Sound familiar, Seafoodies?
We’ve all been there—you cooked a beautiful salmon dinner, and now you’re staring at those perfectly good leftovers in the fridge. But instead of just reheating them (though there’s nothing wrong with that!), why not reimagine last night’s meal into a whole new dish?!
That’s the beauty of this 15-recipe roundup. We’ve hand-selected each one as a family favorite way to give those salmon leftovers a second life—and reduce food waste after the holiday season!
But first, let’s start with some smart salmon storage tips to get us off to a good start. If cooked at home, you’ve got a three-day window to transform your salmon into something fresh and exciting. Restaurant leftovers? It’s best practice to use those within two days since you weren’t involved with the initial preparation. And as always, trust your senses. If something seems off, it’s better to play it safe.
Now, let’s talk transformation! Leftover salmon is incredibly versatile and can be reinvented in countless delicious ways (which is why we have so many outstanding recipes to choose from). Mix it with mango-avocado salsa to make salmon tacos, which are a great go-to for little Seafoodies. Flake that salmon over a bed of greens for a hearty Greek salad, resulting in a superior speedy lunch for those meeting-packed days.
Those sound so good that you want some other ideas? Upgrade your salmon into smash burger patties with a side of chin-dripping sriracha mayo. You can even use it to upgrade your weekend brunch game—salmon and egg breakfast hand pies anyone?
The key to these successful leftover salmon dishes is to treat your salmon as a new ingredient rather than just an old dish waiting to be zapped in the microwave. It’s tempting to toss day-old food for something new, but it’s so much better for your wallet (and the planet) to get creative. Think of it as giving your salmon a second act—one that might be even better than the first!
So next time you’re cooking salmon, maybe make a little extra on purpose. After all, with these inventive ideas in your back pocket, “leftover night” might just become your family’s new favorite dinner.
Grilled Salmon Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa
Take your standard taco to a whole new level of deliciousness—all you need is 25 minutes, a few ingredients and some leftover salmon!
Salmon Smash Burgers with Sriracha Mayo
Crispy edges, moist patty and a burst of savory goodness in every bite—it’s no wonder one tester raved that these are the best salmon burgers he’s ever eaten.
The bumpy texture of Lacinato kale makes it the perfect carrier for creamy homemade dressing, shavings of Parmesan—and, of course, your leftover salmon!
Pile up the ingredients, drizzle with dressing and enjoy—all it takes is 30 minutes to go from hungry to yum!
Grilled Mediterranean Cedar Plank Salmon Gyros
This gyro showcases all we love about the Mediterranean diet—fresh veggies, heart-healthy olive oil and salmon!
Everything Salmon & Egg Breakfast Hand Pies
You’ll probably want to devour these pies as soon as they emerge from the oven, but they’ll keep well in the refrigerator or even the freezer.
Serve your completed boats with a side of tortilla chips or carrots for a little extra crunch!
Refreshing and tangy—get ready for a filling salad that won’t leave you hungry in 30 minutes.
These cakes go great with a side of rice, but that’s not the only way to dig-in! We also love them as mini sliders or as the protein on a mixed plate for little ones.
A drizzle of peanut dressing can make anything taste great but when paired with salmon, it’s superb!
Leftover Salmon Fillet Chowder
Add your own choice of veggies (carrot, corn, celery) and change up the cheese, for a creamy customized bowl of chowder—that’s sure to please.
A double leftover whammy—that old bowl of rice and reheated salmon fillet will be just as good as takeout (if not better!) when transformed into this fried rice masterpiece.
Leftover Salmon Avocado Tartines
No additional cooking needed—just flake that leftover salmon onto avocado toast to add some simple sophistication to your breakfast table.
Flaked Salted Salmon Rice Bowls
Delicious doesn’t have to be complicated! This humble, one-pot salmon meal is full of comfort and requires fewer than 5 ingredients.
Even the smallest amount of saved salmon will go a long way—when folded into fresh rice with green onions and traditional Japanese seasonings!
No Comments