Friday, January 30, 2026

16 Easy Salmon Recipes Everyone Loves

Easy salmon recipes everyone loves.

We really enjoy salmon in our house. But it’s also one of those foods that has to be done right, ya know? It needs the right seasoning, the right sauce, the right method of baking to turn into a meal that you genuinely look forward to eating.

These salmon recipes are some of my favorites – they offer a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids and a solid source of protein in addition to just being really delicious. And easy! Salmon cooks so fast, and most of these involve just a quick trip to the oven (which is my preferred method for cooking salmon).

The full list below is basically your salmon starter pack – rice bowls, salmon burgers, tacos, and sheet pan dinners that basically do the work for you. No complicated techniques, just approachable, crowd-pleasing dinners that happen to feature salmon in the very best way. 


My Favorite Salmon Recipes

Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde

Sweet-and-smoky chipotle salmon topped with fresh orange salsa and creamy aji verde! An easy, delicious, restaurant-level salmon dinner.

4 reviews / 5 average

Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa

Bang Bang Salmon! Creamy, sweet, savory, and punchy. Served with some steamy rice and an avocado cucumber salsa. Weeknight perfection!

52 reviews / 4.9 average

Sheet Pan Salmon with Dill Potatoes

Simple and delicious salmon and potatoes roasted on a sheet pan, and covered in a garlic dill butter sauce! One of my family’s favorite dinners.

22 reviews / 4.9 average

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon

My go-to salmon recipe that’s perfect every time! Crisped and golden on the outside, buttery and juicy on the inside, and made in 15 minutes start to finish.

79 reviews / 5 average

Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad

We’re making a summery salmon with a beautiful, big-flavored basil sauce that is so good, you’re going to want to just drink it. Perfectly-spiced, fresh, and a dinner for everyone!

63 reviews / 4.9 average

Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa

Super easy salmon tacos loaded with a mango, sweet corn, and cucumber salsa!

28 reviews / 5 average

Yummy Salmon Burgers with Slaw

These salmon burgers are THE YUMMIEST! and made with just five ingredients. The best for a quick + easy high protein lunch or dinner.

106 reviews / 4.8 average

Spring Salmon with Creamed Leeks, Potatoes, and Asparagus

We’re bringing you a plate of sunshine for dinner! Perfectly golden-crisp salmon partnered next to oven-roasted asparagus and a buttery, rich, creamy leek sauce piled on crispy potatoes.

10 reviews / 4.8 average

The Oliver’s Salad

We’re bringing you the most beautiful salad inspired by the restaurant Oliver’s in Minnesota. Tender salmon, savory peppers and garlic confit, buttery chunks of avocado, fire-roasted corn, bacon bits, and a river of homemade smoky ranch dressing.

27 reviews / 4.9 average

Hot Honey Salmon

This Hot Honey Salmon is giving off major fancy-to-eat-but-not-fancy-to-make vibes. Spicy-sweet salmon coated in fresh garlic, stone ground mustard, sweet honey, and flecks of red peppers flakes. It’s a magical little number!

20 reviews / 5 average

Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce

Delicious baked salmon with crispy potatoes, broccoli, and the most amazing life-changing lemon sauce smothered on top of it all. This is restaurant bistro-style eating!

54 reviews / 4.7 average

Spicy Salmon Burgers

These Spicy Salmon Burgers are little bundles of flavor! Canned salmon, panko, refreshing lemongrass, and a sweet-spicy zingy combo of red curry paste and brown sugar. So good and so simple!

17 reviews / 4.8 average

Coconut Curry Salmon

Coconut Curry Salmon! Broiled salmon with a salty-sweet spice rub, creamy coconut curry sauce, and steamy rice to soak it all up.

566 reviews / 4.9 average

BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa

BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa! An easy and impressive dinner with yummy smoky-sweet flavor and a zip of zesty homemade salsa to take it over the top. The BEST weeknight dinner.

183 reviews / 4.9 average

Perfect Baked Salmon with Lentils and Lemon Herb Sauce

Perfect Baked Salmon with Lentils, Quinoa, and Lemon Herb Sauce – super healthy, high protein, bakes all in one big easy dish. This stuff is SO DELICIOUS!

29 reviews / 4.7 average

Caramelized Salmon

This caramelized salmon is simple, healthy and completely gorgeous. Just five ingredients and 20 minutes get that browned caramelized crust on the salmon.

69 reviews / 4.4 average

Tips For Buying Salmon

Whether you’re a salmon pro or a newbie, here’s what I look for when buying salmon for these recipes!

Farm-Raised vs. Wild-Caught

The difference between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon is, no surprise, how the salmon are raised! Wild-caught salmon is typically leaner and has a fishier flavor because of its environment, while farm-raised is fattier with a milder flavor. I’ve used both, and while both are delicious, I do typically prefer the taste and texure of farm-raised salmon.

Fresh vs. Frozen

This is really just a matter of preference and convenience – I prefer to get fresh salmon to avoid the process of thawing when it comes time to make dinner, but some might say that frozen salmon is actually fresher if it was flash-frozen after being caught. So it’s a “you do you” based on the time and energy you have!

Sustainability

Wild-caught salmon is generally a more sustainable option, but since I tend to prefer the flavor of farm-raised salmon, I also wanted to share how to make that choice more sustainable! I use this sustainable salmon guide to find what the best choices are (location, certifications, etc.). I usually look for salmon that is ASC or BAP certified, which should say right on the package!

The post 16 Easy Salmon Recipes Everyone Loves appeared first on Pinch of Yum.



from Pinch of Yum https://ift.tt/tF891Wm

Monday, January 26, 2026

Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde

Chipotle salmon in a bowl with rice, orange salsa, slaw, and aji verde sauce.

My Husband Claims This Is The Best Salmon He’s Ever Had.

Lindsay Ostrom headshot.

As soon as I slathered that chipotle brown sugar rub on the salmon, I knew that we were going to love it.

As if that buttery, flaky, smoky-sweet salmon wasn’t enough – add a little juicy, colorful salady salsa on top, and a garlicky aji verde on the bottom of the bowl for the green sauce lover in the family (ME), and we had a total showstopper meal that immediately earned a place in the “best salmon recipes” category for our family.

One of my daughters liked the salmon and green sauce (a win!), one of my daughters went back for seconds on the complete bowl, and both Bjork and I commented throughout the whole meal about how much we loved the flavors and textures.

(I realize this picture doesn’t look like much but I was just standing there eating that juicy orange salsa out of the bowl while waiting for the salmon to bake. For this batch, I had run the cabbage through the food processor. It’s SO yummy.)

Orange salsa in a small bowl.

The ingredient list looks a little long, but there’s a lot of overlapping ingredients. And it’s very straightforward:

  • Bake the salmon.
  • Blend the sauce.
  • Toss the salsa (or salad? it’s kind of both).

Pile it all into the bowl, and feel like you’re in a restaurant. Hope you guys love this one. It’s just a vibrant bowl of freshness that I’ve been needing lately.

Lindsay signature.

Here’s What The Ingredients Look Like:

You cannot miss with these flavors.

Salmon surrounded by other ingredients - spices, oranges, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, slaw, and mayonnaise.

In a nutshell: salmon, spices, and cilantro, lime, garlic, jalapeno, oranges.

Happy colors, happy flavors.

Let’s Make This:

1

Make Your Salsa.

It’s shown here with oranges in the bowl – but wait to add those until just before serving so they don’t turn pink. 🙂

Orange salsa ingredients in a bowl.

2

Blend Your Aji Verde.

I just adore this sauce so much.

Aji verde sauce blended in a mini blender.

3

Bake Your Salmon.

Spice rub + oil, then bake for 10 minutes.

Spraying salmon with oil over a spice rub.

4

Plate It Up Kinda Fancy.

Rice and sauce on the bottom of the dish, then chunks of salmon + the salsa on top.

Plating chipotle salmon in bowls with rice and aji verde.

If You Love This, You’ll Love These

We do have a bit of a “type” in our family when it comes to favorite recipes – the spicy sweet combo just seems like what we are loving these days. Others we love right now:

Print
A picture of Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde

Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Sweet-and-smoky chipotle salmon topped with fresh orange salsa and creamy aji verde! An easy, delicious, restaurant-level salmon dinner.


Ingredients

Units

Chipotle Salmon

  • 1 1/2 pounds salmon filet (I have used both skinless and skin-on; either works)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (I use Siete)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, depending on spice preference
  • spritz of avocado oil

Orange Salsa

  • 3 large navel oranges, cut into chunks (peeled with a knife, pith removed)
  • a small wedge of purple cabbage, finely shredded or pulsed in a food processor (about 2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (ribs and seeds removed)
  • a small wedge of red onion, minced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • juice of 2 limes (23 tablespoons)
  • half of a jalapeño, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

Aji Verde

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
  • half of a jalapeño pepper (ribs and seeds removed)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • juice of 1 lime
  • a pinch of salt, to taste

Other

  • Rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Make Orange Salsa: Toss all ingredients together except oranges; massage with your hands to soften the cabbage a bit. (You’ll add the oranges until right before serving, so they don’t turn pink.)
  2. Make Aji Verde: Blend the aji verde sauce until smooth.
  3. Prep Salmon: Preheat oven to 450 degrees; place a rack near the top. Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment (I just leave the filets in one whole piece). Mix seasoning for salmon; coat salmon filets with seasoning. Spritz with a light coating avocado oil.
  4. Bake Salmon: Bake for 5 minutes near the top of the oven. Then broil another 4-6 minutes until cooked to your liking (I like it to be medium, about 135 degrees).
  5. Serve: Add oranges to the slaw mixture. Put rice and aji verde side by side on the bottom of a plate or shallow bowl. Then flake a few chunks of salmon on top, and finish with a scoop of the salsa. Chef’s kiss!

Notes

If your salmon has skin, place it skin side down on the baking sheet.

In the ingredient photo above, you’ll see cotija cheese which I do often add to my aji verde – however, for the final version, I felt like the sauce was more harmonious for this dish without the cotija, which is why it’s not in the final written ingredient list.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: salmon recipe, sheet pan salmon, orange salsa, aji verde

My Favorite Salmon Recipes

The post Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde appeared first on Pinch of Yum.



from Pinch of Yum https://ift.tt/QonZjMI

Monday, January 19, 2026

Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles

Peanut noodles with ground beef on top.

WOW YUM.

Lindsay Ostrom headshot.

I saw this video a while back and have not been able to get it out of my head (Chef Anna Frazer with the masterpiece)!

I made it and loved it – only problem is that my kids aren’t huge on tahini (and I rarely have it on hand). So I have been making this same concept, but slightly more shortcut-y, more pantry-aligned for our house, and more kid-friendly for my fam.

And wow, we are loving it.

I am not kidding when I say this might be my favorite ground beef I’ve ever made. It’s caramelized and sticky and I found myself just eating it straight out of the bowl. The ground beef gets tossed with cornstarch to get it crisped, and then you’re adding teriyaki sauce and fresh-grated garlic. When the garlic hits the pan… lights out. It smells so good!

This sounds weird but I’ve brought this home as leftovers a few times and we’ll reheat it in the OVEN?! It caramelizes even a bit further and the edges of the noodles get a bit crispy and it’s so good.

My whole family will go for seconds.

Hope you love it!

Lindsay signature.

How To Make These Peanut Noodles

1

Brown the Beef.

Brown it (leave it undisturbed for a bit to get better color) and then add cornstarch for a quick coating!

Browning beef in a skillet with cornstarch.

2

Add Sauce and Garlic to the Beef.

It will cling to all those crisped crevices and becomes caramelized, sticky, just so divine.

Sauce and garlic in pan with ground beef.

3

Saute Veggies!

Just get them nice and tender.

Peppers and spinach sautéed in a pan.

4

Add Noodles and Sauce to the Veggie Pan.

Everybody in together! Quick toss!

Adding peanut sauce to noodles and veggies in a pan.

5

Scoop The Beef On the Noodles.

OH MAN. The perfect combination of textures!

Adding beef to a bowl of peanut noodles.

Want to see more of my favorite easy dinners? 🙂 Full list here!

Print
Peanut noodles topped with ground beef.

Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Caramelized ground beef atop a tangle of creamy peanut noodles and veggies! The best weeknight dinner!


Ingredients

Units

Caramelized Beef:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (I used Bachan’s)
  • 1 clove garlic, grated

Creamy Peanut Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 12 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

Noodles:

  • 5 green onions, thinly sliced (green saved for garnish)
  • 23 cups sliced stir-fry veggies (I like red bell pepper, spinach, and basil leaves)
  • 6-ounce package stir-fry egg noodles (I use the Wel-Pac chow mein stir fry noodles)
  • Black pepper for serving

Instructions

  1. Peanut Sauce: Blend the sauce until smooth and creamy.
  2. Cook Beef: Heat avocado oil in a pan over high heat; add ground beef and leave undisturbed for several minutes to get some browned spots. Break apart with a wooden spoon into small pieces.
  3. Caramelize the Beef: Add the cornstarch and quickly stir fry for 15-30 seconds. Then add garlic and teriyaki for a minute or so; it will sizzle and start to caramelize, plus it’ll smell amazing. Remove from pan, set aside and cover or place in a 350 degree oven to keep it warm.
  4. Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, sauté the white parts of the green onions and the veggies (adding more oil as needed). 
  5. Cook Noodles: Boil noodles for 3 minutes or according to package directions; rinse with cold water to prevent stickiness.
  6. Toss Together: Add cooked noodles and most of the peanut sauce to the veggies in the skillet; toss to combine for 1-2 minutes (you’ll want to serve immediately while it’s still hot and silky).
  7. Finish: Plate noodles; add a scoop of beef on top. Garnish with green onions and lots of black pepper, and drizzle with remaining peanut sauce if you want!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: peanut noodles, ground beef recipe, easy dinner recipe, ground beef noodles

More Delightfully Slurpable Noodle Bowls

The post Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles appeared first on Pinch of Yum.



from Pinch of Yum https://ift.tt/JXpjuQY