I am such a big fan of meal prepping (see this post: breakfast meal prep recipes!) but when meal planning allows me to repurpose leftovers into new meals that feel fresh and creative, it feels like I’ve earned myself the gold star of meal prep.
Salmon is one of my favorite protein sources to use in a variety of recipes not only because it’s a nutritional powerhouse, packing in high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but mainly because it’s quick to make and extremely versatile. It’s not too hard to prepare a few salmon fillets at a time to make enough to feed a crowd or allow for plenty of leftovers to use later. Salmon is stealing the show today and below you’ll find a few of my favorite leftover salmon recipes to help you create new, exciting meals from leftover salmon you may already have on hand.
10 Leftover Salmon Recipes
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
I love any meal I can fit in a bowl, and this leftover salmon bowl recipe is no exception. When making this recipe fresh, I marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce before cooking. However, it’s just as delicious when tossing cooked salmon with the sweet and tangy sauce just before serving. Add your favorite veggies, rice, and a homemade spicy mayo sauce. In minutes, you’ll have a nutrient-packed meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant!
Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
If you’re worried about your leftover cooked salmon being dry, this is the recipe for you! Top leftover salmon with your favorite pesto sauce to bring it back to life. I love to serve this recipe with rice, orzo, or my simple summer pasta salad. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a finishing touch, and no one would ever guess you’re eating leftovers.
Chopped Salmon Salad
Move over tuna salad! A new twist on fish salads, I love salmon in simple salads like this chopped salad. Far from bland or boring, it combines the flaked fish with lots of fresh veggies and a tangy lemon juice dressing. Plus, you can easily add extra ingredients like fresh dill or avocado for even more flavor and texture. Ready in minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you just need something fast.
Maple Ginger Grilled Salmon
Give plain leftover salmon a refresh by warming it in a frying pan over high heat and tossing it with the sweet and tangy maple ginger marinade used in this recipe! As written, the recipe is for 1 1/2 pounds of salmon, but you can always reduce the marinade amount if you’re using less. Add a dash of salt and pepper as needed, and pair your new and improved fish with any other leftovers you have on hand!
Leftover Salmon Filet Chowder
Hearty, creamy, and cheesy, this salmon recipe is perfect for cold winter days! Use one large piece of salmon and lots of veggies, and combine all the ingredients in a pot on the stove. Add a side of crusty bread or a light salad, and you’ll have yourself a family-friendly dinner that’s cozy, comforting, and filling.
Sheet Pan Paleo Salmon
If you have leftovers of this sheet pan recipe, you can simply reheat them, and enjoy them a second time the next day! Or, toss leftover salmon pieces in a mixture of ghee, garlic, and fresh rosemary, and pair them with your favorite veggies to emulate the original dish. You’ll have a high-protein, high-fiber, nutrient-rich meal full of rich, herbaceous flavor!
Salmon Fried Rice
Combine leftover rice, flaked salmon, and diced veggies, and you’ll have a delicious takeout-inspired meal ready to eat in just 30 minutes thanks to this recipe! Flavored with a touch of brown sugar and soy sauce, its savory, tangy, and umami flavors will leave you coming back for more. Plus, everything combines and cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Salmon Bites
Learning how to make salmon bites might be one of the best things I’ve done in the kitchen in the past few months! Quick and easy, it’s a great way to use fresh salmon but also doubles as one of my favorite leftover salmon recipes. Use a pound of salmon, and dice it into cubes. Then, toss them in sweet, umami marinade, and pop them in the air fryer just long enough to warm through. In the meantime, you can assemble a salad or reheat rice and veggies for serving.
Salmon Patties
This is the best way to use up any leftover canned salmon or slightly dry, flakey salmon you have on hand. Combine it with panko breadcrumbs, eggs, fresh herbs, and oil, and pan fry until golden brown. The outside will be crisp and tender, and the center will stay moist. I love to serve my salmon cakes on a toasted bun, but they’re also great over salads or with rice!
Question of the Day
What are some of your favorite ways to repurpose leftover salmon? Please share below so we may add them to our collection of leftover salmon recipes!
