12 Budget-Friendly Canned Pink Salmon Recipes

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Canned pink salmon is one of the most affordable and versatile sources of protein you can keep in your pantry.

It’s budget-friendly, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and can be transformed into delicious meals without much effort.

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying nutritious and satisfying dishes, these 12 budget-friendly canned pink salmon recipes are perfect to try.

1. Salmon Patties

Mix canned pink salmon with breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and a pinch of seasoning.

Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden.

Serve with a side salad or rice for a quick and filling meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 1 egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Mix salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  2. Shape into patties.

  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

  4. Serve warm with salad or rice.

2. Salmon Salad Sandwich

Combine salmon with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Spread it on whole wheat bread or stuff into pita pockets for a simple lunch.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 celery stalk, chopped

  • 2 tbsp onion, chopped

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • Bread or pita pockets

Instructions

  1. Mix salmon, mayo, celery, onion, and lemon juice.

  2. Spread on bread slices or stuff into pita.

  3. Serve chilled as a quick lunch.

3. Creamy Salmon Pasta

Toss cooked pasta with canned salmon, garlic, cream (or yogurt for a lighter version), and peas.

This makes a hearty dinner in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 8 oz pasta

  • 1 cup cream (or plain yogurt)

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • ½ cup peas

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

  2. In a pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute.

  3. Add cream, salmon, peas, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.

  4. Toss with pasta and serve warm.

Also Check: Weeknight Recipes Inspo

4. Salmon Fried Rice

Use leftover rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and canned salmon to create a quick stir-fried rice dish.

A great way to make use of pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 2 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan, add vegetables, and stir-fry for 3 minutes.

  2. Add rice and soy sauce, stir well.

  3. Mix in salmon and cook until heated through.

  4. Serve hot.

5. Salmon and Potato Cakes

Blend mashed potatoes with salmon, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

Shape into cakes, fry until crispy, and serve with a side of vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes

  • ¼ cup parsley, chopped

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Mix salmon, mashed potatoes, and parsley.

  2. Shape into small cakes and coat with breadcrumbs.

  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden.

  4. Serve with vegetables or a dipping sauce.

6. Salmon Chowder

A comforting soup made with salmon, potatoes, carrots, and corn simmered in a creamy broth.

Perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 2 potatoes, diced

  • 1 cup corn

  • 1 carrot, diced

  • 2 cups milk or cream

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a pot, simmer potatoes, carrot, and broth until tender.

  2. Add corn, salmon, milk, salt, and pepper.

  3. Simmer for 10 minutes.

  4. Serve hot with bread.

7. Salmon Stuffed Peppers

Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of salmon, cooked rice, and tomato sauce.

Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is warm.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded

  • 1 cup cooked rice

  • ½ cup tomato sauce

  • ½ cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Mix salmon, rice, and tomato sauce.

  3. Fill bell peppers with mixture and top with cheese.

  4. Bake for 25 minutes until peppers are tender.

Read More: Broccoli cheddar casserole

8. Salmon Breakfast Scramble

Add salmon to scrambled eggs along with spinach and onions.

Serve with toast for a protein-rich breakfast.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (7 oz, drained)

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 cup spinach

  • ¼ cup onion, chopped

  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a pan and sauté onion and spinach.

  2. Add eggs and scramble until almost set.

  3. Stir in salmon and cook until heated.

  4. Serve with toast.

9. Salmon Quesadillas

Layer canned salmon with cheese, onions, and peppers inside a tortilla.

Toast until crispy and enjoy with salsa or sour cream.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 4 tortillas

  • 1 cup shredded cheese

  • ½ cup onion and bell peppers, chopped

  • Salsa or sour cream for dipping

Instructions

  1. Place salmon, cheese, and vegetables on a tortilla.

  2. Cover with another tortilla.

  3. Heat on a skillet until crispy on both sides.

  4. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

10. Salmon and Veggie Stir-Fry

Toss salmon with mixed vegetables and a simple sauce of soy, garlic, and ginger.

Serve over rice or noodles for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a wok or pan.

  2. Add garlic and vegetables, stir-fry for 4 minutes.

  3. Stir in salmon and soy sauce.

  4. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.

11. Salmon Wraps

Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add salmon, lettuce, and cucumber, then roll it up.

Slice into pinwheels for a light lunch or snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 4 tortillas

  • 4 tbsp cream cheese

  • Lettuce and cucumber slices

Instructions

  1. Spread cream cheese on each tortilla.

  2. Add salmon, lettuce, and cucumber.

  3. Roll tightly and slice into halves or pinwheels.

  4. Serve as a light meal or snack.

12. Salmon Casserole

Combine cooked pasta, salmon, peas, and a creamy sauce.

Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly for a family-style dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pink salmon (14 oz, drained)

  • 2 cups cooked pasta

  • 1 cup peas

  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or any cream sauce)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Mix pasta, salmon, peas, and cream soup.

  3. Pour into a baking dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs.

  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

These 12 budget-friendly canned pink salmon recipes show just how versatile and affordable this pantry staple can be.

Whether you need a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a light snack, canned salmon is a nutritious option that doesn’t break the bank.

Keep a few cans stocked, and you’ll always have the base for a wholesome meal ready to go.

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