Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Caper Spread and Fennel Slaw

5 from 8 votes
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If you’re craving a fresh twist on burgers, these Salmon Burgers with creamy Lemon-Caper Sauce and crunchy Fennel Slaw bring bold flavor and coastal vibes to your table.

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Salmon burgers arranged on a wooden cutting board.

Why You’ll Love these Salmon Burgers:

I consider these salmon burgers a lighter, summer-ready take on comfort food.

Whether you’re firing up the grill or sticking to the stovetop, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal staple.

Even though these salmon burgers have three components (patties, sauce, and slaw), you’ll notice some repetition of the ingredients because they all work so cohesively together.

The trick to achieving the BEST salmon patty texture is to first broil the salmon until it’s medium-rare. Then, flake it off the skin, mash it with the other ingredients, and pan-sear until crisp.

The broiling technique results in the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth, buttery texture and helps the patties stick together and stay moist.

In place of standard tartar sauce, this recipe leans on a lemon-caper spread for brightness, creaminess, and acidity. And to complement that creamy bliss, a crunchy fennel slaw with a peppery bite that’s bold and refreshing.

I could eat the slaw on basically any burger, but there’s something about fennel’s licorice-like flavor that adds major dimension to a fatty fish like salmon. 

Three salmon patties being seared until golden in a skillet.

Ingredients and Substitutions: 

  • Salmon: You can use either wild-caught or sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon. If purchasing wild, I suggest either King (or Chinook) salmon, which has a higher fat content and richer flavor.
  • Panko: Panko breadcrumbs helps bind the salmon burgers. If you need a gluten free alternative, I like Ian’s brand
  • Egg: One egg helps bind the mixture together. Just make you thoroughly whisk it before mixing it with the other ingredients. 
  • Dijon: For a little dose of tangy, sharp flavor, Dijon mustard adds just enough kick to the salmon patties. 
  • Mayonnaise: Mayo helps bind the patties, while also ensuring they stay super tender. I prefer using an avocado oil based mayonnaise, which offers more heart-healthy unsaturated fats. 
  • Herbs: I love using fresh dill and parsley in both the burgers and slaw. They add bright fresh flavor that helps cut through the richness of the salmon. 
  • Lemon: Using both the zest and juice of a lemon adds just enough brightness and acidity to this salmon burger recipe.
  • Capers: For a salty, briny kick. Alternatively, you can use relish or chopped pickles.
  • Fennel: Just one cup of fennel offers almost 20% of your recommended daily value of vitamin C. You’ll also find a good dose of iron, fiber, and potassium
  • Yogurt: I suggest using full-fat Greek yogurt for top-notch creaminess and richness. (Sour cream also works!) Or, for a dairy-free alternative, use coconutmilk yogurt. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Broil Salmon

Lightly coat salmon with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Broil for 7 to 8 minutes, until medium-rare (fully rare in the center is also fine!). Set aside.

Step 2: Flake salmon into pieces using a fork, and transfer to a large bowl.

Salmon fillet being flaked into small pieces on a piece of parchment paper.

Step 3: Prepare Salmon Burgers by combining panko, egg, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper with the salmon. Use your hands to stir and mash ingredients together until combined.

Salmon patty ingredients being mixed in a large spotted bowl.

Step 4: Form into Patties, and place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Yogurt Spread by combining yogurt, mayo, parsley, lemon juice, capers, and black pepper; mix until smooth. 

Salmon mixture being formed into patties, and lemon-caper yogurt sauce being mixed in a gold bowl.

Step 6: Prepare Fennel Slaw by combining fennel, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper; toss to combine. Set aside. 

Step 7: Cook Salmon Burgers in a large skillet for ~3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.

Fennel slaw being mixed in a clear glass bowl, and burger patties being seared in a large oiled pan.

Step 8: Assemble Salmon Burgers by spreading Lemon-Caper Yogurt Spread on the bottom and top of each bun. Add one salmon patty and top with fennel slaw. Top with other half of bun, and enjoy!

Other Topping Suggestions:

If you’re not a fan of fennel (or have a hard time finding it), there are plenty of other delicious salmon burger toppings. Here are a few of my favorite:

  • Arugula or Microgreens: Peppery, crisp greens complement a fatty fish like salmon beautifully.
  • Avocado or Guacamole: Why not add a double dose of heart-healthy fats to these burgers?
  • Grilled Pineapple: Elevate this salmon burger recipe to tropical paradise by adding a slab of sweet grilled pineapple!
  • Pickled-anything: Kimchi, kraut, pickled red onion or cabbage will help cut through the richness of the salmon patty.

How to Cook Salmon Burgers on the Grill:

These burgers are hearty enough to stand up to the grill, and arguably taste even better! However, since they’re more delicate than a beef patty, a few key steps will ensure they stay intact and juicy:

  1. Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling (helps them hold together).
  2. Heat the grill to medium high (about 400ºF).
  3. Oil the grates with non-stick spray, or brush with a high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.
  4. Cook the salmon burgers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping only once to avoid them breaking. 
  5. During the last 2 minutes, add the buns (cut side down) to the grill and toast for 1 to 2 minutes.

Grilling Tip

Avoid pressing down on the salmon patties, which will squeeze out the moisture. Also, let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes before assembling the burgers, which will help lock in juices.

Salmon burger topped with fennel slaw styled on a wooden cutting board.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:

  • To Make Ahead: Assemble the salmon patties up to 1 day in advance, and store in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the lemon-caper yogurt spread up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate in a separate container.
  • To Store: Refrigerate all components separately in airtight storage containers for up to 2 days.
  • To Reheat: Gently reheat salmon patties in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. It’s also helpful to add a splash of water into the skillet, then cover it to help the patties steam. Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon patties in the toaster oven or air fryer on a low heat setting. 
  • To Freeze: Individually wrap cooked (or uncooked) patties, and freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.

Reinvent Leftovers

If you have leftover salmon patties, they’re delicious served over a hearty kale salad with a drizzle of tahini dressing, OR made into a grain bowl. I love serving them over rice, quinoa, or farro with a big scoop of hummus and pickled veggies.

These burgers are both weeknight-friendly and perfect for weekend entertaining. Invest in some quality bakery rolls (brioche is king!), and they will feel like an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal.

Salmon burger styled on a board topped with fennel slaw and lemon-caper yogurt.

More Healthy Burger Recipes

If you give this salmon burger recipe a try, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time to leave a rating and review! Lastly, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates.

5 from 8 votes

Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Caper Spread and Fennel Slaw

Salmon burgers with lemon-caper yogurt spread and crunchy fennel slaw. Hearty, healthy, and freezer-friendly, this salmon burger recipe will become a household favorite. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredient list—A lot of the ingredients are used on repeat.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 burgers

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients  

Salmon Burgers

  • 1 (1-lb.) center-cut, skin-on salmon fillet
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (I use avocado oil-based mayo)
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil for cooking
  • 4 buns, toasted

Fennel Slaw

  • 2 cups shaved fennel (from 1 medium fennel bulb) plus 2 Tbsp. chopped fennel fronds (sub fresh dill)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper

Lemon-Caper Yogurt Spread

  • 1/3 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (I use avocado oil-based mayo)
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest, plus 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 tsp. capers, drained and finely chopped
  • Cracked black pepper to taste
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Instructions 

  • Position oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and set oven to broil on HIGH.
    Pat salmon dry with a paper towel, and place on a baking sheet, skin side-down. Lightly coat flesh with ~2 tsp. oil (avocado or olive oil) and season with 1/4 tsp. each of salt and black pepper.
    Broil salmon until medium-rare, about 7 to 8 minutes. (Totally fine if it's more rare in the center!). Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • Use a fork to flake salmon off skin into small pieces (discard skin); transfer to a large bowl. Add Panko, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, parsley, dill, and remaining 1/4 tsp. each of salt and black pepper. Use your hands to mix and mash ingredients together until combined.
    Form into four uniform patties, and place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes.
  • While the salmon patties chill, prepare Fennel Slaw by combining all slaw ingredients (fennel, red onion, parsley, lemon, sugar, salt, and black pepper) in a large bowl; toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
    In a separate smaller bowl, prepare Lemon-Caper Yogurt Spread by combining all ingredients (yogurt, mayo, lemon, parsley, capers, and black pepper); stir until smooth.
  • Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Once hot, arrange salmon patties in pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. Gently flip, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes.
  • To assemble burgers, spread Lemon-Caper Yogurt Spread on the bottom and top of each bun. Add one salmon patty to the bottom bun, and top with a generous amount of fennel slaw. Top with other half of bun, and enjoy!

Notes

*Nutrition Facts do NOT include bun.
To Make Ahead: Assemble the salmon patties up to 1 day in advance, and store in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the lemon-caper yogurt spread up to 1 day in advance and store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.
To Store: Refrigerate all components separately in airtight storage containers for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: Gently reheat salmon patties in a nonstick skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. It’s also helpful to add a splash of water into the skillet, then cover it to help the patties steam. Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon patties in the toaster oven on a low heat setting. 
To Freeze: Individually wrap cooked (or uncooked) patties, and freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 850mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g

I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.

If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and review below!
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Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. Caitlin says:

    5 stars
    Um these were absolutely DELICIOUS. I was a little confused by the fennel slaw because I think fennel tastes a little bit like licorice which I’m not a big fan of. BUT with all the ingredients together!?!?*fire emoji*, *fire emoji*, *fire emoji*, *chefs kiss*, *chefs kiss* it just somehow WORKS BEAUTIFULLY. Genius recipe. It’s like a crab cake sandwich but better mmmm. Refreshing with a cool crunch herby crispy seafood delight. Perfect hot summer meal. Definite crowd pleaser. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Adrianne says:

    5 stars
    So many delicious flavors in a pretty straightforward dish. My significant other thought the yogurt was the star and I loved the flavors in the slaw.

  3. Liza says:

    5 stars
    A household favorite! Have been thinking about the next time I can eat this since the last time I made it. I second what Kyle said – wouldn’t change a thing about this recipe.

  4. Jennifer says:

    5 stars
    These are delicious! Only issue is that I haven’t been able to get them to hold together very well. Any suggestions? Thanks!

  5. Kyle says:

    5 stars
    There’s nothing I would change about this dish. I love a burger, regardless of what the patty is made of. Fennel has recently been an addition to some recipes we’ve been making lately. Everything about this was just incredible. I can’t praise this dish enough.

    1. Jamie Vespa says:

      So glad you enjoyed these, love! We definitely need to make them again soon.

  6. Marit Dijkstra says:

    5 stars
    Enjoyed this one!

    1. Jamie Vespa says:

      I’m so glad to hear!!

  7. Meaghan says:

    I LOVE FENNEL! Fellow fennel fan here! These look wonderful, can’t wait to make!