Healthy Creamy Leftover Salmon (Print Version)
Transform leftovers into a nutritious meal with flaked fish in a light, creamy sauce.
# What You 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 Prepare:
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 Advice:
01 -
- It transforms leftover cooked salmon into a completely new and exciting meal.
- The sauce is rich and creamy but packed with protein and nutrients.
02 -
- Keep the heat at medium once the dairy is added to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Fold the salmon in gently at the end to keep the flakes distinct and texture intact.
03 -
- Sauté kale or Swiss chard if you want a green that holds a bit more texture than spinach.
- Serve immediately to prevent the spinach from overcooking in the residual heat.