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
This healthy and convenient food is low in calories, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and contains many essential vitamins and nutrients. 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.
How often can I eat canned salmon? While there's no strict daily limit, the FDA recommends that Americans consume two to three servings of fish per week. All types of salmon—pink, chum, coho, Alaskan, and red sockeye—are rich omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit heart health and more.
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.
protein, B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and B6), vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium. without cooking. If heated, serve right away or refrigerate leftovers in a container that is not made from metal. quick and healthy lunch, use canned salmon to make a sandwich or add to a salad.
Overall, salmon offers higher levels of brain-boosting omega-3 fats, and much higher levels of bone-strengthening calcium. While tuna contains less of these, it's still a good source of omega-3 fats and an excellent source of hunger-busting protein.
Eating the bones in canned salmon isn't just a matter of safety; it's also about nutrition. Salmon bones are a fantastic source of calcium, which, according to Healthline, is a mineral crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth and ensuring the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves.
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.
Meats, soups, fruits or vegetables, the canned variety offers many benefits. You'll still get the inflammation-fighting omega 3 fatty acids in canned salmon, sardines and tuna.
Canned salmon has an average mercury load of 0.014 ppm and can reach measurements up to 0.086 ppm. For fresh/frozen salmon, the average mercury load is 0.022 ppm with max concentrations of 0.19 ppm. Oysters have an average amount of just 0.012 ppm, with the highest measurement of 0.25 ppm.
Sardines are an exceptional source, with a 3.5-ounce serving providing over 2,000 milligrams of omega-3s. In comparison, the same serving of salmon offers about 1,500 milligrams. While both fish are excellent sources, sardines lead in omega-3 content, offering more bang per bite (National Institutes of Health).
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.
Sardines. Sardines are a favorite among dietitians for many reasons: They are high in protein, nutrient-dense and low in mercury. In fact, sardines came in as the healthiest fish, according to registered dietitian and TODAY.com contributor Samantha Cassetty.
Canned salmon is already cooked - just drain the liquid and it's ready to eat or add to your favourite dish. You can remove the skin if you like. Don't throw out the soft, calcium-rich bones! Mash them with a fork and you won't even notice them.
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.
Lots of fresh lemon juice and dill cuts the fishiness sooo much. I strain the salmon well, squeeze lemon juice into the can with salmon, let soak, then strain again. Then construct as above… with plenty of lemon juice, salt and pepper. Salmon patties like this are great as an inexpensive protein for Caesar salads.
Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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