There’s something magical about summer cooking—especially when fresh salmon is involved. Whether you’re firing up the grill in your backyard, planning a picnic by the lake, or just want something light and flavorful for dinner, salmon is your warm-weather hero.
It’s quick, healthy, and pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients. We’ve rounded up 20 creative summer salmon recipes to help you keep things fresh, exciting, and delicious. These aren’t your average salmon dishes—they’re packed with vibrant flavors and easy techniques that’ll make you want to cook them all summer long.
1. Grilled Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa
Fire up the grill and toss on a salmon fillet for this tropical-inspired dish. The smoky, slightly charred fish gets topped with a refreshing salsa made from ripe mango, creamy avocado, red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. It’s perfect for warm evenings and pairs well with rice or grilled corn. The salsa can be prepped ahead, making it a great option for quick weeknight meals or weekend cookouts.
2. Cedar Plank Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter
Using a cedar plank adds a wonderful smoky aroma and keeps your salmon juicy on the grill. Topped with a lemon dill compound butter, this dish offers a restaurant-worthy flavor without much fuss. The butter melts into the fish as it cooks, infusing it with zesty and herby goodness. Serve it with grilled zucchini or baby potatoes for an easy outdoor dinner.
3. Honey Garlic Salmon Skewers
If you’re feeding a crowd, skewers are a fun and fuss-free option. These salmon skewers are marinated in a mix of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil, giving them a sweet and savory flavor. Grill them quickly over high heat and serve with a cucumber salad or over rice noodles for a light summer meal.
4. Smoked Salmon Burgers with Lemon Aioli
Take a break from beef and try salmon burgers instead. Made with minced salmon, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, and herbs, these patties are both juicy and flavorful. Topped with a tangy lemon aioli and fresh greens, they’re perfect on a toasted bun or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option. I once served these at a summer birthday party, and they disappeared in minutes.
5. Blackened Salmon Tacos
These tacos bring bold Southern flavors to your summer table. Season salmon fillets with a spicy Cajun rub and sear until crispy. Flake the fish into warm corn tortillas and top with shredded cabbage, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema. Great for taco night with a twist!
6. Peach Caprese Salad
This salad is summer in a bowl. Juicy grilled peaches, slices of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves are paired with flaky salmon and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It’s light, colorful, and ideal for days when you want something refreshing but filling.
7. Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Ditch the carbs and go for these fresh, crunchy lettuce wraps. Baked or grilled salmon is glazed with teriyaki sauce, then tucked into butter lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and sesame seeds. It’s a hands-on, fun-to-eat meal that kids and adults both enjoy.
8. Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
If you’re heading to a picnic or potluck, this chilled pasta salad is a winning choice. Toss bowtie pasta with smoked salmon, peas, red onions, dill, and a lemony sour cream dressing. It holds up well in a cooler and can be made a few hours in advance.
9. Salmon Poke Bowls
Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen with these salmon poke bowls. Cubed raw salmon is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions, then served over rice with toppings like edamame, cucumber, avocado, and seaweed salad. They’re customizable, beautiful, and satisfying without being heavy.
10. Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packets
Wrap up salmon fillets with cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, lemon slices, and herbs in foil and bake or grill. The steam locks in all the flavors and makes cleanup a breeze. This is a wonderful make-ahead option for camping or backyard dinners.
11. Chili Lime Salmon
This zesty grilled recipe uses a quick chili-lime marinade for a flavor punch. Just whisk together lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and olive oil, then marinate the salmon before grilling. The citrus keeps it light while the spices give it a little kick.
12. Salmon Niçoise Salad
This twist on the classic French salad features grilled or pan-seared salmon instead of tuna. Alongside green beans, boiled potatoes, eggs, olives, and tomatoes, the salmon adds richness and substance. A simple vinaigrette ties it all together, making it a balanced meal for any summer day.
13. Salmon with Herby Garlic Yogurt Sauce
If you want something easy but elegant, this dish is it. Salmon is baked until tender and served with a cool yogurt sauce mixed with parsley, mint, dill, and lemon. It’s bright, herby, and especially tasty alongside couscous or roasted vegetables.
14. Crispy Salmon Banh Mi Sandwiches
Give your summer sandwich game a global upgrade with this Vietnamese-inspired recipe. A crispy salmon filet is layered into a baguette with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, and spicy mayo. It’s got crunch, heat, and serious flavor.
15. Sweet Corn and Salmon Chowder
Who says chowder is just for winter? This lighter version swaps cream for milk and adds fresh sweet corn, tender potatoes, and salmon for a summery spin on the classic. It’s especially good with a hunk of crusty bread on the side.
16. Thai Coconut Salmon Curry
For those summer nights when you want something cozy but still vibrant, try this coconut curry. Salmon simmers gently in a sauce of coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and lime. Serve with jasmine rice and fresh herbs for a fragrant, flavorful dinner.
17. Avocado Salmon Sushi Rolls
Skip the takeout and make sushi rolls at home! Use sushi rice, nori sheets, and fresh salmon slices with creamy avocado. You can roll them up with a bamboo mat or even make “inside-out” rolls topped with sesame seeds. It’s a fun DIY dinner idea that’s surprisingly simple.
18. Lemon Basil Grilled Salmon
A citrus and herb marinade made with lemon zest, basil, garlic, and olive oil makes this salmon perfect for grilling. The basil adds a summery twist and the lemon keeps everything fresh. Serve over a bed of arugula or with grilled peaches for a full summer vibe.
19. Ceviche with Watermelon
A bold and unexpected combo, this ceviche mixed with diced watermelon, red onion, and jalapeño. It’s bright, spicy, sweet, and absolutely refreshing on a hot day. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
20. Vietnamese Salmon Summer Rolls
Vietnamese Salmon Summer Rolls are a fresh, no-cook dish perfect for hot summer days. Packed with tender salmon, crisp vegetables like carrots and cucumber, fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro, and thin rice noodles, these rolls are wrapped in delicate rice paper for a light and healthy bite.
There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with fresh, flavorful salmon dishes that are easy to make and full of seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re grilling by the pool, packing a picnic, or keeping dinner light and healthy, these summer salmon recipes offer something for everyone. From tropical salsas to savory skewers, each one brings a burst of color and taste to your table. Try a few this week—you might just find your new warm-weather favorite!
