15 Salmon Dinner Ideas

Salmon is a versatile and healthy protein, perfect for creating impressive weeknight meals or elegant dinner party centerpieces. Packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and a delicious flavor, it’s no wonder this fish is a popular choice for home cooks.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this guide will inspire you with a variety of salmon dinner ideas.

We’ll explore quick and easy recipes, flavorful international dishes, and show-stopping presentations that will tantalize your taste buds.

So, dive in and explore the delicious world of salmon dinners! With our curated selection of recipes and expert advice, you’ll be whipping up impressive and satisfying meals in no time.

1. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This is a classic and easy salmon recipe that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The salmon is coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic glaze that caramelizes in the oven, creating a delicious flavor crust.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice. Heat until slightly thickened.
3. Place the salmon filets in a baking dish and brush the honey garlic mixture over them.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
5. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Steamed broccoli and jasmine rice.

Drink with: A glass of Chardonnay.

2. Creamy Garlic Salmon

This creamy garlic salmon is a decadent dish that pairs perfectly with a cozy night in. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic and herbs, creating a mouthwatering flavor that enhances the tender salmon.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon filets for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the salmon.
5. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Drink with: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

3. Baked Maple Salmon

This recipe features a simple maple glaze that gives the salmon a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more subtle flavor profile.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place salmon filets in a baking dish and pour the maple mixture over them.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
5. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa.

Drink with: A glass of Pinot Noir.

4. Sheet Pan Miso Salmon with Bok Choy

This sheet pan dinner is packed with flavor and nutrients. The salmon is marinated in a miso paste, which gives it a savory and umami taste. It’s roasted alongside bok choy for a complete and healthy meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 heads bok choy, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil.
3. Place salmon filets and bok choy on a sheet pan. Brush the miso mixture over the salmon and bok choy.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the bok choy is tender.
5. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Steamed jasmine rice.

Drink with: A glass of chilled Sake.

5. Salmon Burgers

These flavorful burgers are made with a mixture of salmon, breadcrumbs, and herbs. They are pan-fried or baked until golden brown and juicy, and can be served on buns with your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon, skin removed and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into 4 patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
4. Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings.

Serve with: Sweet potato fries.

Drink with: A cold beer or iced tea.

6. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl

This Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is a delicious and balanced meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze pairs wonderfully with the tender salmon, and when served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s simply irresistible.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• Cooked rice
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
3. In a skillet, cook salmon filets over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
4. Brush the teriyaki sauce over the salmon and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve salmon over a bowl of cooked rice, garnished with green onions.

Serve with: Steamed edamame or a simple green salad.

Drink with: Green tea or a light beer.

7. Easy Baked Maple Salmon

This Easy Baked Maple Salmon is a wonderfully simple and tasty recipe. The sweet maple syrup glaze enhances the natural flavor of the salmon, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Place salmon filets in a baking dish and pour the maple mixture over them.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
5. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Roasted vegetables and brown rice.

Drink with: A glass of Riesling.

8. Creamy Salmon Pasta

This dish is a delicious and satisfying combination of salmon, creamy sauce, and pasta. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook salmon filets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth.
5. Add cooked pasta and salmon to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Garlic bread and a side salad.

Drink with: A glass of Chardonnay.

9. 15-Minute Mediterranean Salmon

This 15-Minute Mediterranean Salmon is a quick and healthy meal that’s full of vibrant flavors. With ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon filets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the skillet, cooking until the tomatoes begin to soften.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with feta cheese.
4. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Couscous or quinoa.

Drink with: A glass of Pinot Grigio.

10. Salmon & Quinoa Bowls with Green Beans, Olives & Feta

These Salmon & Quinoa Bowls are a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of quinoa, green beans, olives, and feta with tender salmon creates a delicious and satisfying dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Steam or blanch green beans until tender-crisp.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon filets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, green beans, olives, and feta cheese.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the quinoa mixture topped with salmon filets.

Serve with: A side of hummus and pita bread.

Drink with: A glass of Rosé.

11. Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

This sheet pan dinner is a great way to get a complete and healthy meal on the table with minimal cleanup. The salmon is roasted alongside sweet potatoes and broccoli for a flavorful and nutritious combination.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes and broccoli with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes and broccoli on a sheet pan and roast for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, honey, and soy sauce.
5. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the salmon filets. Brush the salmon with the honey soy mixture.
6. Roast for another 10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve immediately.

Serve with: A side of quinoa or rice.

Drink with: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

12. Salmon with Potatoes & Horseradish Sauce

This elegant Salmon with Potatoes & Horseradish Sauce dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. The creamy horseradish sauce adds a delightful kick that complements the perfectly cooked salmon and tender potatoes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon filets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
5. Serve salmon with roasted potatoes and a dollop of horseradish sauce.

Serve with: Steamed asparagus or green beans.

Drink with: A glass of Chardonnay.

13. Roasted Salmon Tacos with Corn & Pepper Salsa

These tacos are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. The salmon is roasted and then served on tortillas with a fresh corn and pepper salsa, avocado crema, and your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon filets with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add corn, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven.
5. Assemble tacos by placing a piece of salmon in each tortilla and topping with corn and pepper salsa.
6. Serve immediately.

Serve with: A side of guacamole and chips.

Drink with: A cold Mexican beer or a Margarita.

14. Crispy Salmon Cakes with Creamy Cucumber Salad

These salmon cakes are a delicious and healthy appetizer or main course. They are made with flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. They are served with a refreshing cucumber salad for a light and flavorful meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked salmon, flaked
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Form into 8 patties.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
3. In another bowl, mix cucumber slices with sour cream, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Serve salmon cakes with creamy cucumber salad.

Serve with: A side of mixed greens or a light vinaigrette.

Drink with: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

15. Old Bay Salmon with Lemony Mashed Peas

This dish is a classic comfort food with a seafood twist. The salmon is seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and baked or pan-fried, then served with creamy mashed peas for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub salmon filets with Old Bay seasoning and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, cook peas in a pot of boiling water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, lemon juice, mint, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve salmon with a side of mashed peas.

Serve with: Roasted potatoes or a simple salad.

Drink with: A glass of light, crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

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