We love salmon here and try to fish for it whenever we can. Fresh salmon is nutritious, flavorful, and one of our favorite proteins to cook on a Traeger. Whether you prefer smoking, grilling, or cooking on a cedar plank, the recipes below highlight simple techniques and bold flavors that let high-quality salmon shine.
Traeger Salmon Recipes
These recipes are written for fresh, wild-caught King (Chinook) and Silver (Coho) salmon, though most will work with other wild varieties. If possible, avoid farmed Atlantic salmon—many people’s first impressions of salmon come from farmed fish, which can differ significantly in flavor and texture from wild Pacific salmon. When you use wild-caught fish, the difference is often night and day.
High-quality wild salmon is more widely available online now, so if you can source it, treat yourself. The extra cost is usually worth the superior flavor and texture.
Traeger Salmon Recipes
Traeger Grilled Salmon
Fast and forgiving, this Traeger grilled salmon is one of our go-to weeknight meals. Season with your favorite fish rub or simply salt and pepper to let the salmon’s flavor take center stage.
Traeger Smoked Salmon
An easy smoked salmon recipe that delivers homemade flavor—try it with a maple glaze for a balanced sweet-savory finish.
Lemon Pepper Traeger Grilled Salmon
This simple recipe uses a bright lemon-pepper rub for quick, flavorful salmon that’s ideal when you want something fresh and fast.
Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad
A bright orzo salad loaded with grilled salmon, Mediterranean flavors, and plenty of vegetables—great warm or chilled for leftovers.
Smoked Salmon Dip
A simple smoked salmon dip made with hot-smoked salmon and cream cheese—perfect for parties or a quick appetizer with crackers or crudités.
Lemon Pepper Smoked Salmon
Fresh salmon is brined and smoked on a wood-pellet grill, then finished with bright lemon-pepper seasoning for a clean, classic taste.
Togarashi Smoked Salmon
This version adds Japanese-inspired togarashi spices to smoked salmon for a savory, slightly spicy profile—great with rice or as an appetizer.
Teriyaki Smoked Salmon
Tender hot-smoked salmon glazed in teriyaki sauce—sweet, savory, and ideal for serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Grilled Salmon Sandwich
A tender grilled salmon fillet on crisp butter lettuce with a tangy dill aioli—simple, fresh, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
A quick teriyaki-glazed salmon that cooks fast and offers big flavor—great for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying.
Grilled Salmon in Foil
Foil-packet salmon is a foolproof method for tender, evenly cooked fillets. Add vegetables or herbs to the packet for a one-pan meal.
Traeger Honey Garlic Salmon
A sticky honey-garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully on a pellet grill—this recipe turns simple ingredients into an irresistible finish.
Cedar Plank Salmon
Cook salmon on a soaked cedar plank for subtle wood-smoke and moist, flaky fillets. A simple herb-and-lemon rub complements the wood flavor nicely.
Whole Grilled Salmon Recipe
Impressive and surprisingly manageable, grilling a whole Pacific Coho stuffed with herbs and lemon creates a great centerpiece for a gathering.
Tingly Salt Traeger Grilled Salmon
Seasoned with a bold, tingly seasoned salt inspired by award-winning kitchens, this grilled salmon showcases how a single seasoning can elevate the fish.