What to Put in A Salmon Sandwich (38 Easy Ideas)

We all love a good salmon sandwich, but what goes into one?

If you’re looking for new and exciting ways to jazz up your lunchtime staple, here are 38 ideas for what to put on a salmon sandwich that are sure to leave you satisfied.

Related Post: Side Dishes to Serve with Salmon

What to Put on A Salmon Sandwich

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a creative dinner, salmon sandwiches are one of the best ways to spice up your meal.

Salmon is full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which means it’s great for your body and brain.

It also tastes delicious and naturally pairs well with other ingredients, so it’s easy to create something new without having to worry about getting bored of the same old thing!

Here are 38 ideas for what to put on a salmon sandwich:

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of those things that you think you don’t like until you try it and realize how much better your life would be if you ate more of it.

It’s crunchy, refreshing, and adds some much-needed color to your sandwich.

2. Tomato

Tomatoes are a classic because they’re delicious—and we all know that red equals love!

They also add a nice tangy flavor to your sandwich that won’t overpower anything else on there (unless you want it too).

3. A Hard-Boiled Egg

Hard-boiled eggs are a great addition to your lunchtime meal because they’re easy to pack, they have a healthy dose of protein (and some healthy fats), and they’re super filling.

Plus, if you’re looking for something slightly crunchy and satisfying for your sandwich, hard-boiled eggs are definitely going to do the trick!

4. Mustard

Mustard is a great topping for salmon sandwiches because it adds flavor without overpowering the fish itself.

You can experiment with different types of mustard—there are grainy ones that have a bit more texture when spread on bread, or smooth versions that are easier to spread evenly across your bread slices.

Some people even like mixing their mustards together for an extra kick!

5. Mayonnaise (Or Miracle Whip)

Thick and creamy mayonnaise can really make your sandwich shine, and you’ll need something to hold all those other ingredients together anyway!

We recommend Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise because it has a more natural flavor than other brands and it comes in recyclable packaging.

Miracle Whip is another great option if you want something tangier (and lower-fat) than mayo.

6. Dill Pickles

Dill pickles are always a good addition to any sandwich because they bring their own flavor—but especially when paired with salmon.

They’re tart and slightly sweet (the perfect balance for fish), and they give this sandwich a much-needed kick!

7. Bacon—And More Bacon!

Bacon isn’t just for breakfast anymore—it can be used in so many different ways!

Try adding some crispy strips on top of your salmon sandwich for an extra boost of flavor.

8. Cheese

Cheese is also a great thing to put on your salmon sandwich—but not just any cheese will do!

There are certain guidelines that you should follow when selecting cheese for this particular sandwich.

The first thing you need to consider when picking out your cheese is how much saltiness it has—you want something mild enough that it won’t overpower your other ingredients, but still flavorful enough to add some pizzazz!

If you’re looking for a milder option that still packs a punch flavor-wise, then Swiss cheese would be perfect for this type of meal!

9. Onion

Onions pair well with any meat or fish because they give the sandwich some extra sweetness without being overpowering—you can’t go wrong with red onions because they have more flavor than white onions but aren’t so sweet they’ll mess up your palate either!

10. Devilled Eggs

Devilled eggs are just as good on a salmon sandwich as they are on their own.

The only difference is they take up more space on your plate!

If you’re looking to save room, try wrapping your devilled eggs in bacon before putting them on your sandwich instead of adding them whole.

You’ll get all the creamy goodness without taking up any more room in your belly!

11. Cucumber Slices

Cucumbers are a good addition to any sandwich, but they’re especially good on salmon sandwiches because they add a nice fresh flavor and crunchy texture.

But make sure they’re fresh—you want them firm and crisp.

If you can find them locally grown in season (usually spring through fall), even better!

12. Avocado

You can’t go wrong with avocado.

It’s healthy, it’s delicious, and it’s a great way to add some crunch to your salmon sandwich.

The only problem is that you might have trouble finding the perfect avocado—a ripe avocado is soft to the touch, but not too soft; its skin should be green and free of blemishes; and it should smell like… well… an avocado (but not too strongly).

If you’re having trouble getting your hands on a ripe avocado, try putting one in a paper bag overnight to speed up the ripening process!

13. Capers

Capers are the perfect way to add a little zing to your salmon sandwich.

They’re small, salty bits of pickled flower buds that will give your sandwich a flavor explosion—and they’re super easy to find at any grocery store.

Just make sure you don’t put too much on—a little goes a long way!

14. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is also an excellent addition to any dish that needs a little zest.

It’s tangy and fresh, and it helps bring out the flavor in other ingredients (like capers) without overpowering them.

You can even use it as a marinade for your fish before cooking if you’re going for something extra special!

15. Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, Chives)

Fresh herbs are amazing. Our favorite combo is parsley and dill—they’re both so bright and fresh that they add a great pop of flavor to any dish.

But if you don’t have them on hand, don’t worry!

Chives work just as well in a pinch.

And if you want to add more than one herb?

Go for it!

It’s hard to overdo when it comes to adding fresh herbs to just about anything.

16. Grated Lemon Zest

The second ingredient that makes this sandwich stand out is lemon zest!

The zest of a lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly, while also adding some extra flavor dimension to the whole dish.

It’s easy enough to add this topping yourself—just grab a Microplane grater and grate some fresh lemon over your fish before serving!

17. Sriracha (Because Who Doesn’t Love Spicy Food?)

If you’re looking for a spicy kick to your salmon sandwich, add sriracha to it.

A little bit goes a long way, but if you like things hot and spicy, then this is definitely something to consider.

It adds just enough spice to make your mouth water, but not so much that it burns or numbs your taste buds.

18. Fried Shallots or Onion Rings

Fried shallots and onion rings are amazing on just about anything—sandwiches, salads, tacos—you name it!

They’re easy to make too: just slice some onions really thin (you can use a mandolin if you have one) then throw them in hot oil for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.

You can also buy fried shallots at most grocery stores now!

19. Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is the perfect complement to a salmon sandwich.

It’s like a super-saucy, mayo-based alternative to mustard or ketchup.

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your sandwich, tartar sauce is a great option.

We recommend spreading it on both sides of the bun for maximum flavor!

20. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese also goes great with fish, but unlike tartar sauce it adds a cool, creamy texture to your sandwich.

It can be used as an alternative to mayo or butter if you’re looking for something that’s not quite as rich, or if you just want something different than the usual suspects!

21. Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is an excellent choice for a number of reasons.

First, it’s creamy, which helps to keep your sandwich moist and delicious.

And it’s also mild—so if you like your salmon on the salty side, then goat cheese will bring some balance.

Plus, it adds a nice tangy flavor that pairs well with salmon.

22. Guacamole

Guacamole is also quite versatile when it comes to pairing with different types of fish and meats.

It can be used as a dip or spread—and even as a topping for your sandwich!

It has a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies like lettuce or cabbage—and its flavor profile is pretty mild so it won’t overpower anything else in your meal (like those strong flavors from goat cheese).

23. Butter

Butter is a classic topping for salmon, and it’s easy to see why: it adds a creamy layer that holds everything together so there’s no soggy bread by the end of your meal.

We recommend using a small amount of butter per slice of bread—a little goes a long way!

Butter goes great with… everything!

It pairs especially well with vegetables like carrots and onions because it adds a hint of sweetness that helps balance out the savory flavor.

24. Grated Carrots

Grated carrots are another delicious way to add flavor and texture to your salmon sandwich.

They add a freshness that makes this sandwich feel like something special instead of just another meal on the menu at your local sandwich shop.

Grated carrots can be used in place of lettuce or tomato if you’re looking for an alternative topping that still adds crunchy texture but isn’t as messy as other options (like sliced vegetables).

25. Arugula

Arugula is a great topping for salmon sandwiches because it’s an easy way to add some crunch and texture.

It also adds a little bit of flavor, but not so much that it overwhelms the taste of the fish and toppings.

Arugula is a classic pairing with salmon because it’s so light and fresh-tasting, so we recommend adding just enough arugula to your sandwich so that it doesn’t overpower anything else on there.

26. Aioli

Aioli is basically mayonnaise that has been flavored with garlic and lemon juice (or another acid).

It’s one of those sauces that you either love or hate, but if you’re a fan, then you’ll love it even more when paired with salmon.

The creamy texture and bright flavor of aioli bring out the best in both the fish and any accompanying toppings—especially arugula!

27. Pesto

Pesto is a great way to add a lot of flavor to your sandwich without overloading it with ingredients or making it too heavy.

Use a light hand when applying pesto to your bread, and don’t put too much on—a little goes a long way!

Also, don’t forget about those fresh herbs; when you’re making your own pesto at home, you can add whatever herbs you have on hand! We recommend using mint or basil if available.

28. Fresh Mint Leaves

Fresh mint leaves are another great topping for salmon sandwiches—they’re light and refreshing, but also pack a punch when it comes to flavor.

If you don’t have any fresh mint leaves lying around (or even if you do), consider adding some dried mint leaves instead—they’ll still add that same freshness and brightness that fresh mint would have provided!

29. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great way to add some creaminess and tang to your sandwich without adding too much fat.

It’s also a great way to add a little protein boost, which will help keep you full longer!

Try mixing in some herbs or spices for even more flavor.

30. Spinach Leaves

We’re big fans of spinach leaves as a topping for sandwiches because they add some freshness and crunch without being too overpowering or heavy.

The best part?

They pair so well with all kinds of seafood that you can use them on almost any dish that contains fish or shellfish!

31. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can give your salmon sandwich an edge.

It’s made with tamarind and anchovies, which gives it a tangy flavor that pairs well with fish, especially salmon.

You can add it to mayonnaise or mustard for a delicious spread, or use it as an ingredient to add extra zing to other types of sandwiches.

32. Ketchup or Barbecue Sauce

Ketchup and barbecue sauce are two classic toppings for grilled or smoked salmon, but they’re also great ways to give your regular ol’ sandwich some serious flavor!

You can use them on sandwiches spread with mayonnaise or mustard, or just slather them on their own—they’re great either way!

33. Sliced Radishes

Radishes are a great way to add some color and crunch to your sandwich.

They pair well with salmon because they have a similar texture, so they don’t compete with the fish.

If you’re making a sandwich for someone who likes spicy food, the following option will be a good choice.

34. Sliced Jalapeño Peppers

Jalapeño peppers are another great option if you want to add some heat to your meal.

They also pair well with radishes since they have similar textures—you’ll get both heat and crunch when you put them together on your sandwich!

35. Mango Chutney

Mango chutney is a sweet, tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of salmon.

It adds a little extra sweetness and savory flavor to your sandwich without overpowering it—and its bright orange hue makes for an eye-catching addition.

Try pairing it with avocado for a creamy texture, or adding a slice of tomato for some freshness.

36. Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts are an amazing addition to your salmon sandwich because they provide texture and depth of flavor without being overpowering.

They’re also super easy to add—just open up a can and pour them right into your sandwich!

37. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great choice for salmon sandwiches because it adds a smooth texture and mild flavor that can’t be beat.

It also helps keep the bread from getting soggy or falling apart, which is always a plus.

If you’re serving this sandwich at a picnic or outdoor event, it’s important to use olive oil instead of butter—butter tends to melt in warm temperatures and will make your bread fall apart faster.

If you opt for butter instead, just be sure to add some moisture-absorbing ingredients like saltines or pita chips so your sandwich doesn’t get too soggy.

38. Onion Powder

Onion powder is another perfect topping for this kind of sandwich because it brings out the richness of the fish.

Onion powder pairs especially well with cheese and vegetables, so if you’re looking for something more than just grilled onions on your sandwich, this is an easy way to add some variety to your meal.

How to Decide What to Put in A Salmon Sandwich

Salmon sandwiches are a great choice for a quick, healthy lunch.

You can put them on the table in under ten minutes, and they’re delicious!

But how do you decide what goes into a salmon sandwich?

Here are some tips:

1. What Do You Like Eating with Salmon?

Salmon is really versatile, so you can mix and match a lot of things with it.

The best thing to do is to think about what you like to eat on its own, and then build your sandwich around that.

If you like something crunchy and salty, then it’s probably not a good idea to put too much avocado or vegetables in your sandwich—they’ll get lost in the mix.

If you’re looking for a creamy spread, then maybe try adding some guacamole or something else creamy instead of more veggies.

2. What Kind of Person Are You?

Are you someone who likes their food simple or complicated?

If so, then simple ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes might be best for your sandwich.

Or maybe you’re someone who likes to mix things up! In that case, maybe some bacon would be nice—but maybe not too much bacon because then it will overpower the other flavors in your sandwich.

3. How Much Time Do You Have?

It’s important to consider how much time it will take for each step of making this meal before deciding what to put in it!

If you only have 15 minutes before work starts, then you probably won’t have time to make your own mayonnaise from scratch—which is totally fine because there are plenty of store-bought options that are just as good (and delicious).

4. Consider the Flavor Profile

Do you want the salmon to be mild? Or do you want the flavor to knock your socks off?

If you want something more subtle, go with a cucumber-dill sauce or a light mayonnaise dressing.

If you want something more intense, go for lemon juice and dill or parsley and garlic instead.

5. What Do You Have on Hand?

Look at what ingredients are already in your kitchen and consider how they might work together with salmon—or not!

Maybe there’s an amazing sauce recipe that uses lemon juice and capers; maybe there’s an amazing dressing recipe that uses horseradish; maybe there’s a delicious dip recipe that uses tzatziki sauce (if all else fails).

Use those as inspiration for what kind of toppings would be best for your sandwich!

6. What’s in Season?

This is an important factor, and it should be one of your first considerations when deciding what to put in a salmon sandwich.

Salmon is at its best when it’s fresh and local, so if you can get your hands on some fish that just came out of the water that morning, you’re going to want to give it a try!

But even if you’re using frozen salmon, being aware of what’s in season will help you choose which variety of salmon to purchase—and this will have an impact on the flavor and texture of your sandwich.

7. Are There Any Allergies?

Another thing to consider when deciding what to put in a salmon sandwich is whether or not there are any allergies that need to be considered.

If you or anyone who will be eating the salmon sandwich has an allergy to fish, then it’s best not to include it at all.

There are plenty of other options for protein in sandwiches and salads that don’t involve fish.

8. What’s Your Budget for The Sandwich?

Deciding what to put in your salmon sandwich is a lot easier if you know how much you’re willing to spend.

If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to stay away from ingredients like caviar and foie gras, as well as anything that comes from endangered species.

On the other hand, if money isn’t an issue for you, then go ahead and get creative! You could even try out a new recipe for the sandwich itself—the sky’s the limit!

9. Consider the Time of Day

Also, consider what time of day your sandwich will be eaten and how hungry you are when eating it.

If it’s lunchtime and you’re ravenous and need something filling right away, then don’t bother with too many ingredients that will get cold quickly or otherwise ruin the flavor of everything else in the sandwich.

On the other hand, if it’s breakfast time and you’ve already eaten breakfast but still want something savory before heading off to work (or school!), then feel free to get creative with your ingredients!

10. Consider the Location

Also, think about where you’re going to eat the sandwich.

If it’s going to be eaten at home, then you can get as creative as you want with your ingredients.

However, if it’s going to be eaten on the run or somewhere that isn’t conducive to eating messy food (like a train), then keep things simple and easy-to-eat.

11. What Else Are You Eating?

Another quite important thing to consider when deciding what to put in a salmon sandwich is what else you’re eating.

If you’re having a salad and some bread, then it’s probably fine to add some salmon.

But if you’re having a burger and fries, it’s probably better to just stick with the burger and fries, or maybe just have another serving of fries.

The reason for this is that salmon contains many nutrients that are good for your body—but if you eat too much, it can be hard on your digestive system.

12. How Many People Are You Making The Sandwich For?

Another consideration when deciding what ingredients to put in a salmon sandwich is how many people you’re making it for.

If you’re making one sandwich for yourself, then you can get away with using more expensive ingredients like wild-caught salmon and organic vegetables without feeling guilty about wasting them (or even just buying them).

However, if there are several people eating the same meal, then it might make more sense for you to use less expensive ingredients like farmed salmon and conventional veggies instead of going all out on your ingredients list because they’ll have more options than one person would have had on their plate if they’d eaten off their plate alone!

13. Are There Any Dietary Restrictions?

For example, if your friend has allergies, or if she’s just on a low-sodium diet, you’ll want to avoid using salt or soy sauce in your dish.

You can also try using lemon juice instead of vinegar, which will give you the same tang but won’t add extra sodium.

If you’re making this for yourself and don’t have any dietary restrictions, then feel free to experiment!