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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.