43 Salmon Dinner Ideas for Slammin’ Weeknight Meals
Every home cook needs some tried-and-true salmon recipes in their arsenal, and the ones below are some of our favorites. In fact, we think salmon is one of the easiest and most fail-proof proteins to make on a weeknight or special occasion: You can prepare a stunning whole salmon fillet to feed a crowd with as much effort as it takes to cook off two or four individual pieces. It’s as versatile as chicken: Arrange a few fillets on a sheet pan with asparagus. Drizzle a fillet with some silky beurre blanc. Sear a piece of salmon on the stovetop to create a crackly, crispy skin. Cube the fish and bake (or air fry) it, nugget style. Douse it in olive oil and slow roast until it confits into a butter-soft texture. You get the idea.
Salmon shines with simple ingredients. A little olive oil, lemon, salt, and black pepper might be all you need, but the flaky, mild-tasting fish also pairs well with bold flavors, from tangy Dijon mustard to Thai curry paste or a teriyaki glaze. In short, salmon is a protein superstar. So find yourself a nice fillet (check out our expert video for tips on buying farmed and wild salmon) and let’s get into it.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova1/43Baked Salmon With Lemon and Thyme
For a salmon dinner recipe that feels like a no-brainer, arrange fillets on a baking sheet, then dress them with olive oil, lemon zest, French herbs, and salt and pepper. Once baked, use a spatula to gently remove the meat from the skin for a continuous, soft texture throughout (or eat the salmon skin, if you prefer).
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Liza Jernow4/43Salmon Croquettes With Dill Sauce
Simple, budget-friendly salmon cakes start with canned salmon, which is a handy pantry staple to have around. Serve them over a grain bowl or alongside a Greek salad to make them a meal.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce6/43Qaliyeh-e Khorma (Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Salmon With Dates)
This easy fish recipe from Najmieh Batmanglij uses luscious, syrupy date molasses and pitted, sliced dates for a rounded sweetness. You’ll need a full cup of fresh herbs to serve alongside it—and rice, of course.
Photo by Nigel Parry8/43Salmon Strudel
Pull off this high-octane salmon dinner idea with minimal ingredients. Instead of baking the phyllo-wrapped salmon the way you would apple strudel or a savory pie, you’ll pan-sear the large packets before slicing them into small, rosy squares.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova9/43Easy Grilled Salmon in Foil With Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart10/43Spring Sheet-Pan Salmon With Roasted Artichoke Hearts and Leeks
We love this sheet-pan recipe for its elegant simplicity. However, it’s the lemon yogurt sauce that really shines. Make a little extra for serving (or to save for roast chicken or vegetables).
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson12/43Salmon Burgers With Red Pepper Mayo
If you keep a jar of roasted red peppers, a can of tinned salmon, and a few pantry staples around, you can make these salmon patties on the fly. And while we love them stacked on a burger, you could also pan-fry them and serve atop mashed potatoes covered in gravy.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Simon Andrews13/43Spicy Salmon Teriyaki With Steamed Bok Choy
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell14/43Salmon Rice Bowls With Coconut-Ginger Broth
While there are many ways to achieve crispy salmon skin, this comforting recipe calls for showering each fillet in a spiced panko mixture before baking. The result: crunchy bites that hold up against the gingery coconut broth.
