On This Page Show
When dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and delicious, salmon is my go-to. It cooks fast, pairs with just about any flavor, and feels a little more special than your average weeknight meal.
Whether I’m roasting it in the oven, pan-searing it, or tossing it into pasta, salmon always delivers a satisfying, protein-packed dinner that doesn’t leave me stuck in the kitchen for hours.
This list brings together some of my all-time easiest salmon dinner recipes—ones I’ve made over and over again on busy nights. You’ll find simple baked recipes, creamy sauces, skillet favorites, and a few fun ideas that make leftovers shine. If you’ve got a fillet of salmon and no idea what to do with it, this list will fix that fast.
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
This is a go-to in my kitchen. I pan-sear the salmon, then spoon over a quick lemon garlic butter sauce that takes just minutes to make. It’s bright, buttery, and great with rice or roasted veggies.
Author’s Note
Use fresh lemon juice and zest—bottled juice just doesn’t give the same punch.
Get the Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe.
2. Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon
I use store-bought teriyaki sauce when I’m in a rush, or make a simple version with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. I brush it on the salmon and bake it until caramelized.
Author’s Note
Bake uncovered so the sauce thickens and sticks to the salmon instead of steaming off.
Get the Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon recipe.
3. Creamy Garlic Salmon Skillet
This is a one-pan meal I make when I want something cozy. The salmon simmers in a creamy garlic sauce with a handful of spinach thrown in at the end. It’s fast and full of flavor.
Author’s Note
Don’t overcook the spinach—add it right at the end so it stays bright and fresh.
Get the Creamy Garlic Salmon Skillet recipe.
4. Honey Soy Salmon
This sweet-savory combo never fails. I whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil, then pan-fry or bake the salmon. The glaze is sticky, rich, and goes with everything.
Author’s Note
Let the salmon sit in the glaze for 10–15 minutes before cooking—it helps deepen the flavor.
Get the Honey Soy Salmon recipe.
5. Salmon Stir-Fry
When I’ve got leftover salmon or a small fillet to work with, this stir-fry saves the day. I chop up the salmon and quickly toss it with veggies, soy sauce, and garlic in a hot pan. Done in 15 minutes.
Author’s Note
Sear the salmon separately and add it back in at the end so it doesn’t fall apart during cooking.
Get the Salmon Stir-Fry recipe.
6. Baked Salmon with Veggies
I throw salmon, chopped zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and herbs, and bake everything at once. It’s a full meal with barely any cleanup.
Author’s Note
Cut the veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the salmon.
Get the Baked Salmon with Veggies recipe.
7. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon
This one feels a little fancy, but it’s super simple. I mix breadcrumbs, garlic, and parmesan, then press the mix on top of the salmon before baking. It turns crispy and golden while the fish stays juicy.
Author’s Note
A quick broil at the end helps crisp up the top—just don’t walk away!
Get the Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon recipe.
8. Salmon Caesar Salad
When I want a lighter dinner, I cook up a simple piece of salmon and serve it over crisp romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved parmesan. Easy and satisfying.
Author’s Note
Season the salmon with garlic powder and lemon zest—it adds a nice punch that cuts through the creamy dressing.
Get the Salmon Caesar Salad recipe.
9. Cajun Salmon Rice Bowl
I rub salmon with Cajun seasoning and bake or pan-sear it, then serve it over warm rice with corn, avocado, and a little hot sauce. It’s bold, filling, and super quick.
Author’s Note
Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices don’t run everywhere.
Get the Cajun Salmon Rice Bowl recipe.
10. Salmon Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce
This pasta dish feels cozy without being too heavy. I toss cooked pasta with flaked salmon and a quick lemon cream sauce. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but nice enough for guests.
Author’s Note
Save some pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed—it helps everything come together smoothly.
Get the Salmon Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce recipe.
11. Air Fryer Salmon
When I don’t want to use the oven, I throw a fillet in the air fryer with olive oil, garlic, and lemon pepper. It cooks in under 10 minutes and comes out crispy on the edges and juicy inside.
Author’s Note
Preheat the air fryer and don’t overcrowd—airflow makes the texture perfect.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
12. Salmon Tacos
I flake cooked salmon and pile it into warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a quick yogurt-lime sauce. It’s fun, fast, and totally customizable.
Author’s Note
Warm the tortillas before serving—it makes the texture softer and the tacos easier to fold.
13. Soy Ginger Salmon
I marinate the salmon in soy sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic for 15 minutes, then pan-sear it until it’s just cooked through. It’s flavorful without being fussy.
Author’s Note
Grate the ginger instead of slicing—it blends better and releases more flavor.
14. Salmon and Potato Foil Packs
I wrap salmon with sliced potatoes, lemon, and herbs in foil and bake it all together. It’s steamy, juicy, and cleanup is basically zero.
Author’s Note
Slice the potatoes thin so they cook at the same rate as the salmon.
Get the Salmon and Potato Foil Packs recipe.
15. Miso Glazed Salmon
I stir together miso paste, mirin, and honey to make a thick glaze, then bake the salmon until the edges start to caramelize. It’s a nice change from typical weeknight flavors.
Author’s Note
Line your pan with parchment—miso burns easily and can stick like glue.
Get the Miso Glazed Salmon recipe.
16. Thai Coconut Salmon
This creamy, spicy-sweet dish uses coconut milk, red curry paste, and lime. I simmer the salmon gently in the sauce until just cooked. Great with jasmine rice.
Author’s Note
Add a handful of fresh basil or cilantro at the end—it adds color and lifts the whole dish.
Get the Thai Coconut Salmon recipe.
17. Greek-Style Baked Salmon
I top salmon with tomatoes, olives, garlic, red onion, and feta, then bake until everything is soft and juicy. It’s one of my favorite quick Mediterranean-style meals.
Author’s Note
Add a squeeze of lemon right after baking—it brightens up the whole dish.
Get the Greek-Style Baked Salmon recipe.
18. Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
I layer salmon, sticky rice, sliced cucumbers, and edamame in a bowl, then drizzle with teriyaki sauce. It’s colorful, easy, and tastes just as good cold the next day.
Author’s Note
Add sesame seeds and a little green onion on top—it adds great crunch and fresh flavor.
Get the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl recipe.
19. Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner
This is a classic combo I make all the time. I roast salmon and asparagus together on one pan with olive oil, lemon, and garlic. It’s done in 20 minutes and always hits the spot.
Author’s Note
Toss the asparagus in oil separately so it gets a good roast and doesn’t steam under the salmon.
