There’s nothing we love more than a delicious piece of salmon. After all, this fish is not only yummy, versatile, and easy to cook — it’s also deliciously nutritious. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help boost brain health, and it’s also a good source of calcium, an essential mineral that supports bone health.
But there’s always a chance, after weeks of repetition, that your go-to salmon recipe is getting stale. While there’s nothing wrong with dousing the fish in salt and pepper before tossing it into the oven, sometimes you need to shake up your routine with new flavors, textures, and presentations to make that weekly meal prep a touch more special. Ultimately, the idea that eating healthy must be boring is a total myth.
To lend a helping hand, we’ve compiled 10 of our favorite salmon recipes that will absolutely revolutionize your table. Some of these recipes rely on elegant simplicity that highlights texture (a.k.a. crispy skin). Others use original and exciting glazes made of ingredients you may already have in your pantry. And some of these dishes are party-perfect appetizers where salmon plays a supportive role as a key ingredient or topping. No matter what you choose, we’re waiting on that dinner invitation.
The 10 Best Ways to Cook Salmon
Need a Nutritious Dinner on the Table Quick? This Miso Honey-Glazed Salmon is the Solution
If you’ve yet to invest in a tub of umami-rich white miso paste, let this sweet and savory recipe convince you. Chef Tiffy Chen advises gussying up your roasted fish with pantry ingredients like honey, sake, soy sauce, and — of course — a healthy dollop of that miso. “Miso has so many health benefits. Not only is it rich in nutrients and vitamins, it’s also high in probiotics, which means it helps the body maintain healthy bacteria levels, which in turn promotes gut health and enhances your immune system,” Chen says.
Liven up Your Weekday Lunch With This Superb Salmon Salad Recipe From Kristin Cavallari
Salad lovers know that chunks of protein are a must-have ingredient that will make the meal more satisfying. In Kristin Cavallari’s flavorful recipe, you’ll roast salmon before placing it on top of a rich salad that includes heavy-hitters like bacon, avocado, and tomato. You’ll toss it all in a dressing of coconut milk, lime juice, tomatillos, cilantro, scallions, garlic, and jalapeños. We get why Cavallari refers to this combination of ingredients as “culinary heaven.”
Spice Up Your Average Weeknight Meal with This Chef’s Tangy Whiskey and Sweet Tea Glazed Salmon
If you have a soft spot for sweet tea, you must try Jocelyn Delk Adams’s inventive method of turning the refreshing beverage into a zesty glaze. Using black tea, whiskey, maple syrup, and lemon juice, she crafts a nostalgic yet contemporary coating for your roasted salmon. A seasoning made of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne adds just enough heat to complement the sweeter notes of the liquid ingredients.
Low on Time? Make Quick Miso Salmon With Katie and John
In this video series featuring Katie, John, and chef Joel Gamoran, earthy shiitakes and crispy kale meet umami-rich miso salmon in a light, yet filling meal that’s ready in a flash.
Hungry Girl’s Honey Mustard Salmon Gets Crunch From Crushed Pretzels
Also known as the widely beloved Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien knows a thing or two about wholesome, satisfying meals that can be made in a short amount of time. Case in point? Her tangy, sweet, savory, honey mustard sheet pan salmon. We especially love how she’s garnished the fish with crushed pretzels for extra crunch.
Spicy Salmon Salad Rice Bowls
“This flexible recipe is a great way to use up leftover salmon,” says Kylie Mazon-Chambers, founder of Cooking with Cocktail Rings. “The fish doesn’t lend itself to reheating very well, so instead I combine it with sriracha and mayonnaise for a spicy salmon salad served over rice.”
Craving Homemade Sushi? This Easy-to-Execute Recipe Is Headache-Free
Crafting sushi like a master requires years of study, but onigirazu (also known as “sushi pockets”) are surprisingly easy for anyone to make. Culinary creator Andrea Buckett has taken it upon herself to teach us how — using avocado, red pepper, cucumber, smoked salmon, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger. (You can also opt for one of her other flavor combos if you’re curious about chicken, egg, tofu, or mushrooms as filler.) Plus, you can absolutely make these bad boys the night before a busy day to ensure you won’t go without a meal.
Fishwife’s Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs Are an Irresistible Appetizer
Fish doesn’t necessarily equal fillet — some salmon comes in a (very photogenic) can. Becca Millstein is the co-founder of the tinned fish company Fishwife, and she believes that smoked salmon can be added as an umami-boosting secret weapon to a variety of dishes. Case-in-point: Her smoky, savory, party-ready deviled eggs.
Dazzle Brunch Guests With Prue Leith’s Smoked Salmon Pâté Recipe
Speaking of smoked salmon, we’re all about turning it into a mouth-watering dip. TV host and chef Prue Leith shared her smoked salmon pâté recipe — which we love in part because it comes together in just three steps (with one of the steps being “refrigerate”). Plus, Leith has also given us tips on how to make fish-free variations, which can be helpful if you’re serving guests who aren’t as salmon-obsessed.
Watch Katie and John Whip Up a Uniquely Delicious At-Home Dinner: Sushi Waffles!
We definitely saved the zaniest dish for last — when these savory “sushi waffles” went viral in 2024, Katie and John just had to make them. It’s actually a pretty easy experiment: Simply press cooked rice into your waffle iron and top the end result with chopped salmon, cucumbers, scallions, jalapeños, and avocados. Filming a TikTok in your kitchen is entirely optional.
