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15 x Easy Salmon Recipes

Looking for delicious ways to cook with salmon? This roundup of 15 salmon recipes has you covered! From light and fresh dishes like salmon tartare and salmon cocktail to comforting favorites like roasted salmon and a hearty breakfast scramble, there’s something here for every occasion. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant appetizer, or a festive brunch, these recipes will help you make the most of this versatile and flavorful fish.

If there is an ingredient that is always super popular around Easter, it has got to be salmon. And for good reason as salmon is super versatile and a real crowd pleaser. Time to highlight my favorite salmon recipes!

Tip from Simone

Tip from Simone

Always choose high-quality salmon, especially for recipes where the fish is served raw or lightly cured (like gravlax, tartare, or mousse). Look for fresh, sushi-grade salmon from a trusted fishmonger and keep it well chilled until you’re ready to use it. Bonus tip: buy a whole side of salmon and use it across different recipes. It’s often more budget-friendly, and leftovers are perfect for wraps, salads, or an easy next-day lunch.

1. Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Salmon rolls with cream cheese
5 from 1 vote

Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese

Prep time 5 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
These salmon rolls with cream cheese are one of those recipes that look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make. With smoked salmon, a creamy herb filling, and fresh avocado, they’re light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Serve these salmon rolls as an appetizer, a quick snack, or even a light lunch when you want something fresh and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.

2. Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Smoked salmon appetizer with cream cheese

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Appetizer

Prep time 10 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Looking for an easy smoked salmon appetizer that is delicious and perfect for dinner parties? Look no further! The combination of cream cheese, herbs and smoked salmon is a classic for a good reason.

3. Gravlax (Cured Salmon with Beetroot)

Gravlax with beetroot
5 from 1 vote

Gravlax with beetroot

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 1 day 6 hours
Total time 1 day 6 hours 10 minutes
A stunning dish that will do well for any dinner party! Gravad lax with beetroot

4. Smoked Salmon with Prawns

smoked salmon and prawns

Smoked salmon with prawns

Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Delicious as an easy appetizer for Christmas dinner or any special ocassion

5. Salmon Cocktail

Salmon appetizer with avocado

Salmon Cocktail Recipe

Prep time 5 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
Perfect appetizer to start the meal. It's easy to make, delicious and a crowd favorite! Ready in no time at all!

6. Easy Salmon Terrine

Salmon terrine recipe
5 from 1 vote

Easy Salmon Terrine Recipe

Prep time 30 minutes
Cooling time 1 hour
Total time 1 hour 30 minutes
Looking for an elegant starter that’s perfect for entertaining? This salmon terrine with anchovy butter is rich, refined, and surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by a MasterChef Australia pressure test, it’s a make-ahead dish that looks impressive on the table while keeping things stress-free in the kitchen.

7. Easy Salmon Mousse

Easy Salmon Mousse
5 from 1 vote

Easy Salmon Mousse

Prep time 5 minutes
Total time 5 minutes
This easy salmon mousse is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s fresh, creamy, and ready in under ten minutes, making it perfect for Easter, a quick dinner party appetizer, or an effortless addition to a snack board. Made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, it’s a simple classic that looks elegant but takes hardly any effort at all.

8. Salmon Tartare

Salmon tartare with arugula oil

Salmon Tartare with Arugula Oil

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
If you love fresh flavors, minimal prep, and appetizers that get people talking, this salmon tartare is going to be a favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick mix in the food processor, you’ll have a delicious, elegant starter that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

9. Risotto with Fennel And Salmon

Fennel risotto with prawns
5 from 1 vote

Fennel risotto with prawns and smoked salmon

Prep time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
Delicious fennel risotto with prawns and smoked salmon. A perfect summer version of risotto

10. Breakfast Quiche with Salmon

Christmas quiche recipe

Breakfast Quiche with Smoked Salmon

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
Total time 35 minutes
Looking for a delicious and easy breakfast quiche that would do with at either Christmas or Easter? This salmon quiche with ham is one of my favorite ways to start the day. You can bake it with or without crust.

11. Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich

salmon club sandwich

Salmon club sandwich

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Simple and delicious; a club sandwich with salmon and cream cheese

12. Avocado Soup with Smoked Salmon

avocado soup with smoked salmon

Avocado soup with smoked salmon

Prep time 5 minutes
Cooking time 5 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
This delicious creamy avocado soup is perfect to serve chilled on warm summer days. Or if you don't like cold soup you can gently warm it a tiny bit.

13. Easy Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Baked salmon with roasted vegetables

Baked Salmon with roasted Vegetables and Nuts

Cooking time 45 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
√ Easy recipe √ Perfect for Christmas or other dinner party √ Paleoproof √ Healthy √can be made in advance
Delicious salmon meal that is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, but also perfect for christmas or Thanksgiving.

14. Spicy Salmon Burger

Spicy salmon burger
5 from 1 vote

Spicy salmon burger

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Total time 20 minutes

15. Breakfast Potato Scramble

Breakfast potato scramble

Breakfast potato scramble with salmon

Prep time 10 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time 25 minutes
This delicious and filling breakfast potato scramble is filled with (canned) salmon and for me this is a perfect weekend breakfast. It's heavy but you'll be able to convert this into lunch or dinner easily

FAQ Salmon Recipes

Fresh salmon should have a mild, clean smell (not overly “fishy”), firm flesh, and a vibrant color. If it looks dull or smells strong, it’s best not to use it.

It depends on the recipe.

  • Wild salmon (like sockeye or coho) has a firmer texture and deeper flavor, perfect for grilling or salads.
    For raw dishes, always choose sushi-grade salmon.
  • Atlantic salmon is rich and buttery, great for roasting or baking.

Yes! Frozen salmon is a great option and often very fresh since it’s frozen right after being caught. Just make sure to thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight for the best texture. Also, not all recipes might be equally suited for frozen salmon.

Not necessarily, but largely depending on the recipe. The skin helps keep the salmon moist during cooking and can get deliciously crispy when pan-seared. You can always remove it after cooking if you prefer.

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is still slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep an eye on it.

Leftover salmon is incredibly versatile! Use it in salads, pasta, sandwiches, wraps, scrambled eggs, or fish cakes for an easy next meal.

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About Simone van den Berg

Food photographer | Food- and travel blogger | Recipe development | Loves to cook, experiment with vegetables and most of all, loves to eat. Whenever I travel (and I do try to do that as often as possible) it's always about food too! Love exploring flavors around the world. Lives together with cats Humphrey and Buffy in the Netherlands.