Baked in the oven, pan-fried, grilled or smoked—no matter how it’s prepared, salmon is always delicious. There’s only one thing that can take the best salmon recipes to the next level: a glass of wine!
Wine pairing with salmon is simple. Because this meaty, fatty fish is more robust than halibut or tilapia, salmon pairs well with a wider variety of wines. The key is to complement the preparation and seasoning of your fish.
For a quick refresher, check out our guides on food and drink pairing and food and wine pairing.
What Type of Wine Pairs Well with Salmon?
The good news is that many different wines pair well with salmon, including many reds, whites, rosé and even sparkling wine or Champagne. One general rule is that a richer fish like salmon goes better with full-bodied white wines. However, depending on the preparation—grilled, smoked—and the seasonings and sauces, you can stretch beyond whites and sip rosé or light-bodied, low-tannin red wines.
White Wines That Go with Salmon
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White wines are the first port of call for many when any fish is on the menu. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right wine for the right fish. Here are some delicious pairing options when you’re looking to sip a white wine with salmon.
Sauvignon blanc
Similar to pairing a crisp, dry sauvignon blanc with green salad, it’s a great wine to drink alongside many baked salmon recipes (especially those prepared with fresh herbs). It’s great with baked salmon seasoned with lemon and tarragon, salmon en papillote (baked in paper) or a simple herb-roasted salmon. Another good white wine pairing here is gruner veltliner, which has bright, citrusy acidity that goes well with herby salmon dishes.
Chardonnay
If you’re serving your salmon with butter or richer cream sauce, like this salmon with dill butter, opt for a richer white wine like a lightly oaked chardonnay. Other wine pairing options for salmon with a cream sauce include a marsanne-roussanne blend from the Rhone or a white Rioja.
Riesling
When it comes to salmon seasoned with spices, soy-based marinades and ginger, reach for a vibrant and dry riesling. If the dish is a bit spicy, like Jamaican salmon with coconut cream sauce or sesame salmon with wasabi mayo, opt for an off-dry riesling. The slightly sweeter wine (yet still dry) is better with Asian and Caribbean spices and heat.
Pinot gris/pinot grigio
Domestic pinot gris, like those from Oregon, go particularly well with salmon (both come from the Pacific Northwest, after all). Consider sipping pinot gris with something like this zippy sweet mustard salmon. Italian pinot grigio goes well with poached salmon and other lighter, citrusy preparations.
Rosé
Can’t settle on a white wine you love? Rosé wine is outstanding with salmon in all its preparations. Whether it’s smoked, grilled, baked or braised in a marinade, salmon makes an ideal partner for a glass of rosé. Think: a simple grilled salmon fillet or salmon burgers. The bright red berry notes and mouthwatering acidity in the wine refresh your palate between bites while offering subtle flavors that complement rather than overwhelm the flavors of your food. You can go still or sparkling here. Pick based on the occasion.
Sparkling wine
For smoked salmon, sparkling wines like Champagne, cava or Prosecco make the best sipping partner. That’s why the pairing is great for picnics and brunch dishes, like these smoked salmon bites. Sparkling wine also goes great with raw salmon, especially sushi rolls or bowls. If you need to keep within a budget, here are our best cheap Champagne picks.
Red Wines That Go with Salmon
When it comes to salmon, feel free to scrap that old rule saying you should never pair fish and red wine. A fatty fish like salmon can hold its own against a wide range of wines, including reds. Sticking to light-bodied reds like pinot noir, gamay and grenache is always a good idea when you want to serve a red with fish. That said, plan to steer clear of high tannin wines. You won’t want to pour a cabernet sauvignon or shiraz with salmon.
Pinot noir
Does pinot noir go with salmon? You bet it does! Known for acidity and fruit flavors, it’s a perfect complement to buttery rich salmon. It’s a killer pairing with cast-iron salmon. If you’re firing up the grill, even better. The smoky flavors pair seamlessly with a lighter red like pinot noir.
Beaujolais or gamay
Whether it’s Beaujolais Nouveau from France or a gamay noir from Oregon, the wine is similar to pinot noir in many ways. It’s a lighter style red with good acidity and lots of fruity notes. It goes just as well with salmon dishes, particularly oven-baked dishes with a fruit sauce. Enjoy this with miso salmon.Â
Grenache
Grenache or its Spanish cousin grenacha are great fruit-forward, food-friendly wines. Medium-bodied grenache can be a bit earthy and smoky, making it a shoo-in to serve with grilled salmon recipes.
Find the Right Salmon Recipe for Your Vino
Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill SauceTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, yogurt, mayonnaise, cucumber, dill
Level: Beginner
Dill and salmon are a match made in cooking heaven. This recipe turns out quite a bit of creamy dill sauce, so save extras for meals the next day. One reader suggests using any leftover sauce to make potato salad, which sounds heavenly.
"This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh." —Recipe contributor Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Air-Fryer SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon fillets, olive oil, seasonings
Level: Beginner
The air fryer is a game-changer for cooking salmon because the skin gets nice and crispy. There's no complicated marinade for this recipe: All you need is salmon and your spice rack. Choosing salmon fillets with the skin still on ensures the flesh will stay intact while it cooks instead of falling apart.
"Preparing salmon in the air fryer is, hands down, one of the easiest ways to cook it. Air-fryer salmon stays succulent, but still gets lightly browned on the outside. Use this simple salmon recipe as a starting point for different flavors and styles of salmon. The possibilities are endless!" —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Speedy Salmon PattiesTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canned salmon, saltines, Worcestershire sauce, egg, butter
Level: Beginner
Stock up on flavorful, protein-packed meals by freezing a batch of these salmon patties before cooking them. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container and store them for up to three months.
"I combine seven easy ingredients for these salmon patties. When I was a girl growing up on the farm, my mom often fixed these when we were late in the field. They're also tasty with chopped green peppers added to the mixture." —Recipe contributor Bonnie Evans, Cameron, North Carolina
Salmon TacosTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, coleslaw mix, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime, honey, tortillas
Level: Beginner
Turn Taco Tuesday into something truly memorable with these punchy, spice-rubbed salmon tacos. You can get creative with the sides. We love hearty options like Instant Pot black beans and Southwestern rice.
"You can have a restaurant-style dinner in less than 30 minutes with these easy salmon tacos. In addition to the zesty coleslaw, add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, radishes or jalapeno peppers." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Crusted SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon fillets, 2% milk, pecans, flour, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
Letting salmon soak in milk before dredging it in the flour-pecan mixture results in a crispy fish that's super tender on the inside. Brown sugar is the secret ingredient that will have your guests wondering what makes the dish taste so good.
"These delicious salmon fillets are wonderful for company since they take only a few minutes to prepare, yet they taste like you fussed. I receive requests for the recipe every time I serve them." —Recipe contributor Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio CrustTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, sour cream, bread crumbs, pistachios, horseradish, fresh dill
Level: Beginner
This is a restaurant-worthy salmon dish that will become a go-to for quick weeknight meals and dinner parties alike. You can use this zippy bread crumb mixture on chicken and pork as well.
"Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like." —Recipe contributor Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York
Salmon Burgers with Tangy SlawTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, cabbage, fennel, cucumber, hamburger buns
Level: Intermediate
Blending salmon in the food processor then folding in shallot, cilantro and soy sauce creates just the right texture for these patties. With a crunchy, tangy slaw, these burgers will become one of your go-to cookout meals.
"I thought I'd made salmon every way you can make it—until now. The tangy slaw, made with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavor that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood." —Recipe contributor Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Salmon Grilled in FoilTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, seasoning, onion, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
Once you start cooking salmon with grill foil packs, you'll never look back. Remember that you always want to prep the packs with the skin side down so the flavors from the seasoning and aromatic vegetables can seep in as it cooks.
"Steamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that's perfectly balanced by onion and tomato." —Recipe contributor Merideth Berkovich, The Dalles, Oregon
Grilled Salmon SteaksTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon steaks, white wine vinegar, mayo, Dijon mustard, dill
Level: Beginner
This herby, tangy mustard dill sauce is the perfect pairing for grilled salmon steaks. Pesto, tzatziki and chimichurri would also make fantastic accompaniments. We love serving this dish with a bright crunchy salad and grilled vegetables.
"This is a terrific way to fix grilled salmon steaks, and it's so easy to do. The marinade mellows the fish flavor, and the dill sauce is a wonderful complement. I once served this recipe to 12 people from the Pacific Northwest who declared it was the best salmon they'd ever eaten!" —Recipe contributor Deb Essen, Victor, Montana
Easy Grilled Salmon SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, teriyaki sauce, romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion
Level: Beginner
If you don't have teriyaki sauce on hand for this satisfying salmon salad, try using a brown sugar glaze. The sweet flavors really pop with the tangy salad dressing and chopped red onion. When it comes to herb choice, the sky is the limit.
"Need dinner on the table in a hurry? This grilled salmon salad is the healthy and delicious (not to mention quick) meal you're looking for." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Smoked SalmonTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, brown sugar, liquid smoke
Level: Intermediate
If you're intimidated by smoking fish, try using liquid smoke like we do in this luscious salmon appetizer. Serve with buttery crackers, dill and cream cheese, and don't forget lots of lemon and capers for garnish.
"A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite way to serve salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer." —Recipe contributor Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan
Bourbon-Glazed SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, butter, bourbon, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
Oak-scented bourbon forms the base of a sweet and tangy sauce that's fantastic drizzled over grilled salmon. We recommend sticking with bourbon vs whiskey because the caramelly notes blend well with the brown sugar. For a booze-free version, you could use two teaspoons of vanilla extract in place of the bourbon.
"This bourbon-glazed salmon is ready in minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients. Pair it with a green salad and couscous to have the perfect meal. If you don't like the taste of bourbon, you can use cola or brewed coffee." —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Smoked Honey-Peppercorn SalmonTotal Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, brown sugar, ginger, allspice, honey, whole peppercorns, wood chips
Level: Advanced
The best types of salmon for smoking are sockeye, king and coho. We like to use hickory chips for this hearty, smoky-sweet salmon dish, but you could also throw in fruity alder, sweet apple or smoky oak.
"I found this recipe in an Alaska fishing guide. Now it's the only way we do salmon. The brine gives it a sweet caramelized coating, and the hickory wood chips give it a distinct smoky flavor." —Recipe contributor Judy Ashby, Jamestown, Tennessee
Baked Salmon in FoilTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, garlic, butter, lemon, parsley
Level: Intermediate
If you're looking for more dependable dishes to add to your repertoire, this tender, flaky salmon fits the bill. Baking the fish in aluminum foil locks in the lemony flavor and makes cleanup a breeze.
"Baking salmon in foil is an easy technique that can also be used on the grill. This quick recipe uses lemon zest and slices plus garlic for flavor, but you could also try other citrus fruits, herbs and spices." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry SauceTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, cedar planks, blackberries, white wine
Level: Intermediate
Before making this rich, smoky-sweet salmon, make sure to read our beginner's guide to cedar plank grilling. It's not as intimidating as it sounds! And the payoff is tender, smoky fish that'll impress everyone at your dinner table.
"Here's my go-to entree for a warm-weather cookout. The salmon has a rich, grilled taste that's enhanced by the savory blackberry sauce. It's a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy." —Recipe contributor Stephanie Matthews, Tempe, AZ
Smoked Salmon DipTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, capers, mayonnaise, dill
Level: Beginner
We love a no-cook dish that comes together in the food processor. This smoked salmon spread is fantastic served with crackers or smeared on a bagel. A few extra shakes of Tabasco add lots of lovely tang, or you can tweak the flavor profile by using smoked trout.
"There are plenty of ways to enjoy smoked salmon dip, from smearing it on a toasted bagel for brunch to serving it with cheese and crackers at a party. No matter how you serve this salmon dip, it's sure to be a new favorite." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Salmon SteaksTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon steaks, butter, lemon, onion, parsley
Level: Beginner
If you can't find salmon steaks in your supermarket, check the frozen seafood aisle. Otherwise, you may have to visit your local seafood market or find an online retailer. Ruby, the recipe creator, says you can easily swap salmon for halibut too.
"After our children were married and gone, I prepared salmon steaks often for my husband and myself, especially on our anniversary. It was one of our favorites. We found that one of the nicest ways to enjoy each other's company was to have a lovely meal together." —Recipe contributor Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Smoked Salmon Deviled EggsTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Smoked salmon, eggs, cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, capers, lemon, horseradish, mustard
Level: Intermediate
Deviled eggs get a smoky upgrade with flakes of lush smoked salmon. It's the perfect finger food for a party. Check out all of our delicious deviled egg variations.
"Flaky salmon and creamy sauce go so well over hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the sauce or serve it on the side; it's great either way." —Recipe contributor Marinela Dragan, Portland, Oregon
Garlic Salmon LinguineTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canned salmon, garlic, linguine
Level: Beginner
This salmon-packed pasta belongs in the pantry recipe hall of fame. Canned salmon, garlic and olive oil make a super savory sauce for linguine or any other pasta shape you like. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra brightness.
"The garlic-seasoned main dish calls for handy pantry ingredients, including pasta and canned salmon. I serve it with asparagus, rolls and fruit." —Recipe contributor Theresa Hagan, Glendale, Arizona
Simple Salmon ChowderTotal Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, potatoes, cream-style corn, half-and-half
Level: Advanced
Cream-style corn is the secret ingredient in this rich, contest-winning salmon chowder. Make it with either canned or fresh salmon. The rules for thickening sauce work similarly in soups: Whisk a little cornstarch into cold water (or stock), then add it to the chowder and simmer.
"I've lived on a farm in the Yakima Valley all my life. I have a big garden, and by the end of fall, my cellar shelves are full of canned fruits and vegetables. This salmon chowder recipe uses some of the root vegetables I grow—along with the delicious salmon that is so plentiful here." —Recipe contributor Josephine Parton, Granger, Washington
Stuffed SalmonTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, rice, imitation crab, cream cheese
Level: Intermediate
Affordable dinner party recipes are sometimes hard to come by. Crab-stuffed salmon is one of our favorite entrees to serve company, and no one needs to know you're using imitation crab. The crab stuffing contains buttery rice, so no need to serve this with a starch on the side—try steamed or roasted vegetables with lots of fresh herbs.
"You could get stuffed salmon from a big-box store, but my fillets are loaded with flavor from crab, cream cheese and savory herbs. We love them." —Recipe contributor Mary Cokenour, Monticello, Utah
Miso SalmonTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, white miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil
Level: Beginner
Sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey and miso make a sauce so irresistible that you'll want to lather it on everything. Here's our guide to miso paste if you've never cooked with it before.
"It's impossible to have too many salmon recipes. This miso salmon is a little out of the ordinary, so it's a wonderful one to add to your repertoire." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Salmon PattiesTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canned salmon, egg, onion, saltines
Level: Beginner
Canned salmon is one of our favorite pantry staples, in part because of these golden-brown salmon patties. They're endlessly customizable, so whip out your favorite herbs and spices. We love recipes that start with saltines, but you can swap in Ritz too if that's what you have.
"My mom would often fix these air-fryer salmon patties when we were working late. Feel free to add some chopped green or red peppers to the mixture." —Recipe contributor Bonnie Evans, Cameron, North Carolina
Salmon QuicheTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canned salmon, refrigerated pie crust, Swiss cheese, eggs
Level: Advanced
This classic salmon quiche is light, fluffy and so different from your basic quiche recipes. For a perfect brunch, serve with air-fryer roasted potatoes and fresh fruit.
"Cooking is something that I've always liked doing. I pore over cookbooks the way other people read novels. This recipe came to me from my mother—it's the kind of recipe you request after just one bite. And unlike some quiches, it's very hearty!" —Recipe contributor Deanna Baldwin, Bermuda Dunes, California
Baked Salmon PattiesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canned salmon, egg substitute, bell pepper, cilantro, mayo
Level: Beginner
We love cooking salmon cakes in a muffin tin because it gets the patties nice and crisp without needing extra oil. Serve these beauties with tartar sauce, pickled red onions and a crunchy slaw.
"Made in muffin pans and served with sauce on the side, these baked salmon patties make a fantastic light meal. You can also bake a double batch and freeze some for a quick lower-fat supper later on." —Recipe contributor Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Baked Pesto SalmonTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, pesto
Level: Beginner
Turn to this when you're looking for recipes that use up a jar of pesto or when you've made a surplus with your homegrown basil. We love cooking with these store-bought pestos, so stock up if you don't have time to make it from scratch.
"Pesto salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish to turn to when you've got pesto on hand. Simply spread pesto on top of the fish before popping it into the oven, and voila! You have a two-ingredient entree that couldn't be easier to prepare." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Walnut-Crusted SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, whole wheat bread, walnuts, Dijon mustard
Level: Beginner
Chopped walnuts add nuttiness to these elegant baked salmon fillets, and the coating sticks to a rich Dijon and honey rub. Pistachios would also work really well in the bread crumb mixture.
"Whenever I can get salmon for a good price, I always turn to this simple and delicious recipe. It's good served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans too." —Recipe contributor Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Lemon Garlic SalmonTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, garlic, butter, lemon
Level: Intermediate
Roasting whole bulbs of garlic until they're nutty and sweet is totally worth the effort. When roasted garlic is blended in the food processor with butter and oil, you get the dreamiest sauce for salmon.
"The salmon bakes up tender and moist and the blended ingredients enhance the flavor of this delicious lemon garlic salmon." —Recipe contributor Deborah Oedekoven, Spearfish, South Dakota
Baked SalmonTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, butter, white wine or chicken broth, lemon
Level: Beginner
Sometimes, the simpler the better. Baked salmon takes hardly any effort, yet still turns out a main course that's anything but boring. Check out our guide to pairing wine with salmon to find the perfect bottle.
"I often make this very moist and flavorful baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad." —Recipe contributor Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine
Southern-Fried Salmon PattiesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canned salmon, eggs, heavy cream, cornmeal, flour, baking powder
Level: Beginner
To ensure your patties come out crispy and don't fall apart, make sure to drain the canned salmon well. The mixture shouldn't be too dry or too wet.
"Since pinto beans and mashed potatoes were our usual daily fare, salmon was a special treat on Sundays. We ate these Southern-fried salmon patties as fast as Mama could fry them—she couldn't get them off the griddle fast enough." —Recipe contributor Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas
Herb-Roasted Salmon FilletsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, garlic, rosemary, thyme
Level: Beginner
If you're a garlic lover (like we are), feel free to throw in a few extra minced cloves. Have a veggie roasting in a separate pan while the salmon cooks so everything finishes at once. These garlic roasted Brussels sprouts also roast at 425°F.
"My roasted salmon is so simple but elegant enough to serve to company. I make it on days when I have less than an hour to cook. The salmon seasoning is an easy way to add flavor." —Recipe contributor Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
Grilled Salmon FilletsTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, garlic, lemon, rosemary
Level: Beginner
If you're worried about your salmon sticking to the grates, make sure you've completely cleaned the grill before getting started. Then, oil the fish and the grill. You could also try cedar plank grilled fish, which is a wonderful flip-free option.
"The grill is a perfect cooking method for salmon. The smokiness is a subtle way to amp up salmon's mild flavor, and the high heat creates a delicious charred finish." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Firecracker Grilled SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Salmon, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, red pepper flakes
Level: Intermediate
We love the sweet and spicy flavors in this rich marinade, but if you're spice averse, feel free to swap out the crushed red pepper flakes. Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad.
"Let this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring." —Recipe contributor Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Feta Salmon SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, spring mix salad greens, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, red wine vinaigrette
Level: Beginner
Salty, crumbly feta cheese adds creamy tang to one of the best entree salads in our repertoire. This dish is especially flavorful with heirloom tomatoes in the summer and as many fresh herbs as you can get your hands on.
"My son David always ordered the satisfying salmon sandwich at a local pub. In trying to replicate it, he came up with this salmon salad recipe. It's the only recipe he's ever made, and our entire family thinks it's wonderful." —Recipe contributor Susan Griffiths, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Sheet-Pan Soy-Ginger Salmon with VeggiesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, green onions, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, garlic, broccoli, zucchini
Level: Beginner
The sweet marinade for this sheet pan dinner works for grilled salmon too if you don't want to turn on your oven. Serve this umami-rich salmon with a rice side dish, and call it a day.
"This salmon and veggie sheet-pan dinner is packed with umami Asian flavors and is so easy to make. It's high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and so many other nutrients, but it's delicious! We like to serve it over brown rice or quinoa." —Recipe contributor Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts
Slow-Cooker SalmonTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, white wine,
mirepoix, lemon, thyme, rosemary
Level: Beginner
There are so many excellent side dishes that complement a simply cooked salmon. Because poached salmon cooks in the slow cooker, you'll have time to make the sides on the stove. Make sure to leave the salmon skin on when making this so the salmon remains nice and juicy.
"I love this recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection and is ready in hardly any time!" —Recipe contributor Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Sensational Spiced SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, lemon, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin
Level: Beginner
This sweet and slightly spicy salmon has the perfect amount of kick to it. The spice rub is one of our favorites, so make sure to save any leftovers in an airtight container to use on another type of fish or even pork chops.
"A bold rub gives this quick seafood entree fantastic flavor. Paired with a green veggie and rice, my spicy salmon is a delightful weeknight dinner that's special enough for company." —Recipe contributor Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
Creamy Dill Sauce for SalmonTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, onion, lemon, butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, dill
Level: Beginner
Unsurprisingly, creamy dill sauce pairs with quite a few recipes in this roundup. This recipe calls for dried dill weed, but if you'd like to use fresh, use 2-1/4 teaspoons of snipped dill. Use up the rest of the fresh herb in these dill recipes.
"There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor." —Recipe contributor Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Brown Sugar-Glazed SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar
Level: Beginner
This tender glazed salmon gets roasted first, then finished under the broiler for extra caramelization. You don't need to marinate the salmon ahead of time, but you could; just make sure not to do so for more than 30 minutes, or else the salmon's proteins will break down.
"Pop these protein-packed brown sugar salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests." —Recipe contributor Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Smoked Salmon Egg SaladTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Smoked salmon, eggs, mayonnaise, spinach, croissants
Level: Beginner
We can't think of a lovelier brunch sandwich than this delicate, creamy smoked salmon salad served on flaky croissants. You may never want to go back to egg salad that doesn't have chopped up smoked salmon.
"Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor." —Recipe contributor Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Garlic-Herb Salmon SlidersTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Salmon, bread crumbs, egg, dinner rolls
Level: Beginner
When cookout season rolls around, consider these crowd-pleasing salmon sliders instead of your traditional beef burger. Spreadable garlic-herb cheese makes the perfect creamy sauce for these crispy salmon patties, but you could also add a remoulade.
"The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too." —Recipe contributor Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Creamy Salmon LinguineTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cooked salmon, broccoli, linguine, heavy cream, lemon, Parmesan, capers
Level: Beginner
Since this creamy pasta dish calls for cooked salmon, you could easily use canned salmon to save yourself some time. Or, you can prepare some simple baked salmon to flake into the sauce.
"Extra pesto grilled salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli." —Recipe contributor Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
FAQs
What temp should cooked salmon reach?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Can you eat salmon skin?
Yes, salmon skin is edible. It's high in omega-3 fatty acids, too! Because salmon that live in contaminated water absorb toxins, stick with wild-caught salmon if you plan to eat the skin.
How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
You can keep cooked salmon in the refrigerator for three to four days.
