15 Easy And Delicious Salmon Recipes For Weeknight Dinners

Southern Living Bourbon Glazed Salmon on a platter to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It's easy to settle on a frozen pizza or takeout for dinner on busy weeknights. Salmon is a simple yet satisfying meal to whip up on nights when you don't have hours to prepare dinner. Most of these recipes only require 30 minutes or less of active cooking time and are all rich in flavor and nutrients. These recipes aren't just for when you're in a rush– they will also impress a crowd at dinner parties and brunches.

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Cast-Iron Salmon With Baby Kale Salad

Cast-Iron Salmon with Baby Kale Salad
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Everything tastes better when cooked on a cast-iron skillet and this salmon is no exception. Not only is this meal delicious, it's healthy and only takes 25 minutes to make.

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Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

Salmon Bagel Sandwiches
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

We used slow-cooked salmon instead of lox in this recipe to spice up the classic breakfast bagel. Combine cream cheese with herbs, lemon zest, and juice to pair with the salmon.

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Pan- Seared Salmon

Southern Living Pan Seared Salmon on a plate to serve topped with lemon herb butter

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Salmon is an impressive, hearty main dish but is surprisingly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Skin-on salmon fillets and a handful of pantry staples are all you need to make a delicious dinner that will be ready in under 20 minutes.

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Bourbon-Glazed Salmon

Southern Living Bourbon Glazed Salmon on a platter to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Our Bourbon-Glazed Salmon is easy to make but fancy enough to serve at holiday gatherings, family dinners, or on a date night. After cooking the salmon, make a quick sauce using bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange slices. If you don't have bourbon or whiskey on hand, this recipe will work just as well with cognac.

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Baked Lemon-Thyme Salmon

Baked lemon thyme salmon on a platter with roasted potatoes and green beans on a table with a small bowl of thyme, serving fork, and a napkin.

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Lydia Pursell

This salmon meal is made entirely in one baking dish, sides and all. The simple sauce made from pantry staples like honey, garlic, and mustard make this recipe worth trying.

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Fresh Salmon Cakes With Buttermilk Dressing

Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These salmon cakes make for a perfect healthy lunch or light dinner. The buttermilk dressing comes together with a few ingredients and can be made ahead of time.

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Salmon Burgers With Creamy Tartar Sauce

Salmon Burgers with Creamy Tartar Sauce
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This healthy take on a burger is just as delicious as the classic, if not better. These are simple enough to make on a busy weeknight but will satisfy those burger cravings.

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Honey- Soy Glazed Salmon

Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges
Alison Miksch

Honey and soy sauce are an iconic duo, especially when paired with salmon. Asparagus, green beans, and oranges are cooked with the salmon and served as a side dish.

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Teriyaki Salmon Bowls With Crispy Brussels Sprouts

 Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

You'll need to whip out your slow cooker for this recipe. Poached salmon is cooked with a lemongrass mixture and set aside for 1-2 hours. Brussels sprouts, shitake mushrooms, and matchstick carrots accompany the salmon in this rice bowl.

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Sweet-And-Spicy Salmon Rice Bowl

Sweet-And-Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls

ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

Sriracha, honey, vinegar, and other ingredients combine to make the perfect glaze for the salmon in this recipe. This glaze can be reused for burgers and chicken wings.

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Southern Salmon Benedict

Southern Salmon Benedict
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Start your day with this spin on a breakfast classic. Smoked salmon makes this brunch feel a little extra fancy.

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Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables Recipe

Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Karen Rankin

This tangy salmon with savory roasted vegetables is full of flavor and hearty enough to fill the whole family. Save this recipe for a busy weeknight and you'll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

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Simple Salmon Croquettes

Basic Salmon Croquettes Recipes
William Dickey / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Angela Sellersc

For the best results, mix up the salmon batter a few hours before you get cooking and place it in the fridge. This will help the batter firm up for shaping the cakes. You can have this appetizer or main dish ready in 15 minutes.

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Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This appetizer couldn't be easier to assemble. Grab your favorite potato chips (we use Cape Cod), some store-bought salmon, and a few other ingredients for the perfect holiday appetizer. You'll want to assemble these right before serving to guarantee a fresh bite.

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Salmon Cakes

Salmon Cakes
Micah A. Leal

These salmon cakes are a great make-ahead meal since they keep in the fridge for several days. Dress the cakes up on a bun with some pickled onions, tomato, and tartar sauce.

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