This recipe brings together juicy, herb-packed salmon patties and a zesty avocado salsa, all served on toasted buns with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices. Perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a healthy, gourmet-style burger!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy and Delicious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fresh ingredients, these burgers are as good for you as they are tasty.
Bright, Zesty Flavor: Lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs bring a light and vibrant touch to the dish.
Creamy Avocado Salsa: A perfect topping that adds creaminess, spice, and a burst of freshness.
Perfect for Grilling Season: Ideal for backyard barbecues, but versatile enough for stovetop grilling year-round.
Customizable: Adjust the salsa spice level or try different toppings to suit your preferences.
Key Ingredients
Salmon Fillets: The star of the recipe, salmon provides a tender, flaky base for the burgers. Use fresh, skinless fillets for the best results.
Breadcrumbs: These act as a binding agent, helping the patties hold their shape while adding a subtle texture.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor to the salmon mixture.
Avocados: Creamy and rich, avocados are the perfect contrast to the lightly grilled salmon.
Jalapeño: Adds a touch of heat to the salsa, balancing the richness of the avocado and salmon.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon Burgers
Chop the Salmon:
Finely chop 1 pound of salmon fillets using a knife or pulse in a food processor. Aim for small, fine pieces without turning the salmon into a paste.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Chopped salmon
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties.
Refrigerate the patties for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up for grilling.
2. Make the Avocado Salsa
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, gently mix:
2 diced avocados
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 minced jalapeño (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado. Set aside.
3. Grill the Salmon Burgers
Preheat the Grill:
Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Patties:
Place the salmon patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have light grill marks.
4. Assemble the Burgers
Layer Ingredients:
On the bottom half of each toasted burger bun, place:
1 lettuce leaf
1 grilled salmon patty
A generous spoonful of avocado salsa
1 slice of tomato
Cover with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve
Serve the salmon burgers immediately with your favorite side dishes such as fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp side salad.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers pair beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages:
Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the savory salmon and tangy salsa.
Quinoa Salad: A light, grain-based salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance.
Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a colorful, healthy accompaniment.
Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a citrusy IPA, or a sparkling water with lime for a refreshing touch.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon patties and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will keep for up to 3 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 1-2 days.
Freezing:
Salmon Patties: Freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Avocado Salsa: Avocado does not freeze well, so prepare this fresh when needed.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the salmon mixture for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute.
Different Toppings: Replace the avocado salsa with a tzatziki sauce, mango salsa, or a simple garlic aioli.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and ginger to the salmon mixture, and top with pickled vegetables for an umami twist.
Mini Sliders: Turn the patties into smaller sliders for a party-friendly appetizer.
Conclusion
These Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa are a delightful combination of freshness, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. With a perfect balance of juicy salmon, creamy avocado, and zesty lime, these burgers are a gourmet twist on a classic favorite.
Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let’s make burger night unforgettable.
Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets skin removed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 ripe avocados diced
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 burger buns toasted
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
Instructions
- Finely chop salmon fillets using a knife or pulse in a food processor. In a large mixing bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Divide into 4 portions and shape into patties. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, gently mix avocados, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Cook the salmon patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through with light grill marks.
- On the bottom half of each toasted burger bun, layer a lettuce leaf, a grilled salmon patty, avocado salsa, and a slice of tomato. Top with the remaining bun half.
- Serve the salmon burgers immediately with your favorite side dishes like fries or a crisp salad.
