4-Step Canned Salmon Recipe for a Quick and Easy Lunch
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Break away from bland seafood meals with this quick canned salmon recipe. Prepare and serve in 15 minutes to enjoy a nutritious meal using just a few ingredients and flavorful spices. This dish makes for a convenient lunch best paired with some leafy greens or crackers on the side.
I couldn’t forget the first time I tried this simple yet deliciously satisfying dish. So when I craved seafood and realized I had the ingredients on hand, I brought them all to the kitchen and this recipe is what came out. Now, it’s a new favorite summer go-to!
There’s no reason not to give this a try. Keep reading to learn how to prepare this nutrient-dense recipe the next time you need a quick nibble on a busy weekday. Don’t forget to browse our collection of Easy Keto Recipes for more homemade meal and snack ideas.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This canned salmon recipe is a versatile dish that perfectly complements a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It’s delicious and easy to prepare, you’ll want to serve it every day!
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and other ingredients that are easy to find.
- Short prep and cooking times: Ready to serve in 15 minutes.
- Amazing flavors: Umami taste from salmon, plus savory herbs and spices.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved: Appeals to a wide range of palates, especially when paired with other favorite side dishes.
- Budget-friendly: Uses cheap and accessible ingredients; canned salmon has a longer shelf-life and provides essential nutrients at a lower cost per serving than fresh or frozen alternatives.
- Easy-to-follow directions: Create a satisfying dish by following 4 simple steps, from sautéing summer squash to garnishing with herbs and spices.
- Minimal cleanup: Straightforward and mess-free cleanup; no need to deal with raw fish preparation.
How to Make Canned Salmon Recipe
On top of fresh herbs and spices, my canned salmon recipe requires only two key ingredients and is ready to enjoy in 15 minutes or less. It couldn’t be simpler: Cook the summer squash, open a can of wild-caught salmon, and garnish with your favorite toppings. Voila, lunch is served!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions to make this tasty canned salmon recipe.
Ingredients You Need
This canned salmon recipe is a quick and affordable way to incorporate protein and healthy fats into your diet. Maximize nutrient density with minimal use of processed foods in favor of whole, natural ingredients that are readily available in grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Ground coriander seeds
- Canned salmon: Choose wild-caught salmon over farm-raised versions as they have relatively higher omega-3 content and fewer contaminants, with a taste and texture that’s closer to fresh salmon.
- Summer squash: Go for yellow summer squash or zucchini as a substitute.
- Garam masala: Adds an exotic Indian flavor to the canned salmon.
- Almonds: For a delightful crunch to the meal.
- Botija olives: Adds more texture and a briny flavor.
Variations
This canned salmon recipe is a versatile dish you can easily customize according to your taste and dietary preferences. For additional nutritious twists on this recipe, feel free to add the following ingredients and flavorings:
- Dijon mustard
- Extra can of salmon
- Fried eggs
- Avocado slices
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Herbs and spices like fresh dill, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and parsley
- Lemon wedges or freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemon zest
- If you don’t have summer squash or zukes on hand, you can sub with cucumber.
If you like zucchini recipes, you’ll surely love this Garlic and Zucchini Scrambled Egg Muffin Recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This canned salmon recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
- Prepare summer squash and spices. Slice summer squash and heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Season squash with garlic and spices, and sauté until soft.
- Add remaining ingredients. Plate canned salmon and pour in the squash mixture. Top with chopped cilantro, almonds, and botija olives. Optionally, add an extra can of salmon, fried eggs, avocado, or olive oil for additional healthy fats. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
- Taste and adjust! Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your liking. Get to know the dish by experimenting with various herbs and spices, and adjust the seasonings as you like best.
- Choose high-quality canned salmon. Go for Wild Planet’s canned wild-caught Alaskan salmon. I always recommend this brand for canned salmon recipes due to its higher quality and sustainability. You may be tempted to use farmed salmon because they’re cheaper, but they generally lack some of the health benefits that come with wild-caught varieties.
- Don’t overcook the salmon. Remember that canned salmon is already pre-cooked, so make sure not to overcook it when reheating leftovers.
- Make it more kid-friendly! If your kids hate the fishy taste, feel free to make small adjustments to the recipe. Try flaking the salmon into smaller pieces and disguising it with other ingredients like mashed potatoes or cheese. Serve with low-carb dipping sauce to enhance the flavor of the salmon.
How to Store This Recipe
This canned salmon recipe is best served warm but if you want to prepare a larger batch, store the extra mixture in airtight containers and then place it in the refrigerator or freezer. Portion the mixture in individual servings for quick meals or snacks throughout the week. If stored properly, this dish can last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, or up to 2 to 3 months if frozen.
Once ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or defrost it in the microwave until it’s ready for reheating. You can reheat this dish in the oven, microwave, or on the stove.
What to Serve with Canned Salmon Recipe
This salmon meal pairs well with a variety of sides to create a well-balanced meal. Below are some options to consider:
- A bed of crisp romaine leaves or lettuce wraps
- A bowl of mixed leafy greens like kale, arugula, or spinach
- Veggie dishes like cauliflower rice, sauteed broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh salad with light dressing
- Green flax crackers
More Quick and Easy Recipes to Try
- Spinach and Salmon Burgers
- Avocado Soup with Bone Broth
- Gluten-Free Egg Drop Soup
- Keto Pemmican Meal
- Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake
I hope you enjoy this quick canned salmon recipe! And if you do, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and a starred review below.
Salmon with Garam Masala Summer Squash
Ingredients
- ½ can wild-caught salmon
- 2 small summer squash
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
- 2 tablespoons almonds optional
- 8 whole botija olives optional
Instructions
- Slice summer squash in small rounds and warm the coconut oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and spices to the pan, mix in squash and sauté for 10 minutes, until the squash is soft.2 small summer squash, 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed
- Chop cilantro, almonds and olives. Open the can of salmon and arrange it on a serving plate.2 tablespoons cilantro, 2 tablespoons almonds, 8 whole botija olives
- Serve squash warm next to the salmon, topped with almonds and olives. Garnish with cilantro.1/2 can wild-caught salmon
- Adjust the macros of this recipe by adding fried eggs or an additional can of salmon. Add an avocado or drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the entire plate for additional fats.
Notes
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
