I love this chowder because it’s a little lighter: instead of heavy cream, I use fat free evaporated milk! Use leftover salmon or smoked salmon in this chowder. With the addition of creamed corn, potatoes, and celery, this makes for a hearty meal! It’s quick to prepare and the leftovers may be even better than the fresh soup.
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Why I Love this Salmon Chowder
Let’s be real, I’m a big fan of chowder in general, especially living in the Pacific Northwest! But here are a few reasons I love this one…
- It’s the perfect way to use leftover salmon. We eat sous vide salmon regularly, but we’re just 2 people and often have leftovers. This is a great way to put them to good use! Smoked salmon is great here, too.
- It’s a little lighter than a traditional salmon chowder thanks to my secret ingredient: fat free evaporated milk. Fat free evaporated milk is still thick and creamy, but won’t give you that dairy hangover.
- Even with simmer and sauté times, it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
- It’s such a crowd pleaser!
What You Need to Make Salmon Chowder
You likely have all the equipment you’ll need right in your kitchen already!
- A stockpot. Cuisinart Stockpots are my favorite.
- A sharp knife.
- A cutting board.
Let’s talk about the ingredients. Most will look pretty standard, but here are a few that might standout, and why I suggest using them!
- Fat free evaporated milk. This will make your soup creamy, without the intense richness of heavy cream! If you want to, you can sub heavy cream.
- Salmon. You can use regular salmon or smoked salmon. Just make sure it is already cooked before adding to the soup! For a simple way to cook the salmon, try my sous vide salmon. You can also use smoked trout!
- Creamed corn. You can just use canned or frozen corn, but the creamed corn means creamier!
- Shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t skip this! It also adds creaminess and delicious, salty flavor.
What to Serve with Your Salmon Chowder
This chowder is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some of my favorite things to serve with it!
Get the Recipe:
Easy Salmon Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium sized onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 cups 1/2 inch diced potatoes
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried dill weed
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 cups 8 oz cooked, flaked salmon
- 1 12 fluid ounce can fat free evaporated milk
- 1 15 ounce can creamed corn
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, dill, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are soft.
- When the vegetables are done simmering, stir in the salmon, evaporated milk, creamed corn, and cheese. Cook until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve with french bread.
I made this over the weekend (and just finished off the last of the leftovers last night). SO GOOD! Using the evaporated milk to make things thick and creamy (and be healthier than if using heavy cream) is such a smart idea. Do not skip the cayenne pepper, folks! That little bit of heat is *chef’s kiss*
This recipe was delicious! I got rave’s of gratitude from my husband! A keeper!
Oh yay!
This is so easy to make and it is delicious. I have a Salmon Chowder connoisseur in my house and she applauded it!
Aw yay!
So freaking good. Definitely a but lighter / less creamy than what you’d get from a chowder with heavy cream, but delicious.
Can you freeze this recipe??
I haven’t tried to! I think it would be fine, though. If you do, please report back!
This was delishious! I used leftover baked salmon. Substituted frozen corn and used 2% milk 🫶🏻 will def make this again
This is excellent and economical using canned salmon (15 oz )
left out the cheese
Raved about by my 2 adult sons who can be picky
So good!!! I gave my daughter-in-law some to take for lunch and she said she could eat it every day!
I didn’t have cayenne pepper, so I used white pepper, and it was exquisite. Just the right level of hotness.
I’m so glad you liked it!
Outstanding! Restaurant quality five star!! Thank you for this. Was so comforting, relaxing and yummy after a busy day.