Meaty, flavorful, and more nutritious than a regular old hamburger.
Craving a burger but trying to eat a little lighter? I’ve got you covered. These healthy salmon burgers are packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and baked instead of fried, so you can feel good about going back for seconds.
I know salmon isn’t the first thing most people think of when “burger night” comes up, but hear me out. Salmon has this naturally meaty, hearty texture that holds together beautifully in patty form, and once you add roasted red pepper and a few simple spices, it turns into something you’ll want to make on repeat. If you’ve never tried a salmon burger before, this recipe is the one to start with.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Burgers
There’s a lot to love here, but let’s start with the obvious: they’re good for you. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium, and it’s one of the most heart-healthy proteins you can eat. Swap in Greek yogurt and egg whites for the binder, use whole wheat panko and buns, and skip the mayo-heavy toppings for a clean, light version, and you’ve got a burger that’s just as nutritious as it is delicious.
Beyond the health perks, these burgers come together fast. You’re looking at well under 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes this an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel like a chore. And the flavor? The roasted red pepper adds a subtle sweetness, the crushed red pepper brings a little heat, and the garlic and parsley round everything out. It’s a simple ingredient list that packs a serious punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound salmon, cooked and flaked (smoked salmon works great here if you want extra flavor!)
- 1/2 cup roasted red pepper, chopped (pat it dry first if you’re using jarred or canned)
- 1/3 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 1 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (omit if using smoked salmon)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 whole wheat burger buns, lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons fat-free clean mayonnaise
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 large leaves of bibb lettuce (romaine works too)
How to Make Salmon Burgers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, roasted red pepper, yogurt, egg whites, onion, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties.
- Place the patties on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, then carefully flip and bake for another 8 minutes, or until the patties just begin to brown.
- While the patties bake, spread a little mayo on each top bun. Once the patties are done, place one on each bottom bun, then top with a slice of tomato and a lettuce leaf. Add the top bun and dinner is served!
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas if you want to switch things up:
- Salmon: Fresh, canned, or smoked salmon all work well here. Smoked salmon adds a nice depth of flavor, but you’ll want to skip the added salt since it’s already salty on its own.
- Bread crumbs: No whole wheat panko on hand? Regular panko, gluten-free panko, or even crushed crackers can be used as a substitute.
- Mayo: Swap the clean mayo for a plant-based avocado mayo if you want something dairy-free, or use a spicy mayo if you’re craving extra heat.
- Buns: Try lettuce wraps or a whole wheat English muffin for a lower-carb option, or go with a brioche bun if you’re not worried about keeping things light.
- Extra veggies: Sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a handful of arugula all make great additions on top.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Burgers
Can I make these salmon burgers ahead of time? Yes! You can mix and shape the patties, then store them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes meal prep a breeze.
Can I freeze salmon burger patties? Absolutely. Freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Do I have to bake them, or can I pan-fry instead? Baking keeps this recipe light and hands-off, but if you prefer, you can pan-sear the patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
What can I use instead of egg whites? A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works as a binder if you’re avoiding eggs.
Recommended Side Dishes
These healthy salmon burgers pair well with just about anything light and fresh. A crisp side salad, roasted or grilled veggies, sweet potato fries, or a simple cucumber salad all complement the flavors nicely without weighing down the meal. If you’re looking for something more substantial, a light grain salad on the side rounds things out perfectly.
- Healthiest Greek Salad
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Must-Have Air Fried French Fries
- Quick and Easy Roasted Vegetable Skewers
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a healthy salmon burger recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress, this one’s a winner. Between the omega-3s, the lean protein, and that roasted red pepper flavor in every bite, it’s a dinner you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Healthy Baked Salmon Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon cooked and flaked (you can use smoked salmon for extra flavor!)
- 1/2 cup roasted red pepper chopped (pat dry if using jarred or canned)
- 1/3 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup onion minced
- 1 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt omit salt if using smoked salmon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 4 whole wheat burger buns lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons fat-free clean mayonnaise
- 1 large tomato sliced
- 4 large leaves of bibb lettuce romaine can be substituted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the salmon, roasted red pepper, yogurt, egg whites, onion, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and parsley. Mix well. Divide the mixture into four even portions and form into patties. Place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, remove from the oven and carefully turn over. Return to oven and bake for another 8 minutes or just until the patties begin to brown.
- On each top bun, spread a little mayo. Carefully place a salmon patty on each bottom bun and place a slice of tomato and lettuce leaf on top. Place the top bun on top and serve.
Nutrition Information
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More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these healthy salmon burgers, here are some recipes you might want to try next:
- Flavor-Packed Keto Turkey Burgers
- Firecracker Baked Salmon
- Low-Carb Burger Bowls
- Grilled Salmon Kebabs
- Tuna and Veggie Kebabs
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This recipe was originally published on June 1, 2020.
Can you use canned salmon?
Margaret, Sure can. 🙂