What to Make With Leftover Leftover Salmon and Mushrooms

Transform yesterday's salmon into something entirely new—whether you're in the mood for something bracing or deeply satisfying.

Leftover salmon is a gift, and when you pair it with mushrooms and pasta, you've got the bones of something genuinely good. There's no need to simply reheat what's already been cooked. Instead, think of these ingredients as a starting point for a dish that feels intentional, built layer by layer with care.

If you're trying to figure out what to make with what you have, you're not alone. Mealmizer was made for this. Try Mealmizer Free

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Salmon Pasta

Total Time: 20 minutes • Serves: 2

A quick and elegant pasta dish combining flaky salmon with sautéed mushrooms in a light garlic cream sauce. Perfect for transforming leftovers into a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

8 oz pasta
6 oz leftover salmon, flaked
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup pasta water
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of half a lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in cream and pasta water, stirring to combine. Gently fold in flaked salmon and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Toss cooked pasta with the salmon-mushroom sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Quick Variations

Lighter Option

A delicate toss of flaked salmon, sautéed mushrooms, and tender pasta with fresh lemon, herbs, and a whisper of olive oil lets each ingredient shine without heaviness.

Hearty Option

Fold everything together with cream or a light butter sauce, perhaps some white wine or dill, to create something rich enough for a proper dinner.

Vegetarian or Flexible Option

Skip the salmon and double down on mushrooms—roasted until golden, then combined with pasta and a savory sauce—for an entirely different but equally satisfying meal.

Simple Substitutions

Protein Substitutes

Trout or other white fish
Canned tuna or mackerel
Smoked salmon
Shrimp
Diced chicken breast

Carb Substitutes

Rice
Couscous
Polenta
Orzo
Risotto rice
Bread or toast

Flavor Boosters

Fresh dill or tarragon
Lemon zest and juice
Garlic and shallots
Capers or cornichons
White wine or vermouth
Dijon mustard

Common Questions

How do I prevent the salmon from becoming dry or overcooked?

Add the flaked salmon at the very end, just to warm through. Since it's already cooked, it needs only a minute or two—any longer and it'll turn tough and stringy.

What's the best way to prepare mushrooms for this dish?

Sauté them in butter or oil over medium-high heat until golden and tender, about 5–7 minutes. Let them caramelize slightly for deeper flavor without turning them rubbery.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Cook the pasta and mushrooms ahead, but assemble the whole dish just before serving. Leftover salmon doesn't reheat well, so keeping it separate until the last moment keeps everything fresh and properly textured.