19 Delicious Salmon Recipes for Perfect Dinners

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Are you searching for new ways to enjoy salmon for dinner? You’ve come to the right place! Salmon is not only delicious and versatile but also packed with healthy omega-3s. Whether you’re craving something quick and easy, elegant for guests, or a cozy weeknight meal, we’ve gathered 19 mouthwatering recipes to inspire your next perfect dinner. Let’s dive in and find your new favorite!

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Let’s transform basic salmon into a sticky, sweet sensation. Load your skillet with this five-ingredient wonder that cooks in minutes. Get ready for that perfect caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Minced garlic – 4 cloves
Honey – ¼ cup
Soy sauce – 3 tbsp

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides of salmon generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Place salmon skin-side up in hot skillet.
5. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown crust forms.
6. Flip salmon carefully using spatula.
7. Cook skin-side down for 3 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low.
9. Add minced garlic to skillet beside salmon.
10. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
11. Pour honey and soy sauce directly over salmon.
12. Spoon glaze over fillets continuously for 2 minutes.
13. Cook until glaze thickens and coats salmon evenly.
14. Remove skillet from heat immediately.
15. Let salmon rest in glaze for 1 minute before serving.

What emerges is flaky perfection with a glossy, crackly exterior. The garlic balances the honey’s sweetness while soy adds salty depth. Serve over rice to catch every drop of that addictive glaze, or flake into grain bowls for next-level lunch prep.

Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
You need this lemon dill baked salmon in your life. Grab your sheet pan and let’s make magic happen.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon – 1
Fresh dill – ¼ cup
Garlic – 2 cloves
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet.
4. Squeeze the juice from half the lemon over the salmon.
5. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
6. Chop the fresh dill.
7. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the salmon.
8. Rub the minced garlic onto the salmon surfaces.
9. Press the chopped dill onto the top of each fillet.
10. Slice the remaining lemon half into thin rounds.
11. Place lemon slices on top of the dill-covered salmon.
12. Arrange salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
14. Remove from oven when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
15. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Really, the flaky texture with that crispy herb crust is everything. Serve it over quinoa or with roasted asparagus for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Spicy Cajun Grilled Salmon

Spicy Cajun Grilled Salmon
Viral-worthy salmon just dropped! This spicy Cajun grilled salmon brings the heat and flavor in under 20 minutes. Get ready for perfectly flaky fish with a serious kick that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Cajun seasoning – 2 tbsp
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon – 1
Salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over all sides of each salmon fillet.
3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over the salmon fillets.
4. Coat both sides of each salmon fillet with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
6. Place salmon skin-side down on the hot grill grates.
7. Close the grill lid and cook for 6-8 minutes without moving.
8. Flip the salmon carefully using a wide spatula.
9. Grill for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
10. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the grilled salmon.
11. Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
So flaky it practically melts, with that signature Cajun heat building beautifully. Serve it over creamy grits or chop it into tacos with crunchy slaw for next-level texture contrast.

Maple Soy Salmon Skewers

Maple Soy Salmon Skewers
Fire up your grill for these sticky-sweet salmon skewers. Forget boring weeknight dinners—this 20-minute wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Fresh salmon meets maple-soy magic in every caramelized bite.

Ingredients

Salmon – 1 lb
Maple syrup – ¼ cup
Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves
Green onions – 2
Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Cut 1 lb salmon into 1-inch cubes.
2. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
3. Thinly slice 2 green onions.
4. Whisk ¼ cup maple syrup, 3 tbsp soy sauce, minced garlic, and ½ tsp salt in a bowl.
5. Thread salmon cubes onto 4 skewers.
6. Brush skewers generously with maple-soy glaze.
7. Preheat grill to 400°F.
8. Grill skewers for 4 minutes.
9. Flip skewers and brush with more glaze.
10. Grill for another 4 minutes until edges caramelize.
11. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.
12. Serve immediately.
You get flaky salmon with crispy, sweet edges that shatter with each bite. The maple-soy glaze creates a glossy shell that locks in moisture perfectly. Try serving over coconut rice or stuffing into lettuce cups for crunch.

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Herb-Crusted Salmon Fillets

Herb-Crusted Salmon Fillets
Kick your weeknight dinner game up a notch with this herb-crusted salmon. Ready in under 20 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive but easy.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
Fresh dill – 2 tbsp, chopped
Lemon – 1
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp crust.
3. In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Zest the entire lemon directly into the breadcrumb mixture, then cut the lemon in half.
5. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and mix until evenly moistened.
6. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
7. Press the herb breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the oiled surface of each fillet, creating an even layer.
8. Arrange the coated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
9. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
10. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from one half over the baked salmon just before serving.
Ultra-flaky salmon meets that crispy, herby crust in every bite. The lemon brightens everything up beautifully. Try serving it over a bed of quinoa with roasted asparagus for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds

Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds
Brace your taste buds for this flavor bomb. Glazed salmon meets sweet-savory teriyaki in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need restaurant-quality results fast.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Soy sauce – ¼ cup
Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tsp, grated
Sesame oil – 1 tsp
Cornstarch – 1 tsp
Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
Green onions – 2, sliced

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
3. Sprinkle cornstarch into the sauce mixture and whisk until fully dissolved.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
5. Place salmon skin-side up in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes without moving.
6. Flip salmon using a spatula and cook skin-side down for 3 minutes.
7. Pour teriyaki sauce over the salmon in the skillet.
8. Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes until it thickens and coats the salmon.
9. Baste the salmon continuously with the thickened sauce for 1 minute.
10. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the glazed salmon.
11. Remove skillet from heat and transfer salmon to serving plates.
12. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Outrageously glossy and sticky-sweet, this salmon flakes perfectly under gentle pressure. The sesame seeds add nutty crunch against the tender fish. Serve it over steaming rice to catch every drop of that addictive teriyaki glaze, or chop it into grain bowls for next-day lunches.

Butter Garlic Lemon Salmon

Butter Garlic Lemon Salmon

Craving restaurant-quality salmon without the fuss? This butter garlic lemon salmon transforms basic ingredients into something spectacular. Cook it once, and it’ll become your go-to weeknight hero.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
  • Butter – 4 tbsp
  • Garlic – 4 cloves
  • Lemon – 1
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub olive oil evenly over all sides of each salmon fillet.
  4. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over both sides of the salmon.
  5. Place the salmon skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  7. While the salmon bakes, mince the garlic cloves.
  8. Juice half of the lemon to yield 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
  9. Slice the remaining lemon half into thin rounds.
  10. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  11. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  12. Stir the fresh lemon juice into the butter-garlic mixture.
  13. Remove the salmon from the oven when it reaches 145°F internally.
  14. Pour the hot butter-garlic-lemon sauce evenly over the baked salmon fillets.
  15. Garnish with the fresh lemon slices before serving.

Expect flaky, moist salmon with crispy edges from the high-heat bake. The garlic butter soaks deep into the flesh, while the lemon cuts through the richness perfectly. Serve it over quinoa with roasted asparagus, or flake it into tacos with avocado crema for a fresh twist.

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Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Viral on foodie feeds everywhere, this parmesan-crusted salmon delivers restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes. Grab your skillet and get ready for the crispiest, cheesiest fish of your life—no fancy skills required.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 2 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
Panko breadcrumbs – ¼ cup
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Paprika – ½ tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Lemon – 1

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Brush both sides of each fillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Press the parmesan mixture firmly onto the top of each salmon fillet, creating an even crust.
6. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7. Place the salmon crust-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 2 minutes without moving.
8. Flip the salmon carefully using a spatula.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
10. Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

Keep that golden crust intact by letting the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. The parmesan forms a savory, crackly shell while the interior stays impossibly moist. Slide it over creamy polenta or chop it into a vibrant grain bowl for next-level leftovers.

Sweet Chili Salmon Tacos

Sweet Chili Salmon Tacos
Grab your skillet because these sweet chili salmon tacos are about to become your new Tuesday night obsession. They combine flaky fish with spicy-sweet glaze and fresh crunch in under 20 minutes flat. Seriously, this might be the easiest way to impress dinner guests without actually trying.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 1 lb
Sweet chili sauce – ½ cup
Corn tortillas – 8
Red cabbage – 2 cups, shredded
Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped
Lime – 1
Avocado – 1
Salt – ½ tsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle salt evenly over the salmon.
5. Place salmon skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12 minutes exactly.
7. Remove salmon from oven and brush with ¼ cup sweet chili sauce.
8. Return to oven and broil on high for 2 minutes until glaze bubbles.
9. Let salmon rest for 3 minutes before flaking with a fork.
10. Warm corn tortillas directly over gas flame for 15 seconds per side until lightly charred.
11. Mash avocado with a fork and spread onto warm tortillas.
12. Top tortillas with flaked salmon.
13. Add shredded red cabbage and chopped cilantro.
14. Drizzle remaining sweet chili sauce over tacos.
15. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything.
The flaky salmon melts against the crisp cabbage, while the sweet chili glaze provides just enough heat to keep things interesting. Serve these immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing, or pile everything into a bowl for a deconstructed taco salad situation.

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Fancy finger food that looks gourmet but takes minutes? These smoked salmon pinwheels deliver. Roll, slice, and watch them disappear at your next gathering—zero cooking required.

Ingredients

Flour tortillas (8-inch) – 4
Whipped cream cheese – 8 oz
Smoked salmon – 6 oz
Fresh dill – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean cutting board.
2. Spread 2 oz whipped cream cheese evenly over the entire tortilla surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
3. Arrange 1.5 oz smoked salmon in a single layer over the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle ½ tbsp fresh dill evenly over the salmon layer.
5. Drizzle ¼ tsp lemon juice evenly over the entire surface.
6. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
7. Tightly roll the tortilla away from you, applying even pressure to create a compact cylinder.
8. Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 with remaining tortillas and ingredients.
10. Refrigerate all wrapped pinwheels for at least 30 minutes to firm up (tip: chilling prevents messy slicing).
11. Unwrap one chilled pinwheel roll and place it seam-side down on your cutting board.
12. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the roll into 1-inch thick rounds (tip: wipe knife between cuts for clean edges).
13. Arrange sliced pinwheels standing upright on your serving platter.
14. Garnish with remaining fresh dill before serving (tip: add just before serving to maintain vibrant color).

Outstanding texture contrast—creamy filling against the silky salmon wrapped in soft tortilla. The lemon brightens each bite while the dill adds fresh herbal notes. Serve these chilled alongside cucumber slices or stack them vertically for an impressive tower display.

Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon
Grab your salmon and get ready to level up dinner. This Mediterranean stuffed salmon brings bright flavors and impressive presentation to your weeknight table. Stuff, bake, and serve a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Spinach – 2 cups
Feta cheese – ½ cup
Sun-dried tomatoes – ¼ cup
Garlic – 2 cloves
Lemon – 1
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
3. Create a pocket in each salmon fillet by slicing horizontally through the center, stopping 1 inch from the edges.
4. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
5. Chop ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
6. Zest and juice 1 lemon.
7. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Add 2 cups spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
10. Remove skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
11. Stuff each salmon pocket generously with the spinach-feta mixture.
12. Brush stuffed salmon with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
13. Season outside of salmon with remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
14. Arrange salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
15. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
16. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

You’ll love the contrast between the flaky, buttery salmon and the tangy, creamy filling. The sun-dried tomatoes add chewy sweetness that balances the salty feta perfectly. Try serving over couscous or with roasted asparagus for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Miso Ginger Salmon Bowls

Miso Ginger Salmon Bowls
Whip up restaurant-quality salmon bowls in under 30 minutes. These miso ginger bowls deliver massive flavor with minimal effort. Get ready for your new weekly obsession.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
White miso paste – ¼ cup
Fresh ginger – 2 tbsp grated
Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
Honey – 1 tbsp
Sesame oil – 1 tsp
Cooked rice – 4 cups
English cucumber – 1 sliced
Green onions – 4 sliced
Sesame seeds – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together miso paste, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
3. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
4. Brush the miso ginger glaze evenly over all sides of each salmon fillet.
5. Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. While salmon bakes, divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
8. Arrange sliced cucumber around the edges of each rice bowl.
9. Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 3 minutes to redistribute juices.
10. Flake salmon into large chunks and place over rice in each bowl.
11. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Look for that perfect flaky texture where the salmon breaks apart with gentle pressure. The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes into a sticky crust that contrasts beautifully with the cool cucumber. Try topping with a soft-boiled egg or mixing in edamame for extra protein.

Pesto Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes
Ready to transform your weeknight dinner game? Roast this pesto-baked salmon with cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that comes together in minutes. Revel in juicy tomatoes and flaky fish that’s perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Basil pesto – ½ cup
Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Lemon – 1

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Brush each salmon fillet evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
5. Season the salmon with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
6. Spread 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
7. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the salmon on the baking sheet.
8. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
9. Check the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F using an instant-read thermometer.
10. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the baked salmon and tomatoes.
11. Let the salmon rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Buttery salmon flakes apart at the touch, while the roasted tomatoes burst with sweet acidity against the herbaceous pesto. Serve it over creamy polenta or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the vibrant pan juices.

Conclusion

Delicious, diverse, and dinner-ready—this salmon recipe collection offers something for every taste and occasion. We hope these 19 ideas inspire your next perfect meal! Try a recipe, leave a comment with your favorite, and share this roundup on Pinterest to spread the salmon love. Happy cooking!

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