10 Easy, Tasty, Cheap Canned Salmon Recipes

Canned fish has come so far in the past few years. There was a time, not long ago, when tuna was pretty much the only choice — and while canned tuna is great, it’s good to have choices. Now that canned salmon is nearly as readily available, it’s a good time to use it in all kinds of recipes.

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Is canned salmon good for you?

Just like fresh, canned salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Wild salmon tends to be healthier than farmed, with more nutrients and fewer contaminants — but it can be pricey. Fortunately, canned wild salmon is abundant in supermarkets and it’s far more affordable than fresh. Plus, since it’s shelf stable, you can keep it on hand so it’s there whenever you need a quick meal.

You asked: How often can I eat canned salmon?

The USDA recommends that adults eat at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. You can eat more, as long as you choose low-mercury fish. The good news is: Canned salmon is low in mercury.

Here are 10 simple to make, delicious canned salmon recipes.

1. Easy Salmon Salad

Tuna salad is a go-to for a quick, healthy meal, and this recipe is just like that classic, but featuring canned salmon. With celery, dill, a little Dijon mustard, and Greek yogurt instead of mayo, it’s flavorful, hearty, and full of protein (40 grams per serving). Enjoy it on toasted whole-grain or sourdough bread, with crackers, or on top of a bed of greens.

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

2. Easy Salmon Patties

Patties are a great way to get seafood skeptics onboard. Plus, this recipe is so easy, it’s on the table in less than 30 minutes, including the luscious lemon-garlic sauce. With simple ingredients like canned salmon, eggs, and breadcrumbs, it’s easy to toss together from ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Try this recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes.

3. Spicy Salmon Onigiri

These spicy salmon onigiri look fancy and complicated, but they’re actually a cinch to make and fantastic for snacks, light meals, or as an appetizer for a party. Look for nori at Whole Foods, Asian markets, or online. If you prefer your onigiri milder, use teriyaki or a different sauce and omit the sriracha.

Try this recipe from Two Red Bowls.

4. Salmon & Black Bean Burrito Bake

This salmon and black bean burrito bake is gluten free and full of flavor thanks to spices, pepper Jack cheese, and chopped chilies. It’s delicious as written, or you can forgo the tortillas and just serve the filling over rice with some sliced avocado on top. 

Try this recipe from Cotter Crunch.

5. Simple Salmon Lettuce Cups

Lettuce wraps are a gift — it’s like having a salad but more fun, and you can get as creative as you like with the filling. Here you mix canned salmon with lots of veggies like carrots, celery, and fennel, and bind it with avocado and a little mayo. You can add any spices you have in your pantry, or simply season it with salt and pepper.

Try this recipe from Caroline Green Nutrition.

6. Salmon Kale Caesar Salad

Just when we thought we couldn’t love a kale Caesar salad any more, along comes this one, with canned salmon, avocado, and sunflower seeds for crunch. It has 24 grams of protein, just 9 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of fiber, so it will keep you full and satisfied for hours. Make the simple dressing in the recipe, or use your fave bottled Caesar.

Try this recipe from A Saucy Kitchen.

7. Potato Salmon Cakes

What can make salmon cakes even better? Mashed potatoes. These crisp-tender cakes are the perfect way to use up leftover mash, and they’re on the table in 20 minutes. Change up the spices to suit your taste.

Try this recipe from Venison for Dinner.

8. Canned Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

As an appetizer or a snack, dip is king — and this one, featuring canned salmon, is super healthy as well as delicious. Blend the canned salmon with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon, and a few spices, and you’re in business. We might sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top. 

Try this recipe from Walder Wellness.

9. Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa

Tacos are a fun and unfussy dinner on a busy weeknight, and these are so simple thanks to canned salmon. Mix it with chili powder and lime, and pile it into tortillas with mango salsa; make your own or pick up a jar. They’re salty, sweet, a little spicy — add some avocado and they’re creamy, too.

Try this recipe from Kelsey and Cooper’s Kitchen.

10. Canned Salmon Pasta

Salmon and pasta just go together — and thanks to canned salmon, this hearty dish is ready in 20 minutes. The sauce is light and creamy but free of cream, and the parsley, garlic, lemon, and black pepper pair so well with the salmon. This dish is sure to become one of your pantry meal go-tos.

Try this recipe from Salt & Lavender.

Read next: 12 Easy Baked Salmon Recipes for Protein and Omega 3s