Healthy Creamy Leftover Salmon (Printer-friendly)
Transform leftovers into a nutritious meal with a creamy, satisfying mix of salmon and fresh vegetables ready in minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein & Dairy
01 - 2 cups cooked salmon (flaked, skin and bones removed)
02 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or reduced-fat crème fraîche)
03 - 1/4 cup light cream cheese (softened)
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 cup baby spinach (chopped)
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
06 - 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
07 - 1 clove garlic (minced)
→ Broth & Seasoning
08 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
11 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
→ To Serve
14 - 2 tablespoons chives (chopped)
15 - Cooked quinoa, rice, or whole-grain pasta (optional, for serving)
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or a little bit of broth, then sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
02 - Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted and tomatoes are soft.
03 - Stir in the broth, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. Cook, stirring, until a creamy sauce forms (about 2 minutes).
04 - Gently fold in the flaked salmon, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes more, until the salmon is heated through.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped chives. Serve over cooked quinoa, rice, or pasta if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It transforms leftovers into a rich and nutritious meal in under thirty minutes.
- The combination of Greek yogurt and cream cheese creates a luscious sauce without the heavy guilt.
02 -
- Avoid boiling the sauce rapidly after adding the yogurt or dairy to prevent it from separating.
- Always remove the skin and bones before flaking to ensure the eating experience is seamless.
03 -
- Use a silicone spatula to fold the salmon gently so it does not turn into mush.
- Let the sauce rest off the heat for a minute before serving to allow it to thicken slightly.