Easy and healthy canned salmon recipes! These quick and easy recipes using canned salmon make quick and easy lunch ideas, a healthy snack, or light dinner.
We all know the benefits of fresh salmon. It’s a great source of protein, chock full of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin d, while still being low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
But having access to – or the budget for – fresh fish is not always an option…
Luckily, if you have a can of salmon in your pantry, you can make a ton of delicious meals!
I put together a whole list of easy canned salmon recipes so that you have lots of inspiration for what to make with this healthy pantry staple.
(And if you go to Costco, you know their brand is a cult favorite, so you’ll definitely want to have some Kirkland canned salmon recipes on hand.)
Let’s put those cans of salmon to good use!
Note: You can also make these recipes with fresh, wild salmon or sockeye salmon if you happen to have some left over or on hand in the freezer!
What to make with canned salmon
1. Salmon wraps
One of the best parts of canned salmon is its versatility.
Salmon wraps are the perfect example of how you can customize it to your favorite flavor profile.
From salmon caesar salad wraps, to an everything from the bagel seasoning version, to salmon sushi wraps, the possibilities are endless.
Common ingredients you can use for salmon wraps are:
Tortillas
Cream cheese
Cucumbers
Bell peppers
Green onions
Shredded carrots
Tartar sauce
Pickles ginger
Brown rice
Hummus
Black beans
Lettuce (or other crunchy veggies)
Red onion
Salad dressing
Lemon juice
Fresh herbs (ie. fresh dill)
Dijon mustard
Greek yogurt
Soy sauce
Sesame seeds
This simple recipe makes the perfect light lunch or easy dinner!
2. Salmon burgers
With just a few ingredients you probably have on hand, you can whip up a batch of salmon burgers.
This is one of those healthy recipes that tastes indulgent, and will please even your hardiest eater.
Serve them on a bun or not, and add some potato chips, rice, french fries, or a salad on the side.
3. Salmon salad sandwich
This canned salmon salad recipe has a creamy lemon and dill sauce that’s to die for.
Simply mix together salmon, mayo, celery, and lemon juice in a large bowl, and it’s ready to spread on your favorite bread or crackers.
For low carb canned salmon recipes, eat it on its own or on top of a green salad.
If you have a favorite tuna salad recipe, then you can also treat your package salmon like you would a can of tuna.
4. Salmon spring rolls
Tasty salmon spring rolls are a delicious recipe that happens to be gluten free.
Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, they’re pan-fried with less oil, while still packing all the flavor of traditional spring rolls.
Rice papers make them easy, and you can even make them ahead for meal prep.
5. Canned salmon pasta
This canned salmon pasta is fresh, light, and takes less than 20 minutes to make.
You’ll only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but there’s so much flavor that kids and adults alike will gobble it up.
When it comes to canned salmon recipes with pasta, it doesn’t get any easier than this!
If you like crab cakes, you’ll definitely love salmon croquettes.
9. Mediterranean salmon orzo
Mediterranean salmon orzo is one of those pouch or tinned salmon recipes that’s more than the sum of its parts.
Salmon, grape tomatoes, orzo, and olives get tossed in a simple dressing, and is ready in under 10 minutes.
It’s perfect to make ahead and eat for lunch throughout the week, or to serve on a hot summer day.
10. Green salad
This baby spinach salad with salmon, avocado, blueberries, feta, and walnuts is as colorful as it is packed with brain-healthy nutrition.
While you can put salmon on top of greens and call it a salad, this recipe takes it to a whole new beautiful level.
11. Salmon meatballs
Salmon meatballs might just be the best canned salmon recipe on the list.
Capers, dill, and horseradish give the meatballs so much flavor.
Such a fun way to eat salmon!
12. Eggs benedict with salmon and hollandaise
If you’ve never thought of having salmon for breakfast, you definitely need to try this eggs benedict recipe.
A toasted english muffin topped with a poached egg, hollandaise sauce, and salmon in lieu of the traditional Canadian bacon is all it takes to make this restaurant-quality delicacy.
It’s sure to impress anyone you make it for.
13. Salmon patty
You definitely need this recipe for southern salmon patties in your repertoire.
Just a few affordable and basic ingredients is all that’s needed to make these easy salmon cakes.
A food processor makes it super fast to mix them up, then simply pan fry in a skillet.
Such a quick, inexpensive meal that tastes a little like vacation.
14. Salmon macaroni salad
A fun twist on the traditional tuna version, salmon macaroni salad will please both kids and adults.
This is one of those simple canned salmon recipes that look and taste downright expensive.
Salmon deviled eggs are easy and cheap to make, but are elegant enough for a holiday or dinner party.
27. Salmon and pea penne pasta salad
Pasta, peas, shredded salmon, and red bell pepper in a creamy dressing is the basis for this divine salmon and pea pasta salad.
It’s colorful comfort food that’s perfect to serve year round!
Bonus recipe: Salmon stuffed avocados
Salmon stuffed avocados make a beautiful presentation, not to mention that you can double down on the healthy fats.
Simply mix up some simple salmon salad and stuff it into a halved avocado for the ultimate heart-health lunch or snack.
Ready to do some cooking with canned salmon?
I hope this list of canned salmon recipes has given you lots of inspiration for using up that can in the back of your pantry.
As you can see, canned fish is extremely versatile, and a healthy, inexpensive way to get some great protein and nutrients.
What are your favorite canned salmon recipes?
FAQ
Is canned salmon cooked? Can you eat canned salmon raw?
Canned salmon is already cooked. Simply drain the liquid and it’s ready to eat. You can decide to discard the skin and bones if you wish, but you won’t even notice the bones once mashed with a fork. They contain lots of extra nutrition, including calcium.
Should you rinse canned salmon?
It is not necessary to rinse canned salmon, but if you plan to heat it up, it’s best to rinse it to remove excess salt. Canned fish does contain high levels of sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you can reduce the sodium by 80% by rinsing.
How to cook canned pink salmon?
You can warm your salmon, or eat it cold or at room temperature. Since it’s already cooked, it really depends on your preference and the dish you’re making. Canned salmon recipes with pasta may require the salmon to be heated, while a salmon wrap or salad is best served chilled.
Is canned salmon just as healthy as fresh fish?
Canned salmon and fresh salmon are equally nutritious. The canning process doesn’t change the nutritional value of fish, so you’ll still receive the same amount of protein and healthy fats.
What is canned salmon used for?
You can use canned salmon in similar ways to how you’d use canned tuna. Canned pink salmon recipes include wraps, sandwiches, burgers, croquettes, pasta dishes, or it can be used to top a green salad or rice bowl for a quick dinner or tasty lunch.
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27 Deliciously Easy Canned Salmon Recipes
Easy and healthy canned salmon recipes! These quick and easy recipes using canned salmon make quick and easy lunch ideas, a healthy snack, or light dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon wraps
Salmon burgers
Salmon salad sandwich
Salmon spring rolls
Canned salmon pasta
Salmon loaf
Kale salmon caesar salad
Salmon croquettes
Mediterranean salmon orzo
Green salad
Salmon meatballs
Eggs Benedict
Salmon patty
Salmon macaroni salad
Salmon black bean burrito bake
Salmon souffle
Salmon dip
Crustless salon quiche
Spicy canned salmon rice bowl
Salmon jalapeno poppers
Lemon dill mediterranean salmon pasta
Easy canned salmon crostini
Heathy canned salmon salad
Quick salmon chowder
Spicy salmon sushi roll-ups
Salmon deviled eggs
Salmon and pea penne pasta salad
Salmon stuffed avocados
Instructions
Choose one or more recipes to make with canned salmon
Straight Out of the Can! Just open the can, maybe squeeze on some lemon, and fork on! There is simply not an easier, better protein source than canned Alaska salmon. Finely chop celery, add salmon, whether Redhead (sockeye) or Thinkpink (pink) salmon, squeeze on lemon and put on a dollop of co*cktail sauce.
I'm talking about brining! Soaking salmon in a simple, quick brine for as little as 10 minutes (up to overnight, if you like planning ahead) is all it takes. To make it happen you need two very basic ingredients: water and salt. Combine 1 tablespoon of salt for every cup of water.
While canned salmon is lauded for its rich texture and subtle sweetness, the liquid in the package may have a fish-forward scent that not everyone enjoys. Fortunately, draining and rinsing the fish reduces this scent, allowing you to focus on the sheer deliciousness of the salmon.
Canned salmon also contains high concentrations of sodium, particularly when the fish is packed in salt water. That's why it's recommended that you drain the salmon before eating it. A can of salmon can contain over 400 milligrams of sodium, which is about 17% of a person's recommended daily sodium intake, per the FDA.
While they're both highly nutritious, salmon comes out ahead due to its healthy omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Meanwhile, tuna is the winner if you're instead looking for more protein and fewer calories per serving.
The small black specks could be anything from really tiny flakes of scale to tiny singed parts from when the meat was cooked to microplastics eaten by the fish - who knows. In any of those cases, not harmful to you.
Our top choice is the Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon because it packs a lot of clean flavor right out of the can. Plus, the company is transparent about its sustainable practices. If you want to take the flavor of pink salmon on the go, try the Wildfish Cannery Smoked White King Salmon cans.
Frequently Asked Questions. Why are there skin & bones in my can of salmon? Skin & bones are left in because there is no waste in canned salmon – the liquid, skin, and bones are all edible and supply important nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus.
Canned salmon is every bit as nutritious as fresh salmon. Canned salmon contains a variety of key nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamins B & D, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats promote healthy brain development in babies and support similar things in adults.
It aids in the absorption of certain nutrients, protects your organs, provides energy, plus so much more. Your body needs fat to survive. But the kind of fat you consume matters. Unsaturated fat, the kind abundant in salmon, has profound health benefits.
When tasters state a bias, they generally insist that red is best. We at Pure Alaska speculate that this preference was established in the days before boat refrigeration, when reds held up in the hatches of fishing boats far better than the more delicate pinks.
That's a lot of omega-3s: According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), adults should aim for 1-1.6 grams per day. Eating salmon a few times a week is an easy, delicious way to meet that need.
Also, you can marinate the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar, and water for 30 minutes. This will help to neutralize the fishy taste. Cooking the fish using a cooking method that will not allow the fishy flavor to become pronounced, such as grilling, baking, or steaming can help as well.
Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making
Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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