Looking for tasty ways to jazz up your salmon? These 18 easy topper recipes bring bold flavor, texture, and flair to your next meal.
When I first discovered how versatile salmon topper recipes could be, it was a total game changer. They’ve since become my go-to solution for meals that are fast, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
Each of these recipes delivers a delicious balance of texture and taste—crispy, creamy, sweet, savory—using just a few pantry staples. You won’t need complex tools or gourmet ingredients to make salmon feel fancy.
What I love most is the way these dishes let you mix things up. From pecan-panko crunch to herb-lemon brightness, you can match your mood or wow your guests without breaking a sweat.
These recipes are perfect whether you’re cooking for yourself or for someone special. Let’s dive into some of the most mouthwatering toppers you’ll ever meet.
1. Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan-Panko Crust
This flavor-packed salmon gets glazed with sweet honey mustard, then crowned with a crunchy pecan-panko topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that feels fancy with zero stress.
Read the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan-Panko Crust
2. Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon
Tender salmon is spread with zesty honey mustard, then topped with a crisp, herb-flecked panko coating that locks in moisture while it bakes.
In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have golden, flaky salmon that’s full of flavor and fun to make!
Read the Recipe: Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon
3. Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Whip up Parmesan Crusted Salmon in just 15 minutes with a crispy garlic-parmesan topping over tender, juicy fish. It’s a simple dish packed with bold flavor, turning everyday ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Read the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Salmon
4. Panko Crusted Salmon
This Panko Crusted Salmon is a quick and healthy dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes, with juicy salmon baked under a crispy, garlicky parmesan-panko topping. It’s super simple to make with just a few pantry staples—perfect for busy nights when you want something fast, flavorful, and better than takeout!
Read the Recipe: Panko Crusted Salmon
5. Maple-Dijon Salmon With A Garden Herb Recipe
For a flavorful and easy salmon dish, mix fresh herbs, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to create a delicious herb topper, then bake or cedar plank the salmon to perfection. Preheat the oven to 400°F, spread the herb mixture over the salmon, and bake for 15-20 minutes until just opaque in the center.
Read the Recipe: Maple-Dijon Salmon With A Garden Herb Recipe
6. Grilled Salmon & Spinach Topper
In just 15 minutes, create delicious snack bites by layering grilled salmon on sautéed garlic spinach atop whole wheat TRISCUIT Crackers. Simply heat olive oil, cook spinach with garlic until wilted, and top the crackers with salmon and fresh dill for a sophisticated, fiber-rich treat.
Read the Recipe: Grilled Salmon & Spinach Topper
7. Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze
Simply brush salmon fillets with a flavorful brown sugar and Dijon glaze and broil until the fish flakes easily, about 10 minutes. Serve this sweet and savory dish with rice and broccoli for a quick, delicious meal!
Read the Recipe: Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze
8. Crab Topped Salmon (aka, the perfect holiday meal!)
This crab topped salmon combines roasted salmon with a savory crab cake mixture for an indulgent, special meal. Simply bake salmon with butter, crabmeat, and seasonings for a delicious dish that’s perfect for the holidays.
Read the Recipe: Crab Topped Salmon (aka, the perfect holiday meal!)
9. Parmesan-Herb Baked Salmon
This Parmesan-Herb Baked Salmon is a quick and healthy dish made with fresh herbs, light mayo, and grated Parmesan for a flavorful, moist finish. Simply bake the salmon, top it with the cheesy herb mixture, and return it to the oven until golden and flaky—perfect for busy nights or special dinners.
Read the Recipe: Parmesan-Herb Baked Salmon
10. Baked Salmon with Herbs and Lemon
Bake salmon low and slow in the oven with a pan of water for moist heat, then top it with fresh herbs and lemon zest for a bright, flavorful finish. This easy method makes the salmon tender, silky, and not too fishy, perfect for a no-fuss, delicious dinner.
Read the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Herbs and Lemon
11. Pistachio-Crusted Salmon
This pistachio-crusted salmon is a quick and fancy dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes with just one pan. The mix of crunchy pistachios, zesty lemon, and sweet honey glaze makes every bite of this flaky salmon totally irresistible.
Read the Recipe: Pistachio-Crusted Salmon
12. Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze [www.simplyrecipes.com]
This quick and flavorful salmon is glazed with brown sugar and Dijon, then roasted to perfection in just 12 minutes, giving you crisp edges and buttery flakes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, it’s packed with omega-3 goodness and rich, savory-sweet flavor.
Read the Recipe: Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze [www.simplyrecipes.com]
13. Salmon with Mango Salsa
Whip up this juicy glazed salmon and top it with a fresh mango salsa for a meal that’s bright, sweet, and satisfying. With just 12 simple ingredients and 45 minutes, it’s an easy dish that feels like a summer celebration on a plate.
Read the Recipe: Salmon with Mango Salsa
14. Chef John’s Beurre Blanc
This beurre blanc recipe combines white wine, lemon juice, cream, and butter to create a rich, silky sauce perfect for seafood or vegetables. Simply simmer the liquids with shallots, then whisk in butter gradually for a smooth and luxurious finish.
Read the Recipe: Chef John’s Beurre Blanc
15. Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
This dish features tender salmon coated in a fragrant herb crust, baked until perfectly flaky. It’s finished with a drizzle of zesty lemon butter sauce, making it an easy yet elegant meal for any night.
Read the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
16. Baked Salmon with Flavorful Lemon Dill Sauce
Baked salmon is tender and flaky with a touch of salt and olive oil, then topped with a velvety lemon butter dill sauce that’s fresh, zesty, and indulgently creamy. Each bite combines the rich warmth of garlic butter with a pop of citrus and herb—simple to make, yet tastes like pure kitchen magic.
Read the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Flavorful Lemon Dill Sauce
17. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Sticky, sweet, and bursting with garlicky goodness, this one-pan Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is ready in just 20 minutes and requires no flipping—perfect for weeknights. Each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and bold flavor that’ll make you dance in the kitchen.
Read the Recipe: Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
18. Lemon Panko-Crusted Salmon
Make a delicious Lemon Panko-Crusted Salmon by brushing salmon fillets with melted butter, then topping them with a crispy mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, and herbs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork for a quick and healthy meal.
Read the Recipe: Lemon Panko-Crusted Salmon