15 Quick Salmon Recipes for Healthy Dinners

Looking for healthy dinner ideas that are tasty and simple? You’re in the right spot! Salmon is a great pick for a nutritious meal, packed with protein and healthy fats. You can try a new salmon recipe every night.

Cooking salmon is fast and easy, with many quick salmon recipes ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re an expert or new to cooking, salmon goes well with many flavors. It’s perfect for any meal.

Key Takeaways

• Discover 15 delicious and easy-to-make salmon recipes for a healthy dinner.
• Learn how to cook salmon quickly and efficiently.
• Explore various flavors and ingredients that complement salmon well.
• Understand the nutritional benefits of including salmon in your diet.
• Get tips on storing and reheating cooked salmon.

The Power of Salmon in Your Weeknight Meal Rotation

Make your weeknight dinners better with salmon. It’s packed with nutrients and easy to cook. Adding salmon to your meals boosts your health.

Health Benefits of Regular Salmon Consumption

Salmon is full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. It’s great for a healthy diet. Eating salmon often can lower inflammation, improve heart health, and help your brain.

The omega-3s in salmon are good for your heart. They can lower the risk of heart disease.

Why Quick Salmon Recipes Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Quick salmon recipes are perfect for busy nights. They can be made in under 30 minutes. This lets you enjoy a healthy meal even when you’re rushed.

Salmon can be cooked many ways. You can bake, grill, or pan-sear it. This keeps your meals exciting and varied.

Essential Ingredients to Keep on Hand

To make quick salmon recipes, keep some ingredients ready. You’ll need fresh or frozen salmon fillets, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs like parsley and dill. Also, have spices like salt, pepper, and paprika.

Having these ingredients makes it easy to cook a healthy salmon dish anytime.

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a quick and tasty dish. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. The recipe combines salmon, lemon, garlic, and butter for a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon are simple. You’ll need:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

Making the Sauce

Mix minced garlic, lemon juice, and melted butter in a bowl.

Cooking Process

Place the salmon on a baking sheet, pour the garlic butter sauce over it, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. Salmon is full of protein and omega-3s. Garlic adds antioxidants, and lemon boosts vitamin C.

Time-Saving Tips

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

Elevate your dinner game with honey soy glazed salmon. This recipe balances flavors and cooking time perfectly. It’s delicious and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a quick, healthy dinner.

Ingredients

This recipe is simple. You’ll need:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Preparation Steps

Preparing honey soy glazed salmon is easy. Here’s how:

Mixing the Glaze

Combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Marinating Process

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the glaze over them, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking Method

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Nutritional Benefits

Honey soy glazed salmon is not just tasty; it’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. This dish supports heart health and provides a good source of energy.

Time-Saving Tips

To make this recipe quicker, consider these tips:

• Prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Use pre-minced garlic and ginger to save on prep time.
• Cook the salmon in batches if you’re making it for a larger group.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy honey soy glazed salmon dinner, even on the busiest of weeknights.

15-Minute Salmon Tacos

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner, 15-minute salmon tacos are a great choice. This recipe is fast and customizable, so you can make it your own.

Ingredients

The ingredients for 15-minute salmon tacos are simple and easy to find. You’ll need:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 corn tortillas
• Avocado or guacamole, for serving
• Salsa, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

Preparation Steps

Preparing 15-minute salmon tacos is easy. You just need to season the salmon, cook it, and assemble the tacos.

Seasoning the Salmon

Mix cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix onto the salmon fillet, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Cooking the Fish

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, then cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through.

Assembling the Tacos

Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Place cooked salmon on the tortillas, then add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon tacos are not only tasty but also nutritious. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins and minerals. Paired with whole grain tortillas, veggies, and healthy toppings, these tacos are a balanced meal.

Time-Saving Tips

To make this recipe even quicker, prep ingredients ahead of time. Season the salmon early and store it in the fridge until cooking. Using pre-made salsa or guacamole can also save a few minutes.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Sheet pan salmon and vegetables is a great meal for busy nights. It’s easy to make and full of nutrients. You can change it up to suit your taste.

Ingredients

This recipe is simple and flexible. You’ll need:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Assorted vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)

Preparation Steps

Preparing this dish is easy. Just follow these steps for a tasty meal.

Preparing the Vegetables

Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over your vegetables. Lay them out on a baking sheet.

Seasoning the Salmon

Season the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.

Baking Instructions

Put the salmon on the vegetables. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. The salmon will be done when it’s cooked through.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not just tasty but also healthy. Salmon has omega-3s, and the veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, prep the veggies and season the salmon ahead. This sheet pan salmon meal prep trick is perfect for busy nights.

Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

Make your weeknight dinner special with a teriyaki salmon bowl. It’s easy to make and full of nutrients. The dish combines the tasty teriyaki sauce with the health benefits of salmon, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this recipe:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Preparation Steps

To make your teriyaki salmon bowl, you’ll need to make the teriyaki sauce, cook the salmon, and put everything together.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by mixing 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 1 tablespoon grated ginger in a saucepan. Heat it until it thickens.

Cooking the Salmon

Cook the salmon fillets in a skillet with a bit of oil until they’re done. Brush them with teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes.

Assembling the Bowl

Put a cooked salmon fillet on a bed of rice. Add mixed vegetables and drizzle with more teriyaki sauce if you like. Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Nutritional Benefits

This teriyaki salmon bowl is not just tasty but also full of nutrients. Salmon gives you protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The mixed vegetables add fiber and vitamins.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, use store-bought teriyaki sauce and pre-cooked rice. You can also prep the mixed vegetables ahead of time.

Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

Try making creamy garlic salmon pasta for a healthy and tasty dinner. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for creamy garlic salmon pasta:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation Steps

Here’s how to make creamy garlic salmon pasta:

Cooking the Pasta

Cook the pasta as the package says until it’s al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining it.

Preparing the Salmon

Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s done. Then, set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until it smells good. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted. Mix the cooked pasta and pasta water with the sauce. Toss everything together.

Nutritional Benefits

Creamy garlic salmon pasta is not just yummy but also good for you. The salmon has lots of protein and omega-3s. The pasta gives you carbs for energy.

Time-Saving Tips

To make this recipe faster, use pre-cooked salmon or leftover pasta. Also, make the sauce while the pasta cooks to save time.

Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce

Enjoy a tasty and healthy dinner with salmon patties and tangy dill sauce. It’s all ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

To make salmon patties with dill sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 can of salmon (drained and flaked)
• 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Mixing the Patty Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the flaked salmon, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and egg. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Forming and Cooking Patties

Shape the mixture into 4 patties. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Dill Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon patties are a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These are good for heart health. The dill sauce adds fresh flavor without many calories.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, prepare the dill sauce ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also use canned salmon to avoid cooking fresh salmon from scratch.

Maple Dijon Salmon

Maple Dijon Salmon is a quick and healthy dinner option. It combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s great for making weeknight dinners better without spending too much time cooking.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation Steps

To make Maple Dijon Salmon, you need to make the glaze, season the salmon, and bake it.

Creating the Maple Dijon Glaze

Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a bowl until well combined.

Preparing the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Brush the Maple Dijon glaze evenly over both sides of the salmon.

Baking Process

Bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through. For a similar quick and delicious recipe, check out our Salmon Patty Recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

Maple Dijon Salmon is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. It’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy dinner choice. It’s also low in calories and full of vitamins.

Time-Saving Tips

To make this recipe quicker, prepare the Maple Dijon glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Using pre-cut garlic can also save prep time.

Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Skin

Air fryer salmon is a quick and healthy meal option. It cooks a salmon fillet with crispy skin in under 15 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

To make air fryer salmon with crispy skin, you need:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 lemons, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation Steps

Preparing air fryer salmon is easy. Follow these steps for a tasty meal:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
4. Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if they have skin.
6. Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Seasoning the Salmon

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.

Air Fryer Settings

Make sure your air fryer is at 400°F (200°C). Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and salmon thickness.

Achieving Crispy Skin

To get crispy skin, dry the salmon fillets before cooking. Pat the skin with a paper towel to remove moisture. Cooking at a high temperature helps crisp the skin.

Nutritional Benefits

Air fryer salmon is not only tasty but also nutritious. It’s full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. A 6-ounce serving has about 210 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, season the salmon fillets in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Cooking salmon in the air fryer is faster than baking, making it great for weeknight dinners.

“The air fryer has revolutionized the way I cook salmon. It’s quick, easy, and the results are consistently delicious.”

Mediterranean Salmon with Olives and Capers

Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this dish. It mixes olives and capers with salmon. It’s tasty and full of healthy fats and proteins, perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this Mediterranean salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup of pitted and sliced olives
• 2 tbsp of capers, rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Making this Mediterranean salmon is easy:

Preparing the Mediterranean Topping

Mix olives, capers, garlic, and parsley in a bowl. Add lemon juice and stir well.

Cooking the Salmon

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put salmon on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season. Bake for 12-15 minutes until done.

Combining Components

Top each salmon fillet with the topping after cooking. Serve hot, with extra parsley if you like.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not just tasty but also healthy. Salmon has omega-3s for heart and brain health. Olives and capers add antioxidants and fats. For more healthy dinner ideas, try swordfish.

Time-Saving Tips

To speed up, make the topping ahead and refrigerate it. Use pre-pitted olives to save time.

Spicy Sriracha Salmon

Looking for a spicy kick in your weeknight dinners? Spicy Sriracha Salmon is a great pick. It combines salmon’s health benefits with sriracha’s bold flavor. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

Ingredients

To make Spicy Sriracha Salmon, you need: 4 salmon fillets, 1/4 cup sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sriracha to your spice level.

Preparation Steps

Preparing Spicy Sriracha Salmon involves making the sriracha glaze, preparing the salmon, and cooking it to perfection.

Making the Sriracha Glaze

Mix sriracha sauce, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl until well combined. This glaze is the dish’s flavor key. Make sure it’s smooth and well blended.

Preparing the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. You can add other seasonings if you like, but keep it simple. This lets the sriracha flavor stand out.

Cooking Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin side up (if they have skin). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Brush the sriracha glaze over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

Spicy Sriracha Salmon is not only tasty but also nutritious. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins and minerals. The sriracha adds a spicy kick without adding many calories.

Time-Saving Tips

This recipe is quick, taking about 15 minutes to make. To save time, prepare the sriracha glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Use pre-cut garlic to speed up prep.

Pesto Crusted Salmon

Take your dinner to the next level with a tasty Pesto Crusted Salmon recipe. It’s both flavorful and healthy. This dish pairs the richness of salmon with pesto’s vibrant taste, making it ideal for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

To make Pesto Crusted Salmon, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets, basil pesto, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest. For another tasty meal, check out our shrimp pasta recipes.

Preparation Steps

To prepare Pesto Crusted Salmon, follow these steps:

Creating the Pesto Crust

Mix pesto, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest to create the crust.

Preparing the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the salmon in a preheated oven until cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

Nutritional Benefits

Pesto Crusted Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins and minerals. It’s a nutritious and healthy dinner choice.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, use store-bought pesto and pre-cut breadcrumbs. This recipe is a great example of a quick and healthy dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights.

Coconut Curry Salmon

Coconut curry salmon is a delicious and healthy dinner option. It combines salmon’s nutritional benefits with coconut and curry’s aromatic flavors.

Ingredients

The key ingredients for this recipe include:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Preparation Steps

Preparing coconut curry salmon involves making the curry sauce, cooking the salmon, and combining the two.

Making the Curry Sauce

To make the curry sauce, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Cooking the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the curry sauce and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.

Combining and Serving

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your choice of sides, such as rice or vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits

Coconut curry salmon is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice. The curry sauce adds antioxidants from the spices.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, use pre-made curry sauce or frozen salmon fillets. You can also prepare the curry sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Quick Salmon Recipes for Meal Prep Success

Salmon is perfect for meal prep because it’s versatile and healthy. Adding salmon to your meal prep saves time and ensures tasty, nutritious meals all week.

Ingredients

You’ll need salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, and pepper for basic meal prep. You can also add veggies like broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Don’t forget lemon juice or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Preparation Steps

Preparing salmon for meal prep is easy:

• Season the salmon fillets with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Choose how to cook it: bake, grill, or pan-sear.
• Cook until it’s done to your liking.
• Let it cool before dividing into individual portions.

Batch Cooking Methods

Batch cooking saves time. Bake several salmon fillets at once for easy portioning.

Portioning for the Week

Split the cooked salmon into portions for each meal. Store these in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

Flavor Variations

Keep your meal prep exciting by trying new flavors. Add a teriyaki glaze, a Mediterranean mix, or a spicy Sriracha seasoning to your salmon.

Storage Tips

Keep cooked salmon in airtight containers in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Freeze for longer storage and thaw in the fridge or under cold water when needed.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot. Or, reheat in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Here’s a sample meal prep plan using salmon:

Conclusion: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners with Quick Salmon Recipes

Adding quick salmon recipes to your meals can change your dinner game. This article has shown you many ways to make tasty, healthy dinners fast.

Try Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon or Coconut Curry Salmon for new flavors. These recipes are quick, packed with omega-3s, and full of protein. They keep you going all day.

For more meal ideas, check out easy weeknight meals with 5 ingredients. This way, you can mix up your meals and meet your dietary needs.

Begin trying these salmon recipes today. You’ll find a variety of tastes that make your dinners better and help you eat healthy.