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.
It’s perfect for lunch, a picnic, or a cold dinner on a hot day.
With the right amount of seasoning, and the crunch from the onion, this is true comfort food.
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
You can even rinse the meat to dilute the fish smell if you don't like it. This smell may be stronger in lower-quality brands of canned salmon. What's great is that draining and rinsing have little impact on the nutritional value, so you're still getting those vital nutrients.
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.
Takeaway. The FDA recommends eating 8 ounces of salmon per week. So you *can* eat it every day but in smaller servings. If you're pregnant, the FDA recommends eating 8 to 12 ounces of seafood per week from sources that have lower mercury levels — including salmon!
These ones are pretty much the same, but often. red salmon tends to be slightly higher in calories, has more Omega 3 fatty acids than the pink. In terms of protein, even a little more protein. So up to you what you like in terms of eating, uh, and taste.
As many foods contain salt, keeping your sodium intake low is important to maintaining good health; removing the liquid the fish is packed in is one way to manage salt levels in your diet.
it's a protein called albumin that exists in salmon and many other fish. and when the fish is raw it's in a liquid state but as the fish cooks it coagulates. now of course it's perfectly safe and harmless to eat.
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.
Canned salmon contains a bit more vitamin B12 and a whopping 14 times more vitamin D than canned tuna does. It also has over 1,500mg of healthy omega-3 fatty acids per 3-ounce portion, as compared to somewhere between 1,000 to 1,500mg for tuna, depending on the species (via Verywell Fit).
When red and pink salmon are pulled fresh from the sea their flesh is, in fact, distinctly red or pink. The cooking process of canning reduces coloration in both. Red salmon gets its enhanced color from eating krill, a type of small shrimp.
It's generally safe for all population groups, including pregnant women, to consume 2-3 serves of any type of tuna or salmon a week, canned or fresh. Canned tuna usually has lower mercury levels than other tuna because tuna used for canning are smaller species that are caught when less than 1 year old.
In fact, canned salmon is actually more nutritious than fresh because it's higher in calcium when packed with bones. That means you don't have to pay a premium price to get all these great health benefits.
Canned salmon is also OK for dogs to eat, but you'll want to watch the sodium. While canned salmon in water is a better choice for dogs than salmon packed in oil, rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess salt or oil from the canning process before adding it to your dog's dish.
Storage: Canned fish can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container once opened. An unopened can of fish can last up to 3 years in the pantry, but also make sure to check the “Best if Used By” date on the packaging. Preparing: Canned fish is ready to be eaten right out of the container!
Convenient. Life can get busy and we can all benefit from having convenient foods on hand. It's even better if these convenient foods are also healthier foods! The beauty of canned salmon is that you can eat it on its own, throw it on top of salad or eggs, or work it into a recipe.
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.
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.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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