Crispy Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Zesty Crispy Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa Recipe to Wow

Salmon burgers with creamy avocado salsa burst with fresh coastal flavors that dance across your taste buds.

These delectable patties blend tender fish and crisp ingredients into a delightful meal.

Bold spices and herbs infuse each bite with unexpected zest.

Packed with omega-3 nutrients, this recipe delivers a healthy twist on classic burger favorites.

Home cooks can whip up these restaurant-worthy salmon burgers in under thirty minutes.

The combination of crispy exterior and rich salmon interior creates a mouthwatering contrast that will impress everyone at the table.

Dive into this easy, nutritious recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Salmon Burger Ingredients for a Fresh Finish

For Salmon Patty Base:
  • Salmon Fillet: Fresh ocean catch that provides rich, tender protein foundation with delicate flavor.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, crispy Japanese-style crumbs that help bind and create perfect texture for salmon patties.
  • Egg: Natural binding agent that helps hold salmon mixture together during cooking.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Onions: Zesty aromatics that add bright, mild onion punch and fresh complexity to salmon mixture.
  • Poblano Pepper: Mild, slightly smoky chili bringing subtle heat and authentic southwestern character.
  • Lemon or Lime Juice: Vibrant citrus that tenderizes proteins and introduces sharp, refreshing brightness.
For Seasoning Balance:
  • Salt: Essential mineral that amplifies and harmonizes all other flavors in the burger.
  • Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy ground seasoning that provides gentle background warmth.
For Avocado Salsa Components:
  • Avocado: Creamy, rich fruit offering smooth texture and healthy fats as burger topping.
  • Additional Green Onions: Fresh garnish reinforcing zesty undertones.
  • Additional Poblano Pepper: Extra layer of gentle chile complexity in salsa.
  • Additional Lemon or Lime Juice: Bright acid that prevents avocado browning and balances richness.

Grilling Tools for Salmon Patties and Salsa

  • Food Processor: Perfect for grinding salmon into coarse texture quickly and evenly.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining salmon patty ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
  • Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking salmon patties with nice char and flavor.
  • Cutting Board: Used for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Required for finely chopping salmon, green onions, and poblano pepper.
  • Medium Bowl: Useful for preparing and mixing avocado salsa.
  • Spatula: Helps with flipping salmon patties on the grill and transferring them.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Cook Salmon Burgers With Avocado Topping

  • Create Salmon Mixture

Grab fresh salmon and break it down into rough chunks. Toss the fish into a mixing bowl and add breadcrumbs, a whisked egg, bright green onions, zesty poblano pepper, a splash of citrus, and a pinch of seasoning. Blend everything gently until the ingredients huddle together nicely.

  • Shape Tasty Patties

Divide the salmon blend into four equal portions. Roll each section between your palms, forming circular patties that are sturdy yet tender. Make sure they’re compact enough to hold together on the grill.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Heat your cooking surface to medium-high and brush with a light coating of oil. Carefully place the salmon circles onto the hot grates. Let them sizzle for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and cook through completely.

  • Whip Up Avocado Topping

Dice ripe avocados into small cubes. Mix them with chopped poblano, green onions, a squeeze of citrus, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together delicately to keep the avocado chunks intact.

  • Bring It All Together

Toast some buns if you’re using them. Slide each grilled salmon patty onto a bun or lettuce bed. Crown each burger with a generous spoonful of the fresh avocado mixture. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Avocado Salsa Swaps and Salmon Patty Tips

  • Chill salmon mixture for 15 minutes before forming patties to help them hold together better during grilling.
  • Replace salmon with fresh tuna or halibut for a different seafood burger experience that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Skip buns entirely and serve patties over mixed greens or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.
  • Prepare salmon patties up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising burger's structural integrity.

Serve Salmon Burgers That Look Gourmet

  • Fresh Backyard BBQ Feast: Arrange the salmon burgers on a rustic wooden board with colorful summer vegetables like grilled corn or zucchini for a stunning presentation that screams outdoor dining.
  • Protein-Packed Lettuce Wrap Twist: Swap traditional buns for crisp butter lettuce leaves, creating a light, low-carb version that highlights the salmon's delicate flavor and keeps the meal refreshingly healthy.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Plating: Serve the salmon burger alongside a small Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and warm pita wedges to transform the dish into a vibrant, internationally-inspired meal that feels like a culinary adventure.
  • Beachside Picnic Style: Pack the deconstructed burger components in separate containers for a portable lunch, allowing guests to assemble their own burgers with the fresh avocado salsa at the beach or park.

Storage Tips to Keep Salmon Burgers Spot-On

  • Store salmon patties and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume patties within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and taste. Keep salsa separate to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Uncooked salmon patties can be individually wrapped in plastic and frozen for up to 1 month. Place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.
  • Prepare avocado salsa just before serving to prevent browning. If storing, place plastic wrap directly on the salsa surface to minimize air exposure and slow oxidation. Consume within 24 hours for peak flavor and appearance.
  • Repurpose grilled salmon patties into quick salads, wrap in lettuce, or crumble over mixed greens. Cold patties can be sliced and added to grain bowls or used as protein-rich sandwich fillings for a delicious next-day meal transformation.
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Crispy Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Crispy Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent grilled salmon burgers dance with zesty avocado salsa, creating a Pacific Northwest culinary masterpiece. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors invite coastal cuisine onto your plate, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) salmon fillet, skin removed
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • ½ poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (or bell pepper as milder substitute)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil, for grilling
  • 4 burger buns (optional)
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • ½ poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Salmon Patty Creation: Pulse salmon fillet in a food processor to achieve a coarse texture, maintaining some chunky pieces. Blend salmon with panko, egg, green onions, poblano pepper, citrus juice, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed. Carefully form the mixture into four uniform patties.
  2. Grilling Process: Heat grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil cooking surface to prevent adherence. Carefully place salmon patties on grill, cooking approximately 4 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown char and internal temperature reaches desired doneness. Ensure patties are thoroughly cooked yet remain moist.
  3. Avocado Salsa Preparation: Delicately combine diced avocado with chopped poblano pepper, green onions, citrus juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Gently toss ingredients to maintain avocado’s structural integrity, avoiding excessive mashing.
  4. Burger Assembly: Quickly toast buns on grill for enhanced flavor and texture. Position salmon patty on bottom bun or lettuce base. Crown each patty with a generous portion of fresh avocado salsa. Complete burger by placing top bun and serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and vibrant.

Notes

  • Avoid over-processing the salmon to maintain a chunky, satisfying bite – pulse briefly or hand-chop for best results.
  • Chill formed patties for 15-30 minutes before grilling to help them hold together and reduce crumbling during cooking.
  • Swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version; use plant-based egg replacer for vegan adaptation.
  • Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect char without burning – watch carefully and flip only once to maintain patty integrity.
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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