21 Anti-Inflammatory Salmon Recipes
Salmon is perhaps the most celebrated anti-inflammatory protein due to its exceptionally high content of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These healthy fats are scientifically proven to reduce the production of substances that cause inflammation. When combined with antioxidant-rich herbs, spices, and vegetables, salmon becomes a powerful tool for health.
1. Turmeric-Ginger Roasted Salmon
Inspired by traditional Vietnamese flavors, this dish combines the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric and ginger with heart-healthy salmon.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, turmeric, garlic, honey, lime juice, and olive oil.
- Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the marinade generously over the salmon.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
2. Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon with Beets and Broccoli
Beets and broccoli provide a double dose of antioxidants to complement the omega-3s in the salmon.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 medium beets, peeled and sliced into wedges
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss beets with olive oil and roast for 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli and salmon to the sheet pan.
- Mix melted butter with garlic and pour over the salmon and vegetables.
- Roast for another 12-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill.
3. Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Herbs and Olives
This dish is rich in monounsaturated fats from olive oil and polyphenols from olives.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs salmon side or fillets
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place salmon in a baking dish. Surround with olives, tomatoes, and lemon slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
4. Honey-Mustard Herbed Salmon
A classic recipe that uses Dijon mustard and fresh herbs for a flavorful, anti-inflammatory boost.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Whisk together mustard, honey, herbs, and oil.
- Spread the mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
5. Pan-Seared Turmeric Salmon with Cumin
A spice-forward dish that highlights the peppery notes of turmeric.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salmon fillets
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Rub the spices onto the salmon fillets.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
6. Salmon and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
Avocados provide additional healthy fats and vitamin E, which are great for reducing inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey.
Instructions:
- Toss greens, avocado, and onion in a large bowl.
- Top with flaked salmon.
- Drizzle with the lime dressing.
7. Salmon Foil Packets with Asparagus and Lemon
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 1 bunch asparagus, 4 lemon slices, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic.
Instructions: Place salmon and asparagus on foil. Top with garlic, oil, and lemon. Seal and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
8. Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 2 heads bok choy, 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil.
Instructions: Roast salmon and bok choy with the glaze at 400°F for 12 minutes.
9. Salmon and Sweet Potato Power Bowls
Ingredients: 1 lb roasted salmon, 2 cups roasted sweet potatoes, 2 cups kale, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds.
Instructions: Assemble bowls with salmon, potatoes, and kale. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon.
10. Pesto-Crusted Salmon
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 1/4 cup basil pesto (made with olive oil and walnuts), 1/4 cup almond meal.
Instructions: Spread pesto on salmon, sprinkle with almond meal. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
11. Moroccan Spiced Salmon with Quinoa
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2 cups cooked quinoa.
Instructions: Rub salmon with spices and sear. Serve over quinoa with fresh mint.
12. Salmon and Spinach Curry
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon (cubed), 1 can coconut milk, 4 cups spinach, 1 tbsp red curry paste, 1 tsp turmeric.
Instructions: Simmer coconut milk and curry paste. Add salmon and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and turmeric.
13. Baked Salmon with Fennel and Orange
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 1 fennel bulb (sliced), 1 orange (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil.
Instructions: Roast fennel and orange slices with salmon at 375°F for 20 minutes.
14. Salmon Burgers with Ginger and Scallions
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon (finely chopped), 2 scallions, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 egg, 1/4 cup almond flour.
Instructions: Mix ingredients, form into patties, and pan-fry in olive oil until cooked through.
15. Salmon and Blueberry Salad
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked salmon, 1 cup blueberries, 4 cups spinach, 1/4 cup walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette.
Instructions: Blueberries and walnuts add massive antioxidant and omega-3 boosts to this salad.
16. Lemon-Dill Poached Salmon
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 lemon (sliced), 4 sprigs fresh dill.
Instructions: Simmer broth with lemon and dill. Gently poach salmon for 8-10 minutes.
17. Salmon and Zucchini Noodle “Pasta”
Ingredients: 1 lb grilled salmon, 4 cups zucchini noodles, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, red pepper flakes.
Instructions: Sauté zoodles with garlic and oil. Top with flaked salmon and red pepper flakes.
18. Miso-Glazed Salmon with Steamed Broccoli
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 1 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ginger, 3 cups broccoli.
Instructions: Brush miso glaze on salmon. Roast with broccoli at 400°F for 12 minutes.
19. Salmon and Kale Caesar Salad (Dairy-Free)
Ingredients: 1 lb grilled salmon, 4 cups kale, dressing: 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder.
Instructions: Massage kale with tahini dressing. Top with salmon and nutritional yeast.
20. Sheet Pan Salmon with Rainbow Carrots
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon, 1 bunch rainbow carrots, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin.
Instructions: Roast carrots with oil and cumin for 15 minutes. Add salmon and roast for 12 more minutes.
21. Salmon and Walnut-Crusted Fillets
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 1/2 cup crushed walnuts, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey.
Instructions: Brush salmon with mustard and honey. Press walnuts onto the top. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
