The Perfect Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Grilled salmon burgers dance with bold, vibrant flavors that reimagine an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

These succulent patties blend fresh ingredients with unexpected textures and zesty undertones.

Ocean-fresh fish reimagines into a delectable handheld delight that breaks traditional burger boundaries.

Packed with protein and omega-rich goodness, salmon burgers offer a healthier alternative to standard ground meat options.

The crisp exterior gives way to a tender, flaky interior that melts in your mouth with each delicious bite.

Complemented by a bright, creamy avocado salsa, these burgers elevate casual dining to a gourmet experience.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this game-changing recipe.

Grilled Salmon Burgers With a Creamy Salsa Twist

• Burst with Fresh Ocean Flavors: These salmon burgers pack a powerful punch of oceanic goodness, delivering rich, vibrant seafood taste that feels like a coastal culinary adventure right on your plate.
• Quick and Effortless Gourmet Cooking: Whip up restaurant-quality burgers in just minutes with simple ingredients and easy grilling techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Nutrition Powerhouse in Every Bite: Salmon provides lean protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and the avocado salsa adds creamy texture with extra nutrients, creating a meal that tastes incredible and supports wellness.
• Versatile Meal for Any Occasion: Perfect for casual summer barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or elegant lunch gatherings, these salmon burgers adapt seamlessly to different dining scenarios and impress every time.

What Goes Into These Salmon Burgers

• Salmon Fillet: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich omega-3 flavor and tender texture for burger base.

• Panko Crumbs, Egg: Light breadcrumbs help hold burger together while egg acts as natural binding agent.
• Green Onions, Poblano Pepper: Fresh herbs and mild pepper add bright, zesty flavor and aromatic complexity.

• Lemon or Lime Juice: Citrus adds bright acidity and helps tenderize salmon.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance natural salmon taste.

• Avocado: Creamy, ripe fruit provides smooth texture and healthy fats for salsa.

• Green Onions, Poblano Pepper: Fresh herbs and mild pepper contribute color and subtle heat to salsa.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: Citrus brightens salsa and prevents avocado from browning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced salsa flavor.

Grill Instructions That Keep Fish Juicy

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Base

Carefully remove salmon skin and chop into small, uniform pieces. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

• Salmon fillet
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Green onions
• Poblano pepper
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Shape Salmon Patties

Gently form the salmon mixture into uniform patties. Ensure they are compact and hold together well. Create patties about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill pan or outdoor barbecue to medium-high temperature. Clean and lightly oil grill surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook Salmon Burgers

Place salmon patties on hot grill. Cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Patties should have a slight char and feel firm to touch.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Avocado Salsa

In a separate bowl, mix fresh ingredients for vibrant topping.

• Ripe avocado
• Poblano pepper
• Green onions
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold ingredients to maintain avocado’s creamy texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Top each salmon burger with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa. Serve immediately on a bun or as a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.

Tips for Perfect Avocado Salsa Texture

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillet with minimal bones for the best texture and flavor in your burger.
• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the salmon burger mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming patties to help them hold together better on the grill.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates and salmon patties to ensure easy flipping and prevent breaking apart during cooking.
• Handle Gently: Use a light touch when forming and flipping salmon burgers to maintain their delicate structure and prevent crumbling.
• Customize Salsa: Adjust the avocado salsa ingredients to your taste by adding fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a touch of jalapeño for extra kick.

Store and Reheat Without Drying Out the Fish

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon burgers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the patties with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Reheat: Warm salmon burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Salsa Storage: Keep avocado salsa separate in a sealed container and consume within 1 day to maintain freshness and prevent browning.

Pairing Options for These Flavorful Burgers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complement the rich salmon and bright avocado salsa, cutting through the fatty fish with their refreshing acidity.
• Match with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: A fresh margarita or mojito echoes the lemon juice in the recipe, enhancing the bright, tangy flavors of the salmon burger and avocado salsa.
• Serve with Crunchy Cucumber Slaw: A light, cool cucumber salad adds textural contrast to the grilled salmon burger, providing a fresh and crisp side that balances the rich fish.
• Accompany with Grilled Corn: Charred sweet corn on the cob mirrors the grilling technique and adds a smoky sweetness that harmonizes with the spicy poblano pepper and citrusy salmon burger.

Burger Variations for Seafood Lovers

• Spicy Southwest Salmon Sliders: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture for an extra kick. Serve on mini slider buns with a chipotle mayo spread.
• Mediterranean Salmon Patties: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh dill, and minced garlic into the salmon mixture. Top with a tzatziki sauce and serve on warm pita bread.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Burgers: Mix in grated ginger, chopped cilantro, and a splash of soy sauce to the salmon patties. Garnish with a quick pickled cucumber salad and sriracha mayo.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon Burgers: Coat the patties with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and chives before grilling. Serve with a lemon-herb aioli on a toasted brioche bun.

Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon patties from Pacific Northwest cuisine bring coastal freshness to summer grilling adventures. Creamy avocado salsa crowns these tender burgers, offering zesty California-inspired flavors that complement the rich, flaky fish perfectly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) salmon fillet, skinned and chopped
• 1 egg

Herbs and Vegetables:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (divided between burger and salsa)
• ½ poblano pepper, seeded and chopped

Binding and Seasoning:

• ½ cup panko crumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Avocado Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dice the salmon fillet into uniform small chunks, transferring them into a spacious mixing container.
2. Incorporate panko crumbs, whisked egg, finely sliced green onions, diced poblano pepper, and citrus juice into the salmon. Thoroughly blend the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.
3. Heat a grill pan or barbecue to a robust medium-high temperature, ensuring the cooking surface is evenly warmed.
4. Craft the salmon mixture into compact, well-shaped patties using gentle pressing motions to maintain structural integrity.
5. Carefully position the salmon patties onto the heated grill, allowing each side to cook for approximately 4 minutes until they develop a golden exterior and are completely cooked through.
6. While the burgers are grilling, prepare the vibrant avocado salsa by delicately combining diced avocado, minced poblano pepper, chopped green onions, and a splash of citrus juice in a separate bowl.
7. Season the salsa with a pinch of salt and pepper, gently folding the ingredients to preserve the avocado’s delicate texture.
8. Once the salmon burgers are perfectly grilled, transfer them to serving plates and crown each with a generous dollop of fresh avocado salsa.
9. Offer the option of serving the burgers with or without a bun, allowing for personalized presentation.

Notes

• Handling Raw Fish: Keep salmon cold and work quickly to prevent bacterial growth, ensuring food safety and optimal taste.
• Patty Formation: Gently shape patties without overworking the mixture to maintain a tender, flaky texture that won’t fall apart during grilling.
• Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat creates a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the salmon burger moist and preventing burning.
• Salsa Freshness: Prepare avocado salsa just before serving to prevent browning and maintain vibrant, crisp flavors.
• Serving Flexibility: Enjoy these burgers with or without a bun, making them perfect for low-carb diets or traditional burger lovers.
• Flavor Enhancement: Fresh citrus juice adds brightness and helps balance the rich salmon, creating a zesty and refreshing meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg