Imagine a meal that’s both incredibly healthy and bursting with flavor. These **salmon burgers** are exactly that—a vibrant, high-protein alternative to traditional burgers, perfectly complemented by creamy tzatziki and a crisp, tangy broccoli slaw. Seasoned with a medley of fresh, chopped herbs, bright lemon zest, savory scallions, and a hint of classic Old Bay, each patty is a testament to fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in harmony. They’re not just good for you; they’re utterly delicious and incredibly satisfying.

I first created these salmon burgers as a delicious way to use up leftover baked salmon, and they quickly became a cherished weekly staple in my kitchen. What makes them so special? They’re incredibly zesty, wonderfully juicy, and packed with bright, fresh flavors from the lemon and herbs, all beautifully enhanced by that signature dash of Old Bay spice. While I adore serving them with a cooling dollop of homemade tzatziki and a vibrant, crunchy broccoli slaw, their versatility means they also pair wonderfully with a shaved Brussels sprout salad or quick pickled onions. If you’re seeking a lighter burger that confidently holds its shape and delivers on taste without feeling like a “health food” compromise, you’ve found your perfect recipe.

And the magic doesn’t stop there! This recipe provides fantastic opportunities for repurposing. The leftover salmon burger, combined with the delightful broccoli slaw, some fluffy quinoa pilaf, a generous scoop of homemade tzatziki, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta, transforms into an epic grain bowl for lunch the next day. It’s a delightful medley of crunchy, tangy, and profoundly flavorful textures that you’ll absolutely love.

Table of Contents

• Why These Salmon Burgers Are a Must-Try
• Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
• Creative Variations for Your Salmon Burgers
• Professional Tips for Perfect Patties
• Step-by-Step: How to Make Flavorful Salmon Burgers
• Chef Lindsey’s Recipe Tip
• Recipe FAQs
• Recommended Lunch Recipes
• Salmon Burgers Recipe Card
• Before You Go

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

• Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using leftover baked fresh salmon. The recipe is designed to be flexible with the amount of salmon you have. If fresh isn’t available, well-drained canned salmon can be a convenient substitute, but be mindful to adjust the salt content, as canned varieties can be quite salty. While this recipe is forgiving, for optimal results, I wouldn’t recommend using more than 20 oz of salmon, as it could affect the patty’s binding.
• Hamburger Buns: The bun is crucial for any burger experience! Feel free to choose your favorite: a classic sesame seed bun, a healthier whole wheat bun, or for an extra touch of richness, a homemade brioche bun. If you’re going gluten-free or low-carb, lettuce wraps are an excellent alternative.
• Kosher Salt: Don’t underestimate the role of salt in this recipe, both for seasoning and for enhancing the texture of the salmon. It’s important to use kosher salt, which has larger granules and is less salty per teaspoon compared to fine table salt or sea salt. This allows for more precise seasoning without over-salting. Adjust to your personal preference after an initial taste test of the salmon mixture.
• Scallions: These add a wonderfully mild, oniony bite and a hint of freshness. I typically separate them, using the white and light green parts for the burger patties and reserving the dark green parts for the colorful broccoli slaw. If you don’t have scallions, finely diced yellow onions or fresh chives can offer a similar aromatic contribution.
• Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs are key for two reasons: they help bind the patties together, ensuring they don’t crumble during cooking, and they contribute to a desirable firm yet tender texture. Both homemade breadcrumbs or store-bought panko breadcrumbs work well. Just opt for plain varieties or adjust your other seasonings accordingly if using seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic seafood seasoning adds a distinctive, zesty, and slightly spicy depth of flavor that truly complements the salmon. While you can find many recipes to make your own Old Bay Seasoning (I sometimes omit celery salt and white pepper for a slightly customized blend), a store-bought version is perfectly fine if you’re already a fan of its unique taste.
• Tzatziki: This creamy, cool, and herbaceous Greek yogurt sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the rich salmon. My homemade tzatziki, made with fresh dill, cucumber, and garlic, is exceptionally delicious and highly recommended. However, classic mayonnaise, a tangy tartar sauce, or even the lemon-mint yogurt sauce from my ground chicken burger recipe are all fantastic alternatives if you’re looking to change things up.
• Broccoli Slaw Mix: The recipe yields a generous amount of slaw, which is perfect for enjoying as leftovers or for serving a larger crowd. If you prefer a smaller quantity, simply use half of each bag of slaw mix and halve the dressing ingredients. For additional substitution options or to explore making your slaw entirely from scratch, be sure to check out my comprehensive healthy broccoli slaw recipe post!
• **Fresh Dill & Cilantro:** These fresh herbs are non-negotiable for that bright, aromatic lift that defines these burgers. Their delicate flavors meld beautifully with the salmon and lemon.
• **Lemon Zest & Juice:** Providing essential brightness and acidity, lemon zest is packed with concentrated citrus oil, while the juice adds a tangy kick. Don’t skip these for a truly vibrant burger.
• **Large Egg:** Acts as the primary binder, holding all the patty ingredients together, especially crucial after the chilling step.

Refer to the complete recipe card below for precise measurements and quantities of all ingredients.

Creative Variations for Your Salmon Burgers

• Make Them Gluten-Free. It’s easy to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet. Simply swap out regular hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free buns. Crucially, remember to use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patty mixture. For an even lighter option, serve your salmon burgers as a delicious lettuce wrap, using large, crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine hearts.
• Fry Them in the Air Fryer! For a quick and mess-free cooking method, the air fryer is your friend. Ensure your salmon patties are thoroughly chilled (at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for optimal firmness). Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a perforated liner to prevent sticking. Cook each burger at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should be warm, not steaming, as the salmon is already cooked.
• Experiment with Different Toppings. While tzatziki and broccoli slaw are a fantastic combination, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding juicy tomato slices, refreshing cucumber, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, or tangy quick-pickled red onions for extra crunch and zing. You could also swap out the herbs in the patty for different fresh varieties like mint or parsley to create a more summery flavor profile. For a BBQ twist, serve with a generous dollop of homemade BBQ sauce and classic dill pickles. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a side scoop of baked mac and cheese is always a welcome addition!
• Mix Up the Sides! Beyond the recommended broccoli slaw, these versatile salmon burgers pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast, or a traditional creamy coleslaw. Roasted summer squash or sweet roasted carrots make excellent seasonal accompaniments. You could also opt for my healthy creamy slaw for a different take on the classic.
• Grilling Option: If you prefer to grill, ensure your grill grates are very clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Cook over medium-high heat, carefully flipping once, until nicely charred and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chilling step is especially crucial for grilling.

Professional Tips for Perfect Patties

• Always Taste the Salmon Mix Before Adding the Egg. This is a golden rule in cooking! Since the salmon is already cooked at this stage, tasting the mixture before incorporating the raw egg allows you to adjust the seasoning perfectly. Add more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra pinch of Old Bay until the flavor is exactly how you like it. Once the egg is in, it’s safer not to taste.
• Do Not Skip the Chilling Process. This step is absolutely crucial for the success of your salmon burgers, so resist the temptation to rush it! Chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes, and ideally 2 hours, serves multiple purposes: it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, helps the breadcrumbs and egg bind the mixture more effectively, and most importantly, firms up the patties significantly. This firmness prevents them from falling apart when they hit the hot pan or grill, ensuring a beautiful, intact burger.
• Prevent Patties from Sticking to the Pan. Nobody wants a burger stuck to the pan! To avoid this, always preheat your grill pan or skillet thoroughly over medium heat before adding any oil. Once hot, lightly oil the pan with a neutral-flavored oil (like canola or grapeseed, not olive oil which can burn at high heat). The combination of a hot, oiled surface and allowing the patties to develop a good, brown crust before attempting to move or flip them will ensure they release easily and cook beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix the Patty Mixture. While you want to ensure all ingredients are well combined, overmixing can lead to tough, dense burgers. Mix gently with a fork until just combined, aiming to keep some larger flakes of salmon for better texture.
• Cook in Batches if Necessary. Overcrowding your pan will lower its temperature, leading to steamed rather than seared burgers. If you have a smaller skillet, cook the patties in batches to ensure they get that desirable golden-brown crust.
• Proper Internal Temperature. Since the salmon is already cooked, you’re primarily aiming to warm the patties through and achieve a good sear. The internal temperature should be hot to the touch (around 135-140°F / 57-60°C for a medium-cooked patty, but since it’s pre-cooked salmon, it’s mostly about warming). A cake tester or thin paring knife inserted into the center should feel warm when removed.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Flavorful Salmon Burgers

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect salmon burgers for your next meal. You’ll find full ingredient lists and precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Part 1: Bake the Salmon (If Starting Fresh)

Step 1: Prepare and Bake Your Salmon Filet. While this recipe is excellent for repurposing leftover baked salmon, if you’re starting with raw fish, it’s a simple process. Season a fresh salmon filet generously with kosher salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-35 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your filet, but it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. For burgers, I typically cook it until it’s just warm inside but not steaming hot—a medium doneness, which you can test with a cake tester or a small paring knife inserted into the thickest part.

Step 2: Remove Skin and Fat, Then Chill. Once your salmon is cooked, carefully remove the skin. Using a fork, gently flake the salmon, making sure to remove any brown or grey fatty areas, which can sometimes have a stronger flavor. This step ensures the cleanest, freshest taste for your burgers. Store the flaked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight, or for up to 3 days, allowing it to cool completely and firm up, which will be beneficial for patty formation.

Part 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

Step 3: Combine the Salmon Mixture. In a spacious medium mixing bowl, gently combine your flaked salmon with the vibrant fresh dill, fragrant cilantro, finely chopped white and light green parts of the scallions, plain breadcrumbs, Old Bay Seasoning, kosher salt, bright lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with a fork, ensuring everything is well incorporated but being careful not to overmix and mush the salmon. The fork method is excellent for maintaining some larger, desirable pieces of salmon. Once mixed, take a small pinch and taste for seasoning, adding more salt if desired (as shown in **photo 1**).

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Shape Patties. Once satisfied with the seasoning, add the thoroughly beaten large egg to the salmon mixture. Mix it in well until just combined; the egg will act as your binding agent. Then, form the mixture into individual patties. I typically aim for 5-6 patties, each about the size of a tennis ball, which I then gently flatten to a consistent thickness for even cooking (as shown in **photo 2**).

Pro Tip: Lightly wetting your hands before shaping the patties will prevent the mixture from sticking to them, making the process much smoother and cleaner.

Step 5: Crucial Chilling of Patties. Arrange your freshly formed salmon patties on a plate or baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. For optimal flavor melding and structural integrity during cooking, I strongly recommend chilling them for a solid 2 hours (as depicted in **photo 3**). This chilling period is essential for allowing the ingredients to bind properly, preventing the burgers from falling apart in the pan.

Part 3: Prepare the Broccoli Slaw

Step 6: Mix the Slaw Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine all the fresh and vibrant ingredients for your broccoli slaw, including the reserved dark green parts of the scallions (as shown in **photo 4**). Add the dressing components and mix everything together thoroughly using two forks. As you mix, remember to taste the slaw and adjust the kosher salt to your preference, ensuring a perfectly balanced tang and seasoning.

Chef’s Note: You can also use your clean hands to gently work the dressing into the slaw. Just be careful not to over-handle, as you want the slaw to remain wonderfully crisp.

Step 7: Chill the Slaw for Optimal Flavor. Cover the bowl of mixed slaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, though ideally for 2 hours. This chilling time is beneficial for two reasons: it allows the flavors of the dressing to fully penetrate and tenderize the vegetables slightly, and it also ensures a wonderfully refreshing, cool slaw to accompany your warm burgers. Conveniently, this chilling time aligns perfectly with the recommended chilling time for your salmon patties!

Part 4: Cook & Assemble the Burgers

Step 8: Preheat Your Skillet. Place a large sauté pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Spray it lightly with cooking spray or add a thin layer of a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil (avoid olive oil here, as its low smoke point can cause it to burn). Allow the pan to heat thoroughly until it’s hot but not smoking, indicating it’s ready for searing.

Step 9: Cook the Chilled Patties to Perfection. Carefully place the chilled salmon burger patties into the preheated pan (as shown in **photo 5**). Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful dark golden-brown crust and for the patties to be heated through to the center. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and flatness of your patties; thinner or smaller patties will cook faster. Don’t rush the process—allow that delicious crust to form before flipping.

Expert Tip: After cooking, allow the patties to rest for a couple of minutes off the heat. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.

Step 10: Assemble and Serve Your Flavorful Burgers. To assemble, spread a generous layer of creamy tzatziki on the bottom half of your chosen hamburger bun (as shown in **photo 6**). Carefully place a warm, cooked salmon burger patty on top. Add another dollop of tzatziki, then pile on a generous amount of the crunchy broccoli slaw (as shown in **photos 7 & 8**). Crown with the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy the harmonious blend of fresh, zesty, and satisfying flavors!

Recipe FAQs

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Before You Go

I sincerely hope you enjoyed creating and savoring this healthy and flavorful salmon burger recipe. It’s truly a delight for any lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of other delicious and satisfying sandwich recipes. Or, if you’re still craving a hearty burger, keep the inspiration flowing with my highly-rated gourmet turkey burger recipe!