30 Mouthwatering Summer Salmon Recipes for Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinners

Sandra Walker

September 7, 2025

Gather around the grill this summer with these delicious and nutritious summer salmon recipes that will make your taste buds dance! Whether hot off the grill, tossed in a refreshing salad, or smoked to perfection in a savory dip, salmon takes center stage during the warmest months. Packed with an impressive amount of Omega-3s and protein, it’s a smart choice full of essential nutrients that will keep you feeling full and satisfied all season long.

Plus, there are countless ways to prepare it, making it easy to get creative in the kitchen. Pair it with fresh veggies for a light and easy chopped salad or skewer it for the perfect cookout bites. From classic pasta salads to Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls to bold blackened dishes smothered in tangy chimichurri sauce, these effortless yet flavorful summer salmon recipes are sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering!

Mediterranean Salmon Salad

Mediterranean Salmon Salad

Kickstarting a healthy meal plan is easier than ever, especially when you combine fresh ingredients like salmon with nutrient-dense greens and protein-rich quinoa. This harmonious union not only tantalizes your taste buds but also satisfies your hunger pangs. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids and an array of other essential nutrients takes this salad to the next level, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal option.

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Creating a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads is easier than you think. Adding salmon to your pasta salad is an absolute game-changer! The creamy and savory flavors of the salmon perfectly complement the pasta, making this one of the best pasta salad recipes for summer. This dish is also a great example of comfort food that can be enjoyed without having to heat up a hot bowl. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Whether you’re cooking for others or just want to have leftovers throughout the week, this recipe is an excellent choice.

Salmon Macaroni Salad

Salmon Macaroni Salad

Taking center stage at any summer gathering is a delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare. This macaroni salad combines canned salmon with tender pasta in a creamy mayo-based dressing infused with fresh herbs, making it the perfect accompaniment for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics alike. Plus, its quick preparation time of just 30 minutes makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts who want to impress their guests without sacrificing valuable time.

Mexican Grilled Salmon Salad

Mexican Grilled Salmon Salad

Planning the perfect meal can be a daunting task, especially when you’re short on time. Fortunately, this salad is an effortless option that’s ready in just 3 minutes per side. Before preparing your ingredients, take a moment to combine Romaine lettuce with your preferred salad toppings. For this particular recipe, we’ve chosen to include tomatoes, corn, cucumber, cilantro, red onion, and queso fresco – but feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes.

Honey Mustard Salmon with Summer Vegetable Salad

Honey Mustard Salmon with Summer Vegetable Salad

Delight in the flavors of your quality salmon filet by preparing it according to this recipe, which showcases a harmonious balance of savory and sweet notes. The combination of mustard, paprika, and honey creates a rich flavor profile that is perfectly complemented by the garden-fresh simplicity of vegetables like zucchini, summer squash, and cherry tomatoes. To elevate your dish further, consider adding micro greens for an burst of freshness and pine nuts for added texture and crunch.

Blackened Summer Salmon with Chimichurri

Blackened Summer Salmon with Chimichurri

Creating a visually stunning dish that’s as delicious as it looks can be quite challenging, but this particular fish is a masterclass in presentation. The vibrant hues of the fish are balanced perfectly by the subtle flavors of the blackened seasoning, while the chimichurri adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to each bite.

Not only does the dish have a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, but it’s also accompanied by a fresh summer salad condiment that adds a refreshing touch to the entire experience.

Greek Salmon with Lemon Feta and Orzo Summer Salad

Greek Salmon with Lemon Feta and Orzo Summer Salad

Making the most of the summer season, it’s not uncommon for people to crave dishes that are light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. This particular salmon recipe checks all the right boxes – it’s healthy, summery, and fresh, and the fact that it’s grilled adds a nice char to the dish. The accompanying orzo salad is the perfect complement to the salmon, providing a satisfying contrast in texture and taste.

Grilled Salmon with Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Grilled Salmon with Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Roasted Salmon and Spicy Orange Cucumber Salsa

Roasted Salmon and Spicy Orange Cucumber Salsa

Generally, when it comes to cooking, there’s always something that sparks my enthusiasm – and for me, that something is salmon! I’ve mentioned my fondness for this fish before, but let me reiterate: not only do I adore eating salmon, but I also appreciate how visually appealing this dish turns out. The combination of a large roasted salmon filet paired with a revitalizing spicy cucumber orange salsa is truly a match made in heaven. And the best part?

This recipe is surprisingly accessible, making it easy for anyone to give it a try!

Grilled Salmon Kebabs

Grilled Salmon Kebabs

Making the most of your summer cookout is easy with salmon kebabs on the menu. These bite-sized morsels are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, from classic coleslaw to a fresh green salad. The best part? They’re remarkably effortless to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a quick trip to the grill. Simply thread lemon slices between seasoned salmon cubes on skewers and cook until done, then serve immediately – all within about 10 minutes.

Perfect Salmon Burgers

Perfect Salmon Burgers

Often, the highlight of a barbecue gathering is the savory delight of a perfectly grilled burger. However, when it comes to seafood options, a well-prepared salmon patty can be an exceptional treat for guests. These generous, succulent patties are generously packed with both fresh and smoked salmon, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor.

Unlike many commercial products on the market, these patties contain no fillers or binding agents, relying instead on a delicate balance of simple seasonings to bring out the natural taste of the salmon. The beauty lies in the freedom to get creative with your burger, and the possibilities are endless – what will you choose to top it with?

Maple Soy Grilled Salmon Steaks

Maple Soy Grilled Salmon Steaks

Versatile salmon steaks are taking center stage this summer, offering an exciting alternative to traditional red meat. Their Asian-inspired flavors bring a sweet, umami, and garlicky taste experience that’s sure to delight. With just a few simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of cooking time, it’s an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner. You can even repurpose leftover white rice as a side dish – though we won’t judge you if you choose to skip it altogether.

Firecracker Salmon

Firecracker Salmon

Rest assured that the Firecracker salmon is an explosion of flavors! The filets are submerged in a sweet, spicy, and umami marinade for hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together perfectly. For an even deeper infusion of flavors, you can also let them rest overnight, which will only enhance the overall taste experience. When it’s time to cook, either baking or pan-frying is a great option – both methods will yield delicious results in no time.

Almond-Crusted Salmon

Almond-Crusted Salmon

Enticing and effortless, almond-crusted salmon is a dish that never fails to impress. Its elegant appearance, combined with its exquisite flavor, makes it an ideal option for special occasions or everyday meals alike. One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity – it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a few key ingredients: almonds, parsley, mustard, and honey.

However, if you’re following a keto diet or are mindful of your sugar intake, feel free to omit the honey for an equally delicious result.

Poached Salmon

Poached Salmon

Juxtapose the idea of a simple yet elegant dish with the rich flavor profile that poaching salmon can bring. This cooking method allows the fish to absorb all the goodness from the surrounding ingredients, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Pair the poached salmon with a medley of roasted green vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or balsamic roasted broccoli for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Salmon Cakes

Salmon Cakes

Luring your taste buds with the crispiest, flakiest salmon cakes you’ve ever had is no easy feat. But when it’s done right, each plump cake melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. Interestingly, you can use canned salmon as a substitute, just be sure to drain the liquid well so they don’t fall apart. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for snacking, and they also make an excellent addition to any light lunch or dinner menu.

I’ve even been known to bulk them up and turn them into a satisfying burger patty.

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked Salmon Dip

Welcoming the warmest months of the year means gathering around with friends and family for outdoor gatherings, and what’s a party without a delicious appetizer to share? We’ve got just the thing – a mouth-watering dip that will make your summer shindigs unforgettable. This creamy, smoky, and herby salmon dip is so irresistible that it’ll fly off the platter in no time. Serve it with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks for a light and refreshing snack.

You can also get creative by slathering it on mini bagels to transform them into a decadent cream cheese and lox spread. Go ahead and take a look at the recipe to start making this show-stopping dip today.

Spicy Salmon Poke Bowls

Spicy Salmon Poke Bowls

Finding myself utterly enamored with poke bowls is no secret, especially when it comes to this delectable spicy salmon creation. Poke has a rich history as a traditional Hawaiian dish that has captured my heart. What makes this particular recipe stand out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures – the generous chunks of spicy sockeye, tangy pickled cucumbers, and creamy Sriracha mayo all come together in perfect harmony. I’m confident in declaring this one of the best variations out there.

BBQ Salmon

BBQ Salmon

Undoubtedly, summer weekends are the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and whip up some delicious BBQ salmon! This finger-licking good dish is sure to become a staple of your outdoor cooking repertoire. The secret to its addictive flavor lies in the sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce that’s infused into every bite.

While store-bought options may be convenient, there’s something special about making it from scratch – the aroma, the taste, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. To make the most of this recipe, consider making a large batch of the sauce while you’re at it; I’m confident that it’ll get used up in no time.

Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Rosemary

Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Rosemary

When it comes to taking your grilling game to new heights, cedar plank salmon is a revelation for grill masters. The smoky aroma of the cedar plank not only adds an unparalleled depth of flavor to the salmon but also helps cook it to perfection. To ensure that your planks don’t burn during cooking, it’s essential to soak them ahead of time. Once you’ve mastered this technique, feel free to experiment with other types of planks such as hickory, maple, or cherry to discover a world of new flavors.

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon

Ditch the store-bought teriyaki sauce and discover the incredible difference homemade sauce can make in your cooking. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up from scratch, but it also offers a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched by its commercial counterparts. With this homemade sauce recipe, you’ll be able to balance sweet, tangy, garlicky, and umami notes with ease, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience for your salmon. It’s a game-changer, trust us!

The result is a dish that’s not only more flavorful but also healthier, as you get to control the amount of sugar and preservatives that go into it. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and give your taste buds (and your salmon) the treat they deserve!

23 Best Summer Salmon Recipes (+ Easy Dinners)

Taking centre stage during the warmer months, these five-star salmon recipes are a true delight. The versatility of salmon shines through in dishes ranging from refreshing salads and succulent pasta to mouth-watering kebabs, all expertly cooked on the grill for an unforgettable treat.

Instructions

Instructions

Preparing a quick and delicious meal can be achieved by selecting a preferred recipe, gathering all necessary ingredients, and taking the time to properly prepare the dish. This can be done efficiently in under 30 minutes, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

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