10 Fast and Simple Ways to Use Leftover Salmon for Dinner

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated May 5, 2021
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A platter of chili-lime salmon tacos sits on a table next to a two drinks and guacamole.
Credit: Photo: Ghazalle Badiozamani; Food Styling: Brett Regot
15-Minute Chili-Lime Salmon Tacos

Ever make too much salmon, only to find yourself short on ideas on how to use it up? What if you only have a small portion left over? Not a problem! Too much or not enough, salmon can show off its versatility on its second go-around.

Leftover salmon works well in everything from burgers to breakfast. Reheating cooked salmon does run the high risk of becoming dry and chewy so it’s best to enjoy it cold or at room temperature. If reheated, combine it with ingredients that preserve its moisture, like eggs or mayo (as is the case for these tasty patties), or add it at the very end of cooking.

Here are 10 of our favorite leftover salmon recipes to try.

1 / 10
Summery Salmon Niçoise
You're halfway to dinner if you use your leftover salmon instead of baking it fresh. Simply flake it into the salad cold and dig in.
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2 / 10
Salmon Hash with Yukon Gold Potatoes and Herbs
Here, the majority of the flavor is built earlier in the recipe with the crispy potatoes (which you could cook in bacon fat if it so pleases you!), and then salmon swoops in and is cooked until just warmed through.
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3 / 10
Salmon and Kale Caesar Wraps
This twist on Caesar wraps is a fun departure from the typical chicken-filled ones.
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4 / 10
Spicy Salmon Black Bean Salad
Swap out the hot smoked salmon for your leftovers in this quick and easy black bean salad with tomatoes and avocado in a cumin-lime dressing.
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5 / 10
Warm Potato and Salmon Salad
Skip the canned salmon in this recipe and instead, simply flake your leftover salmon and toss it into the salad bowl.
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6 / 10
Salmon Cakes with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Fish cakes are a fun and super delicious way to give leftover salmon new life. Enjoy them on a bun or keep things light with a dressed salad.
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7 / 10
Greek Salmon Salad
This simple and fresh recipe for Greek salad is topped with warm baked salmon, but your leftover cold salmon will work just as well.
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8 / 10
Salmon Burgers with Lime Mayonnaise
Starting with cooked salmon means these burgers cook up even faster in a skillet or on the grill.
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9 / 10
15-Minute Chile-Lime Salmon Tacos
Stuff leftover salmon inside a warm tortilla with lime-tinged avocado, crunchy shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves and you won't be disappointed.
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10 / 10
Salmon Patties
Carla Hall's salmon patties are delicious over grits for breakfast, or salad for lunch or dinner.
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dinner
Ingredient
quick
Recipe Roundup
seafood