick, easy, and light! But leftover seafood isn't always super exciting on its own. These easy leftover salmon recipes are just what you need!
When it comes to summer grilling, it's hard to beat salmon! It's one of the fastest, easiest proteins to prepare, and it's usually pretty affordable, too. And while you know how we feel about using leftovers, we have to be honest. Heating up leftover salmon kinda stinks.
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Don't let that salmon go to waste, though! These leftover salmon recipes are anything but boring and WAY better than microwaved fish. Let's dive right in!
EASY SALMON PATTIES
Everyone loves crab cakes, but if you've never tried salmon cakes (aka salmon patties or croquettes), you're missing out! Salmon patties are one of the cheapest, easiest meals you can make. You can either used canned salmon or fresh salmon to bring them to life, and it's a perfect way to use up leftovers! Here's a super simple recipe:
- Ingredients – You'll need about 12 ounces of salmon, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, one egg, and some salt, pepper, and garlic salt, to taste. You can add in any herbs or spices you have on hand, too. Even leftover shredded zucchini works!
- Instructions – Add olive oil to a skillet and set it on medium-high heat. In a medium mixing bowl, flake your salmon, then add the remaining ingredients and combine. Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, heat in your skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side or until patties are browned. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top, garnish with dill and sour cream, and enjoy!
That's it! So simple and so yummy! You can serve those patties with rice or mashed potatoes and any fresh veggie you have on hand. You'll have dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes! Ready for more leftover salmon recipes? Let's keep going!
TURN YOUR LEFTOVER SALMON INTO BURGERS
We love burgers as much as the next gal, but sometimes it's nice to mix things up! Chicken burgers and turkey burgers are a nice change of pace from beef, but have you ever tried salmon burgers? They're just as yummy! Here's how to make them:
- Ingredients – You'll need 8 ounces of leftover cooked salmon, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, two eggs (slightly beaten), 1 cup of diced pepper (any color), 1 cup of chopped onion, two tablespoons of dijon mustard, and salt, pepper, and any herbs/seasonings of your choice, to taste.
- Instructions – Beat your eggs, then flake your salmon with a fork. Add remaining ingredients and combine, then form the mixture into burger patties. Pan fry for around four minutes on each side over medium heat. Add to a bun with the toppings of your choice, then serve, and enjoy.
Pro Tip: Want to help those burgers stick together? Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes before you make the patties!
3 LEFTOVER SALMON RECIPES FOR BREAKFAST
Elevate your next breakfast or brunch with the help of a little leftover salmon! Here are three ideas:
- Salmon Benedict – You don't have to use ham to make a mean Benedict! Sub the ham for that leftover salmon.
- Smoked Salmon Bagel – Salmon bagels can cost $10 or more at your favorite fast-food spot. Not if you make them at home, though! Use our smoked salmon bagel recipe and have a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack!
- Salmon Scramble – Add a spoonful of cream cheese to your eggs, scramble them, and add some flaked salmon to the mix. It's a super yummy and filling way to start the day!
By the way, since we're talking about breakfast, make sure to try our 3-ingredient buttermilk biscuits! They're easy and dreamy and a fun way to make eggs Benedict if you're out of English muffins.
THESE SALMON CASSEROLE RECIPES EARN RAVE REVIEWS
Raise your hand if you love a one-dish dinner! We've got both hands raised. Casseroles are one of the easiest, yummiest ways to use your leftovers, and these salmon casseroles get rave reviews:
- Salmon Noodle Casserole – Sign us up for any dish that includes pasta! This salmon noodle casserole from The Fed Up Foodie is making us drool.
- Cheesy Parmesan Crusted Salmon Casserole – Wait until you see this parmesan-crusted salmon casserole recipe from Let the Baking Begin. Holy smokes, it looks SO good!
- Salmon Scalloped Potatoes – If you've got leftover potatoes to use, too, then this recipe might be the winner. Say hello to salmon scalloped potatoes, courtesy of The Spruce Eats.
Can we please have one of each?! Man, oh man, do those look good. And we're not finished yet! Ready for a few more leftover salmon recipes? Next up: soup.
TURN YOUR LEFTOVER SALMON INTO SOUP
You can turn just about any leftovers you have into a big batch of homemade soup. And yes, that includes salmon, too. Check out these two options:
- 20-Minute Salmon Soup – This 20-minute recipe for easy salmon soup from The Mediterranean Dish looks incredible!
- Salmon Chowder – Feeling something creamy? Try this salmon chowder recipe from Allrecipes.
Need a side dish for that soup? Try our rustic bread!
MAKE BLACKENED FISH TACOS
Taco Tuesday, anyone? We love shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, beef tacos, turkey tacos, you name it. If you can put it on a taco, we'll gladly eat it! So, the next time you find yourself with leftover salmon, slice it up, warm it on a skillet with some spices, and place it on tortillas. Looking for topping ideas? Here are a few great garnishes for fish tacos:
- Slaw
- Avocado
- Queso Fresco
- Baja Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Fresh Cilantro
And you can't have taco night without the sides, so don't forget the refried beans and cilantro lime rice.
HOW LONG DOES LEFTOVER SALMON LAST?
Before you rush off to make these recipes, a quick disclaimer: make sure you eat any leftover salmon within three days. Store it in the refrigerator after you cook it, and keep it in an airtight container to stay fresh.
Want to freeze your salmon for later? Go for it! Wrap each piece individually in parchment paper, then slide it into a freezer-safe bag and label it. Salmon should last for around six months when frozen, and when you're ready to use it, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. In a hurry? Thaw it under cold running water in a colander for about 10-15 minutes.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO USE LEFTOVER SALMON?
Now you're a certified salmon pro! We hope you love trying these leftover salmon recipes. They're perfect for summer, but great all year!
Do you have a favorite way to use leftover salmon? Share your tips in the comments!
Want to try a few more of our favorite leftover recipes?
- These leftover ham recipes are delicious!
- Don't toss those stale potato chip crumbs! These stale chip recipes are genius.
- Is your pantry overflowing with canned pie filling? You'll love these pie-filling recipes!
Salmon says go make some leftovers!