43 Salmon Dinner Ideas for Slammin’ Weeknight Meals

Every home cook needs some tried and true salmon recipes in their arsenal, and the ones below are some of our favorites. In fact, we think salmon is one of the easiest and most fail-proof proteins to make on a weeknight or special occasion: You can prepare a stunning whole salmon fillet to feed a crowd with as much effort as it takes to cook off two or four individual pieces. It’s as versatile as chicken: Arrange a few fillets on a sheet pan with asparagus. Sear a piece of salmon on the stovetop to create a crackly, crispy skin. Cube the fish and bake (or air fry) it, nugget style. Douse it in olive oil and slow roast until it confits into a butter-soft texture. You get the idea.

Salmon shines with simple ingredients. A little olive oil, lemon, salt, and black pepper might be all you need, but the flaky, mild-tasting fish also pairs well with bold flavors, from tangy Dijon mustard to Thai curry paste or a teriyaki glaze. In short, salmon is a protein superstar. So find yourself a nice fillet (check out our expert video for tips on buying farmed and wild salmon), and let’s get into it.