Zesty Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and these crispy salmon burgers with avocado salsa deliver unexpected flavor in every single bite.

Salmon transforms from standard fish to a mouthwatering patty that sings with zesty ingredients.

Fresh Pacific salmon gets chopped and mixed with bright herbs and delicate seasonings for maximum taste.

Each burger offers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior that keeps you coming back for more.

The vibrant avocado salsa adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint that elevates these burgers from simple to spectacular.

Packed with protein and bursting with fresh ingredients, these salmon burgers make healthy eating feel like an indulgent treat.

You’ll want to serve these immediately, straight from the skillet to the plate.

How To Build Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Craft Salmon Mixture

Shred salmon into chunky pieces. Blend with breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, poblano pepper, and citrus juice. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix ingredients without overmixing. Shape into four even patties.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place salmon patties on hot grill. Cook for roughly 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

• Whip Up Fresh Salsa

Dice ripe avocados into small cubes. Combine with chopped poblano pepper, green onions, and a splash of citrus. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss ingredients delicately to maintain avocado’s texture.

• Build Delicious Burgers

Toast buns briefly on grill for extra crunch. Place grilled salmon patty on bottom bun. Top generously with vibrant avocado salsa. Crown with top bun and serve hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Cooking Tips For Perfect Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Perfect Patty Formation: Wet your hands with cold water before shaping salmon patties to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform burgers that hold together better during grilling.
• Fresh Salmon Selection: Choose wild-caught salmon with firm, bright-colored flesh for the best texture and flavor, ensuring your patties remain moist and delicious throughout cooking.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace burger buns with large lettuce leaves or serve over mixed greens for a gluten-free, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the recipe's vibrant taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Swap beaten egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water or use a commercial egg replacement to make the salmon burgers suitable for those avoiding dairy or following vegan guidelines.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add minced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the salmon mixture for extra heat, or include a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the burger's smoky undertones without overwhelming the delicate salmon flavor.

Fresh Ways To Serve Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Seaside Picnic Platter: Arrange the salmon burgers on a large wooden board with colorful Mediterranean-style side dishes like grilled lemon wedges, herb-sprinkled cucumber salad, and crispy sweet potato chips for a beach-inspired presentation.
• Fresh Lettuce Wrap Twist: Skip the bun and wrap the salmon patty in large butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fresh alternative that highlights the burger's delicate salmon flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Summer Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside a zesty citrus mojito or a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc to complement the salmon's rich flavor and the bright notes of the avocado salsa.
• Brunch-Style Plate: Top the salmon burger with a perfectly poached egg and serve with roasted asparagus spears for an elevated weekend brunch experience that transforms the recipe into a gourmet morning meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Flavor-Packed Ingredients For Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Salmon Fillet: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers superior flavor and omega-3 benefits, preferably with firm texture and bright color.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy binding structure and light texture to salmon mixture, choose Japanese-style for best results.
• Egg: Acts as natural binder, helping patties hold together during grilling, select fresh farm eggs for optimal consistency.
• Green Onions: Adds bright, sharp onion flavor with delicate freshness, choose crisp green stalks with white bases.
• Poblano Pepper: Introduces mild, smoky heat and depth to patties, select peppers without blemishes or soft spots.
• Lemon/Lime Juice: Enhances flavor and helps tenderize salmon, fresh citrus provides brighter taste than bottled.
• Salt: Amplifies overall seasoning and balances flavors, use sea salt for more complex taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle spicy undertone and warmth, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

• Avocado: Creamy topping providing rich texture and healthy fats, choose ripe avocados with slight give when pressed.
• Poblano Pepper: Contributes mild heat and fresh vegetable crunch, select firm, glossy peppers.
• Green Onions: Brings sharp, fresh accent to salsa, pick bright green stalks.
• Lemon/Lime Juice: Prevents avocado browning and adds zesty brightness, use freshly squeezed.
• Salt: Balances and enhances salsa flavors, sprinkle sparingly.

Grilling Tools For Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Food Processor or Sharp Knife: Crucial for chopping salmon fillet into coarse, textured pieces.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining salmon patty ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking salmon patties with a delicious charred exterior.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Spatula: Needed to handle and flip salmon patties on the grill without breaking.
• Medium Bowl: Used for preparing the fresh avocado salsa.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping salmon, vegetables, and preparing ingredients.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips For Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prep multiple salmon patties ahead of time and store them individually wrapped in plastic film or freezer bags. These uncooked patties stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or can be frozen up to 3 weeks for quick future meals.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon burgers and avocado salsa separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep salsa in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours for best flavor and freshness. The salmon patties can be refrigerated for 2-3 days when sealed properly.
• Freezing Master Plan: Freeze uncooked salmon patties between layers of parchment paper inside a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as originally instructed. This method helps retain the patties' original texture and taste.
• Temperature Safety Tip: Always refrigerate salmon burgers at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth. Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when reheating, ensuring safe consumption and maintaining delicious flavor profiles.

Crispy Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa

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4.6 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty salmon burgers with homemade avocado salsa offer a fresh Pacific Northwest coastal delight. Crisp patties and zesty salsa create perfect summer meal harmony for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Process salmon fillet in a food processor to achieve a coarse, chunky texture that maintains the fish’s natural integrity.
2. Mixing: Combine processed salmon with panko, egg, green onions, poblano pepper, citrus juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
3. Forming Patties: Carefully shape the salmon mixture into four uniform patties, gently pressing to maintain structural cohesion.
4. Grilling Setup: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high, lightly oiling the surface to prevent adherence and ensure smooth cooking.
5. Cooking: Grill salmon patties for approximately 4 minutes per side, aiming for a golden-brown exterior while preserving the fish’s moisture and tenderness.
6. Salsa Creation: Simultaneously prepare avocado salsa by delicately mixing diced avocado, chopped poblano, green onions, citrus juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
7. Finishing Touches: Quickly toast burger buns on the grill’s periphery to enhance crispness and warmth.
8. Plating: Assemble burgers by positioning the grilled salmon patty on the bun and generously crowning with the freshly made avocado salsa.
9. Serving: Present immediately to capture the optimal temperature and vibrant flavor profile of the salmon burger and accompanying salsa.

Notes

• Preserve Salmon Texture: Pulse salmon fillet gently in food processor to maintain coarse, chunky consistency for optimal burger structure and mouthfeel.
• Avoid Overmixing Ingredients: Mix salmon mixture just until combined, preventing tough, dense patties by keeping a light, delicate touch during preparation.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat and watch carefully to achieve golden-brown exterior without overcooking, ensuring salmon remains moist and tender.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version or use lettuce wrap instead of bun for low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg