Salmon burgers are a flavorful, protein-packed meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Made with fresh or canned salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings, these tasty patties are easy to make and pair well with a variety of sides.
When planning a salmon burger meal, consider complementary flavors, textures and colors to create a balanced plate. Here are 15 delicious side dish ideas to serve with salmon burgers:
1. Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy, salty sweet potato fries contrast nicely with a juicy salmon burger. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast at 400°F until browned and tender. For extra flavor, season with paprika or cajun seasoning.
2. Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing, crisp texture against the soft salmon patty. Use bagged coleslaw mix or thinly slice cabbage and carrots. Dress with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar and celery seed. Let sit 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
3. Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli caramelizes it for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper and minced garlic. Roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly charred. Sprinkle with lemon juice and parmesan before serving.
4. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, flavorful side for salmon burgers. Cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast at 425°F, tossing halfway, until browned and fork tender, about 30 minutes
5. Quinoa Tabouli Salad
This fresh Mediterranean salad combines protein-rich quinoa with tomatoes, cucumber parsley and mint. Toss with olive oil lemon juice and season with salt, pepper and garlic. Chill before serving with salmon burgers for a light, healthy meal.
6. Asian Slaw
For an Asian-inspired salmon burger meal, serve with a crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in rice vinegar, sesame oil ginger and soy sauce. Add shredded carrots sliced almonds and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Hummus and Pita
Nutty, creamy hummus and warm pita rounds are a Mediterranean-style accompaniment for salmon burgers. Store-bought or homemade hummus works well. Look for roasted red pepper or garlic hummus varieties.
8. Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and onions adds freshness and texture contrast to a salmon burger dinner. Dress with a lemony vinaigrette and add crisp romaine for a hearty side salad.
9. Edamame Succotash
For a fresh twist on succotash, sauté fresh or frozen edamame with corn, diced red bell pepper and scallions. Season with salt, pepper, fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. The bright flavors pair perfectly with savory salmon burgers.
10. Grilled Vegetables
Fire up the grill to make quick veggie kabobs as a colorful side for grilled salmon burgers. Try skewering cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
11. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad adds vitamins, fiber and refreshing sweetness to balance a salmon burger meal. Combine diced melon, berries, grapes, pineapple and citrus. Toss with a honey-lime dressing or mint simple syrup.
12. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad is a hearty, protein-packed side for salmon burgers. Toss cooked pasta with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, bell peppers, olives, fresh herbs, feta and Italian dressing.
13. Loaded Baked Potato
Top a baked russet potato with savory fixings like cheddar cheese, bacon, scallions and sour cream for a filling side to salmon burgers. Or keep it lighter with plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
14. Air Fryer Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings are a classic burger accompaniment. For a healthier version, slice onions into thick rounds, toss with cornmeal and pan fry in just 1 tablespoon oil or bake in an air fryer until browned and tender.
15. Green Salad
A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is a fast, fresh side for salmon burgers. Use a mix of leafy greens like romaine, spinach and arugula. Top with avocado, grape tomatoes, cucumbers or other favorite veggies.
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.
- 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 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!
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:
- Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling (helps them hold together).
- Heat the grill to medium high (about 400ºF).
- Oil the grates with non-stick spray, or brush with a high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Cook the salmon burgers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping only once to avoid them breaking.
- During the last 2 minutes, add the buns (cut side down) to the grill and toast for 1 to 2 minutes.
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 Patties – Old Fashioned, Southern Recipe!
FAQ
What is a good side dish for salmon patties?
A classic and versatile side dish for salmon patties is mashed potatoes, offering a creamy and comforting contrast to the savory fish. For a lighter option, roasted asparagus or sauteed green beans are great choices, providing a touch of freshness and bright flavors.
What goes well on a salmon burger?
Salmon burgers pair well with a variety of toppings and sauces. Consider a creamy, tangy sauce like tartar sauce or aioli, or a vibrant green sauce like chimichurri. For a lighter option, lemon-dill yogurt sauce or Greek yogurt with fresh herbs works well.
What are good sides to have with salmon?
Salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, including vegetables, starches, and salads. Some popular options include roasted or steamed asparagus, broccoli, or other green vegetables, as well as roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a quinoa salad.
What else can you do with salmon patties?
- Fry one up and add it to your egg sandwich for breakfast!
- Break it up into pieces and add it to your egg burrito with your favorite salsa!
- Who loves the Vietnamese soup, Pho? Add a spicy burger in there and skip the beef!
- Make some salmon tacos!