32 Delicious Summer Salmon Recipes for Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Delighting foodies of all ages, these summer salmon recipes shine as the ultimate seasonal dish. Whether hot off the grill, tossed in a fresh salad, or smoked to perfection in a dip, salmon takes center stage during the warmer months. Drenched with Omega-3s and packed with protein, it’s an intelligent choice that provides an abundance of essential nutrients.

Plus, the versatility of salmon recipes knows no bounds, offering endless possibilities for pairing with fresh veggies, such as whipping up a quick chopped salad or threading them onto skewers for mouth-watering cookout bites. From pasta salads to poke bowls and blackened versions served with tangy chimichurri sauce, these easy-to-make and outrageously flavorful summer salmon recipes are guaranteed to become the talk of the town!

Summer Salmon with Feta Orzo Delight

Summer Salmon with Feta Orzo Delight

You’ll likely agree that this stunning summer salmon dish is one of the most visually appealing recipes out there. Not only does it embody all the characteristics of a healthy, summery, and fresh meal, but the fact that it’s grilled makes it even more irresistible. The addition of an orzo salad takes it to a whole new level, elevating this dish from a simple summer recipe to a truly special one.

Pan-Seared Salmon Alternative: Poached Perfection

Pan-Seared Salmon Alternative: Poached Perfection

Achieving perfection in cooking salmon can be a daunting task for some, but poaching is an approach that yields fantastic results. When cooked in white wine infused with fresh herbs and shallots, the salmon absorbs all the flavors. To add a touch of elegance, serve it with lemon slices on the side. For additional healthy dinner ideas, consider pairing your poached salmon with a variety of green vegetables.

Roasted asparagus, air fryer Brussels sprouts, or balsamic roasted green beans are all excellent options that complement the dish nicely.

Smoked Cedar Salmon with Fresh Herbs

Smoked Cedar Salmon with Fresh Herbs

Cedar plank salmon takes grilling to a whole new level for any aspiring grill master. The combination of the salmon cooking on the cedar plank allows the wood-smoked flavor to infuse into the fish as it cooks, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish. To achieve this perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s essential to soak the planks ahead of time so they don’t burn prematurely, which can be a common issue for novice grillers.

Once you have mastered the technique with cedar planks, you can experiment with other types of wood planks like hickory, maple, or cherry, each imparting its unique flavor profile to your grilled salmon.

Salmon Pasta Salad Delight

Salmon Pasta Salad Delight

When it comes to outdoor events like potlucks, barbecues, and picnics, having a delicious side dish is essential. Fortunately, I have a recipe that fits the bill perfectly! This versatile macaroni salad combines the flavors of canned salmon with tender pasta in a rich mayo-based dressing and fresh herbs. The best part? It can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any summer gathering or outdoor event.

Salmon with Refreshing Cucumber Dill Cream

Salmon with Refreshing Cucumber Dill Cream

Yearning for a refreshing flavor combination? Look no further than topping grilled salmon with a creamy cucumber dill salad. The cooling effect of the salad provides a perfect contrast to the satisfying fill of the fish, making it an ideal light meal that won’t break your schedule or strain your culinary skills.

Salmon Burgers Done to Perfection

Salmon Burgers Done to Perfection

Not only does everyone love a good burger at a barbecue, but a perfectly cooked salmon patty takes it to the next level. These thick and juicy patties are packed full of real salmon and smoked salmon, providing an extra special treat for all to enjoy. What’s more, they’re free from fillers and binding agents, allowing you to indulge in the pure taste of the salmon. A simple seasoning brings out the perfect flavor, making each bite a delight.

Editor Choice:  34 Delicious Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipes for the Slow Cooker

But the question remains, what will you do with it once it’s on the bun?

Salmon Summer Salad in a Flash

Salmon Summer Salad in a Flash

Visiting your local farmer’s market during the summer is a great way to gather the colorful veggies needed for this salad. The combination of these fresh ingredients, paired with leftover salmon and a simple three-ingredient dressing, creates a truly crave-worthy dish. Using leftover salmon not only saves time but also reduces the need to turn on the oven, making it an ideal option for hot summer days when you want to minimize your cooking efforts.

Salmon Perfection with Spicy Orange Cucumber

Salmon Perfection with Spicy Orange Cucumber

Fresh from the ocean, salmon is one of my favorite ingredients to work with in the kitchen. If I haven’t expressed my affection for it previously, let me reiterate that I’m absolutely smitten with salmon and this particular dish! Its visual appeal is matched only by its mouth-watering flavor, making each bite a true delight. A generous portion of succulent salmon filet gets roasted to perfection before being topped with an invigorating spicy cucumber orange salsa.

The combination is nothing short of magic, and I’m confident that you’ll be hooked from the very first taste. What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly accessible – anyone can make it! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newcomer, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. For those interested in trying it out for themselves, click on over to the recipe page.

Asian-Style Grilled Salmon Steaks in Minutes

Asian-Style Grilled Salmon Steaks in Minutes

Lately, the spotlight has fallen on salmon steaks, and for good reason. They offer an Asian-inspired flavor profile, characterized by sweetness, umami undertones, and a hint of garlic. To prepare this dish, you’ll need minimal ingredients, and it can be ready in just 15 minutes. You can also repurpose leftover white rice to add some extra convenience – although using it is entirely optional, as you know.

Salmon & Quinoa Med Diet Salad Bliss

Salmon & Quinoa Med Diet Salad Bliss

Discovering the perfect harmony between healthy eating and happy taste buds is easier than you think. A delicious salad can be made super satiating by adding salmon to your leafy greens, providing an excellent source of protein. Adding quinoa to the mix not only boosts the protein content but also brings in a rich blend of nutrients. Furthermore, you’re getting a significant dose of Omega-3 fatty acids along with a plethora of other essential nutrients.

Easy Almond Crusted Salmon Recipe

Easy Almond Crusted Salmon Recipe

Looking at traditional salmon recipes, Almond-crusted salmon stands out as a crowd-pleaser due to its unique combination of flavors and textures. It boasts a high-end appearance while being surprisingly easy to prepare. This dish is particularly noteworthy for those following gluten-free diets, as the almond crust adds a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the salmon.

The simplicity of the ingredients list makes it even more appealing: just almonds, parsley, mustard, and honey are required for the crust. For individuals on keto or monitoring their sugar intake, a convenient substitute is to omit the honey altogether.

Editor Choice:  16 Quick and Delicious Make-Ahead Meals to Freeze and Reheat for Busy Families

Southwestern Grilled Salmon Fiesta Salad

Southwestern Grilled Salmon Fiesta Salad

Throw together a delicious salad in no time by combining Romaine lettuce with your favorite fixings. This particular recipe requires just 3 minutes per side of cooking time. To make things even easier, mix all the ingredients together before starting to cook. You can customize this salad to suit your taste, but it’s particularly great with tomatoes, corn, cucumber, cilantro, red onion, and queso fresco.

Whether you’re having lunch or dinner, this salad is a convenient option whenever hunger strikes.

Salmon Kebabs for Summer Cookouts

Salmon Kebabs for Summer Cookouts

Sweet treats are a staple at any summer cookout, but sometimes you need something more substantial that’s still easy to prepare. Salmon kebabs fit the bill perfectly – they’re a delicious and satisfying option that pairs well with a variety of sides, from refreshing salads to crunchy slaws. The best part? They require minimal effort, making them ideal for hot summer days when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.

Simply skewer lemon slices between cubes of seasoned salmon, toss on the grill, and let the smoky flavor infuse – in about 10 minutes, your guests will be enjoying a tasty treat that’s sure to impress.

Crispy Salmon Patties

Crispy Salmon Patties

Oh, the joy of biting into a perfectly cooked salmon cake! Each one is bursting with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of crispy, flaky layers and the freshness of the ingredients. While you can use canned salmon, make sure it’s drained well to avoid any issues with crumbling or falling apart. These cakes are not only delicious on their own but also make for an excellent appetizer or light lunch option.

I’ve even been known to get creative by making larger patties and transforming them into a satisfying burger – a perfect twist on a classic favorite.

Summer Salmon Salad with Honey Mustard Crunch

Summer Salmon Salad with Honey Mustard Crunch

Making the most of your quality salmon filet requires a recipe that truly brings out its flavors. Mustard, paprika, and honey form a harmonious trio that complements the delicate taste of the fish, while adding a delightful contrast of flavors. Moving forward from this perfect blend, a garden-fresh arrangement of vegetables is the ideal way to add some color and crunch.

To take advantage of seasonal ingredients, consider using zucchini, summer squash, and cherry tomatoes – their natural sweetness will pair beautifully with the savory salmon. For an added touch of sophistication, try incorporating micro greens and pine nuts into your dish.

Smoky Salmon Dip for Summer Gatherings

Smoky Salmon Dip for Summer Gatherings

Outdoing last year’s favorites, this new party appetizer is sure to be the star of every summer gathering. With its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and fresh herbal notes, it transforms salmon into an unbeatable dip that will leave your guests begging for more. Serve it alongside crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks, or have fun spreading it on mini bagels as a cream cheese and lox-inspired treat.

Blackened Salmon with Vibrant Summer Flair

Blackened Salmon with Vibrant Summer Flair

Gazing at this exquisite fish dish leaves me utterly speechless! Its vibrant summer colors are truly mesmerizing, and the array of bold flavors is simply tantalizing. The blackened seasoning hits all the right notes, while the chimichurri sauce takes it to a whole new level of culinary excellence. Not only does it offer a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, but it’s also topped with a refreshing summer salad condiment that adds an extra layer of depth and complexity. Go to Recipe

Editor Choice:  20 Delicious Low Residue Diet Recipes for Optimal Digestion

Summer BBQ Salmon with Homemade Sauce

Summer BBQ Salmon with Homemade Sauce

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of summer is enjoying a delicious BBQ salmon on the weekend! You’ll want to grill out all summer long with this finger-licking good salmon that’s smothered in an irresistible sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce. While convenience foods like store-bought barbecue sauce are always an option, there’s something truly special about making it from scratch, which is why we recommend whipping up a large batch while you’re at it – trust us, it will get used up!

You can’t go wrong with this mouth-watering combination that’s sure to become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire.

Sockeye Salmon Poke Bowls with a Kick

Sockeye Salmon Poke Bowls with a Kick

When it comes to Hawaiian cuisine, there’s a particular dish that holds a special place in my heart – the spicy salmon poke bowl. This traditional Hawaiian favorite has won me over with its unique blend of flavors and textures, making it my go-to order whenever I’m in the mood for something new and exciting. While there are countless variations of poke to try, this version using salmon is one of the best I’ve come across.

The generous chunks of spicy sockeye, tangy pickled cucumbers, and creamy Sriracha mayo all combine to create a dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Having tried my fair share of poke bowls, I can confidently say that this recipe is a standout – give it a try and see what you think!

Spicy Salmon Explosion in Minutes

Spicy Salmon Explosion in Minutes

Highly anticipated meals are always the best, and firecracker salmon is no exception! The magic happens when each filet soaks in a rich, complex marinade that’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors for hours, or even overnight if you prefer. This extended infusion process allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the fish, making every bite a revelation. Whether you choose to bake or pan-fry your firecracker salmon, rest assured that mealtime will arrive before you know it.

Cool Salmon Pasta Salad Perfection

Cool Salmon Pasta Salad Perfection

Revamping traditional pasta salads with a protein-packed twist is always a hit! Rich in flavor and texture, the addition of salmon to your favorite pasta salad recipe elevates it to a whole new level. Creamy and savory, this refreshing dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a comforting meal on its own. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it an ideal choice for sharing with friends and family, or enjoying all week long.

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon

Making store-bought teriyaki sauce a thing of the past can be a liberating experience for home cooks who are looking to elevate their dishes. If you’re still relying on pre-made bottles, it’s time to break free from that habit and start making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch. This approach will not only allow you to customize the flavor to your liking but also ensure that every batch is made with fresh ingredients.

The resulting homemade sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, garlicky, and umami flavors that will undoubtedly take your salmon dishes to the next level. It’s high time for your taste buds and your salmon to experience this upgrade! Now, grab your favorite recipe and get started on creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment