When if comes to quick recipes, it doesn't get much better than this canned salmon over rice. With a few simple ingredients, it puts your boring can of salmon (or leftover salmon) and day-old rice to good use as the perfect meal when you don't have much time! An incredibly flexible recipe, I'm sure you'll be able to make one of these delicious variations no matter what you have on hand.
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Meet my favorite quick not-really-a-recipe recipe!
Fluffy rice, canned salmon and whatever vegetables you have on hand, it is my go-to clean-out-the-fridge quick lunch on days when I haven't done meal prep.
And the best part is that it never gets boring. With 5 variations in my rotation, I could eat this healthy meal several times a week and never tire of it.
So if you have canned salmon, are in need of a simple meal, and are looking for a way to make it a little bit more exciting, I hope you will find that you love these versions as much as I do!
The Ingredients

- Canned Salmon- You could also use leftover cooked salmon instead of canned salmon.
- Cooked Rice- Anything works for this simple meal- white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or even another grain such as quinoa.
- Sauces and/or Seasonings
- Vegetables and Toppings
The Method
1. Mix Salmon. Drain the can of salmon and place it in a bowl. Mix together with the sauces/seasonings of your desired flavor.

2. Prepare Rice. Cook rice or reheat leftover rice in the microwave (TIP: If you microwave rice, place an ice cube on top to prevent it from drying out).

3. Assemble. Place the cooked rice and salmon mixture in a bowl. Top with vegetables, seeds and additional sauce as desired. See below for different variations and ideas for what to include!

4. Serve.

Leftovers and Storage
Make Ahead: The "salmon salad" portion can be mixed a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, heat rice, mix with the salmon and top with vegetables.
To Store: This meal is best served fresh. If you don't anticipate eating it all, keep the different elements separate stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and then assemble leftovers for a fresh bowl at a later time for best results.

Variations
I make these 5 flavor variation ideas of this salmon rice bowl recipe on repeat. But feel free to get creative and make your own! You could also try using canned tuna to make it into a tuna salad rice bowl instead.
Spicy Sriracha
- Seasonings: Mix salmon with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- Vegetable and Toppings Suggestions: Avocado, cucumber, green onion, sesame seeds, seaweed snacks
Curried
- Seasonings: Mix salmon with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of curry powder and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- Vegetable and Toppings Suggestions: Carrots, peas, celery, radishes, red bell pepper, green onion, lemon zest, sunflower seeds
Maple Dijon
- Seasonings: Mix salmon with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
- Vegetable and Toppings Suggestions: Asparagus, arugula, carrots, leftover roasted vegetables, alfalfa sprouts, Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Creamy Sweet Chili
- Seasonings: Mix salmon with 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (I love using this wholesome and delicious recipe!)
- Vegetable and Toppings Suggestions: Red bell pepper, cabbage, carrots, cucumber
Sesame Soy Ginger
- Seasonings: Mix salmon with 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos (or soy sauce), 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
- Vegetable and Toppings Suggestions: Green beans, edamame, broccoli, carrots, green onions, sesame seeds

Serving Ideas
You can definitely change up the vegetables or add as many more as your would like on top- I often just use whatever is in the fridge. Here are some great options:
- Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green beans
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Alfalfa Sprouts
- Leftover Roasted or Sautéed Vegetables (such as Roasted Asparagus and Carrots or Sautéed Frozen Green Beans)
Add texture (I highly recommend roasting nuts for best flavor!):
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Seaweed sheets
I personally prefer to use canned sockeye salmon as I find it the tastiest and it has one of the higher concentrations of omega 3s but I have made these countless times with canned pink salmon as well and they are also great.
Dietary Notes
LET ME PLAN YOUR DINNERS! Get My FREE Meal Plan (Including Grocery List!)>>>
If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:
- Dairy Free- If you choose a flavor without Greek yogurt.
- Gluten Free
And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like:

Canned Salmon Over Rice (5 Ways!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup rice cooked
- 1 (5 or 6 oz) can salmon
- salt and pepper to taste
Spicy Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon sriracha
Curry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Maple Dijon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Creamy Sweet Chili
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayo
Sesame Soy Ginger
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
Vegetables and Toppings (1-2 Cups)
- Vegetables cucumber, avocado, carrots, peas, cauliflower, asparagus
- Herbs cilantro, parsley, green onions
- Nuts almonds, cashews, pecans
- Seeds sunflower, sesame, pumpkin
Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon and place it in a bowl. Mix together with the sauces/seasonings of your desired flavor.
- Cook or reheat rice and add to the bowl with the salmon. Top with desired vegetables, nuts, seeds and herbs. See post body for topping ideas.
- Serve!
Tori
Who knew something as simple as canned salmon and rice could be so tasty! Such a handy recipe to have in your back pocket for busy days.
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Tori! Thank you for your kind review.
Kushigalu
Healthy and delicious salmon recipe to try. Thanks for sharing.
Ali
Wow all these variations looks absolutely delicious! Especially can’t wait to try the sesame soy ginger version and the spicy sriracha version!
Janessa
I hope you love them! Thank you for your kind comments.
Gabby
I love that there are so many sauces to choose from here! I've made several versions for my husband now who says the spicy sriracha is his fave. So good!
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Gabby!
Cara Campbell
I tried this with the spicy sriracha seasoning and it was amazing! It's totally transformed the way I look at canned salmon. Thank you!
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Cara!
Elizabeth
Lately I've been eating a lot of different rice and grain bowls, so this recipe is a great find. The maple dijon variation sounds delicious.
Janessa
I hope you love it, Elizabeth! The maple dijon is one of my faves.
Jill
We tried the Creamy Sweet Chili and the Sesame Soy Ginger. Wonderful. My son took a flat of salmon and bag of rice to his camp job. He said he will live on this for his 2 week stint. Thanks
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for your kind comment, Jill!