I’m always on the lookout for quick, affordable, and nutritious meal options. Canned salmon is packed with protein, omega-3s, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. I’ve researched 11 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of this pantry staple, from creamy salmon pasta to crispy salmon cakes.
1. Salmon & Parmesan Fish Cakes
Ingredients
- 400g can salmon, drained with skin and bones removed
- 450g ready-made mashed potato
- Zest 2 lemons
- Juice 1/2 lemon
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan
- Seasonings to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Empty the contents of the 400g salmon can and discard the skin and bones..
- Prepare the Mashed Potato: Cook the potatoes in a large pot until they are soft. Then, mash them with butter and milk.
- Combine Ingredients: Combine the mashed potatoes, salmon, lemon zest, and lemon juice thoroughly.
- Shape into Cakes: Shape the mixture into fish cakes.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Cover the fish cakes with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Sauté the fish cakes in oil until they are golden brown and thoroughly heated..
2. Canned Salmon Dip
Ingredients
- 2 (5 oz.) cans or pouches pink salmon, drained (if using cans)
- 5 green onions, divided
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. hot sauce, such as Tabasco (optional)
Instructions
- Coarsely chop four of the green onions.
- Place them in a food processor along with the salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and hot sauce.
- Pulse until smooth.
- Sample the mixture and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, and/or hot sauce as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Slice the remaining green onion and sprinkle it on top.
- Serve right away or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dip with crackers, pita chips, or slices of toasted baguette.
3. Creamy Salmon and Spinach Tagliatelle
Ingredients
- 225g tagliatelle pasta
- 1 (100g) bag spinach leaves, washed
- 2 (180g) cans skinless and boneless pink salmon, flaked
- 1/2 (200g) tub cream cheese
- 150ml milk
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the tagliatelle in salted water as per the package instructions until it is al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside..
- In a large pot, warm the milk over medium heat. Incorporate the cream cheese and stir until it’s melted and smooth.
- Then, add the flaked salmon, spinach, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked tagliatelle and mix to ensure everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the salmon is heated thoroughly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.
This quick and easy pasta dish comes together in just 20 minutes for a delicious weeknight meal. The creamy salmon and spinach sauce coats the tagliatelle perfectly.
4. Quick Salmon Pâté Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (213g) can salmon, drained
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, use a fork to break apart the drained salmon until it is flaked.
- Add the lemon juice, softened cream cheese, dill and black pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt if desired.
- Transfer the salmon pâté to a serving bowl or ramekins.
- Serve right away with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This fast & simple salmon pâté can be cooked in minutes with basic pantry staples. The combination of tangy lemon, flaked canned salmon, fresh herbs and creamy cheese will result in a delicious and healthy spread. Enjoy it as an appetizer or light snack.
5. Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche
Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche is a quick and easy weeknight meal featuring fresh pasta in a creamy sauce. The recipe starts with cooking pasta until al dente and reserving some pasta water.
In the same pot, a sauce is made by sautéing shallots and garlic in butter, then adding crème fraîche and lemon zest and juice. The sauce is thinned with reserved pasta water if needed and seasoned with salt and pepper.
The cooked pasta is then tossed in the sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, and served.
6. Slimming World’s Fish Pie
Slimming World’s Fish Pie is a lightened version of a classic dish, using canned salmon for convenience. The recipe starts with boiling and mashing floury potatoes with quark, then seasoning them.
Sliced leeks are simmered in vegetable stock, drained, and combined with flaked canned salmon. This mixture is layered in a baking dish, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown.
Hard-boiled eggs are prepared separately and arranged on top of the baked pie, with the reserved leek stock served alongside for extra flavor.
7. Smoked Salmon Ball Recipe
The Smoked Salmon Ball is an impressive and easy party appetizer that combines canned salmon with creamy ingredients. It starts by flaking the salmon and mixing it with softened cream cheese, fresh dill, chives, lemon zest, and juice.
The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper, then shaped into a ball and placed on a serving plate. It can be garnished with additional herbs for presentation. Serve immediately or chill for up to two hours before enjoying this flavorful and delightful bite.
8. Salmon Casserole Recipe
The Salmon Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring canned salmon, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce. The recipe begins by mixing flaked salmon with cooked noodles, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and milk in a large bowl.
This mixture is spread into a greased baking dish and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. A buttery cracker topping is created by mixing crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkled over the cheese layer.
Baked until bubbly and golden brown, this hearty casserole is a family-friendly favorite that’s ready to serve in about 30 minutes.
9. Canned Salmon Dip
The Canned Salmon Dip is a simple and delicious appetizer perfect for gatherings. The recipe combines drained pink salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and optional hot sauce in a food processor, blending until smooth.
After adjusting the seasoning to taste, the dip is transferred to a serving dish and topped with sliced green onions for garnish. This dip can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to a day. It’s great enjoyed with crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
10. 10-Minute Salmon and Rice Bowl
The 10-Minute Salmon and Rice Bowl is a quick and nutritious meal made with pantry staples. It combines cooked brown rice and drained canned salmon, mixed with coconut aminos and sriracha for flavor.
Diced avocado is added on top for creaminess, enhancing the dish. Roasted seaweed snacks can be included as optional wrappers for a fun twist. This easy recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust flavors to your liking while providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
11. James Martin’s Salmon, Thyme and Leek Tart
James Martin’s Salmon, Thyme and Leek Tart is a savory dish perfect for lunch or picnics. The recipe starts by lining a tart tin with ready-made shortcrust pastry, which is chilled and baked blind until golden.
A mixture of sautéed onion, garlic, and leeks is combined with fresh thyme and seasoned before being spread over the drained canned salmon in the pastry case. A custard of whisked eggs and double cream is poured on top, and the tart is baked until set and golden brown.
This flavorful tart showcases canned salmon beautifully, making it a delightful meal option.
