If you’re craving a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up, then you have to try my Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe. I absolutely love how these salmon burgers turn out—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—and that bright, creamy slaw just ties everything together perfectly. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been enjoying salmon burgers with slaw all along!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Using cooked or canned salmon means you can have dinner ready in about 15 minutes.
Fresh & Flavorful: The mix of fresh herbs in both the patties and slaw brightens up the whole dish.
Family Favorite: My kids go crazy for these burgers, and I love how easy they are to customize.
Healthy & Satisfying: Balanced with protein, veggies, and a touch of healthy fats, it feels indulgent but guilt-free.

Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get these salmon burgers and fresh slaw just right, focus on fresh herbs and good-quality salmon. I love using canned salmon when I’m short on time, but fresh cooked salmon works perfectly too. When picking your cabbage, choose a crisp, bright head for the best slaw texture.

Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe - Ingredients

Cooked salmon: Canned salmon is a game changer for convenience, but if you have fresh salmon on hand, roast or poach it gently to keep it moist.
Eggs: They bind the patties together, so don’t skip them.
Breadcrumbs: I usually use plain ones, but panko works if you want a super crispy bite.
Salt & garlic powder: Simple seasonings that bring out salmon’s natural flavor.
Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill): These are the magic touch—feel free to mix or match based on what you like.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright zing that balances the richness of the fish.
Olive oil: Essential for pan-frying the burgers to a golden crisp.
Green cabbage: Shredded finely to keep the slaw crisp but not overwhelming.
Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it’s the base for a light-slaw dressing.
White distilled vinegar: Adds that essential tang and balances the creaminess.
Olive oil drizzle: A finishing touch to boost flavor and mouthfeel.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up based on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s in the mood for. These salmon burgers are super adaptable—feel free to tweak the herbs, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour to keep it gluten-free, or jazz up the slaw with a little grated carrot or apple for sweetness.

Herb swaps: Sometimes I use cilantro or basil instead of dill and parsley, which gives it a fresh twist.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can bring a subtle smoky heat that my husband loves.
Dairy-free slaw: Swap Greek yogurt for a creamy avocado dressing or a light vinaigrette if you’re avoiding dairy.
Bulk it up: For a heartier burger, mix in a bit of finely chopped onion or grated zucchini right into the patties.

How to Make Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Mix Ingredients

First thing’s first: flake your cooked salmon into a bowl with your hands or a fork. I find using canned salmon is easiest—just drain it well so the burgers aren’t soggy. Then, add eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, chopped herbs, and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Mixing everything together with your hands works best—you want it well combined so the patties hold together but still stay tender. If the mix feels too wet, a little extra breadcrumbs will help.

Step 2: Form and Fry Your Burgers

Shape your mixture into 3 large or 4 medium-sized patties—whatever you prefer. I like to keep the size uniform so they cook evenly. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a nonstick skillet (trust me, this helps prevent sticking). Fry each side for around 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You’ll want a nice crust but don’t overcook, or the burgers can get dry. When done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still warm—this little step really boosts the flavor.

Step 3: Make the Fresh Cabbage Slaw

While the burgers cook, toss together your shredded green cabbage, Greek yogurt, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl. Give it a good mix and taste—add a bit more vinegar or salt if you want the slaw zingier. I sometimes make this slaw the night before to let the flavors marry, but it’s just as crisp and bright fresh off the prep board.

Step 4: Plate it Up and Enjoy

Serve your hot salmon burgers nestled on a bed of that creamy fresh slaw. I love adding a dollop of extra yogurt on top, a little swizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to amp up the flavor and make the presentation pop. It’s the kind of meal that feels fresh yet indulgent, and you’ll be coming back for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe

Drain the Salmon Well: I learned the hard way that excess moisture makes patties fall apart—so press out any liquid before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Handling the mixture gently keeps the burgers tender rather than dense or rubbery.
Medium Heat is Key: Cooking too hot burns the outside before the inside cooks through; patience rewards you with that perfect crust.
Make Ahead Your Friend: Slaw tastes even better after chilling and letting flavors meld—prepare it earlier for convenience and flavor boost.

How to Serve Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe

Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m all about those finishing touches! I usually garnish my salmon burgers with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs—I love dill and chives here—and a small dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of avocado or a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving to brighten things up even more.

Side Dishes

These salmon burgers pair wonderfully with simple sides—my go-to is roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp green salad. For a cozy comfort vibe, roasted fingerling potatoes or garlic-parmesan fries also elevate the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served these salmon burgers slider-style with mini buns and topped each with a colorful slaw pick. They also look amazing arranged on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces on the side—impresses guests and is totally Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon burgers in an airtight container and keep the slaw separate. This helps the burgers stay crispy-ish rather than soggy. Leftovers usually last about 2 days in the fridge—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner the next day.

Freezing

If I’m making these ahead for a busy week, I’ll freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once firm. They freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers without losing that crust, I pop the burgers in a warm skillet with a light drizzle of olive oil rather than microwaving. The slaw, however, is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to keep its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh salmon works great, just be sure to cook it first—poaching or baking gently until flaky. Once cooled, flake it apart like you would with canned salmon before mixing into your burger ingredients.
How do I prevent the salmon burgers from falling apart?

Drain any excess moisture from the salmon and don’t skip the eggs and breadcrumbs—they act as binders. Also, avoid overmixing the ingredients; gently folding everything will keep the patties tender but held together.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs if I want to make this gluten-free?

Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs work brilliantly. Alternatively, ground almonds or oat flour can add a nice texture while keeping the patties gluten-free.
Can the slaw be made ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I find the flavors get more harmonious if you make the slaw a few hours or even the night before serving. Just keep it covered and refrigerated to maintain crispness.
What sides go best with these salmon burgers and fresh slaw?

Roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad complement these burgers perfectly. For a lighter meal, you can also serve them with quinoa or couscous salads on the side.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Salmon Burgers with Fresh Slaw Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something fast but satisfying, fresh but comforting. It’s honest food that feels like a little celebration on a plate, and my family’s always thrilled when I make it. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with how simple it is to create something this tasty at home. So next time you want a change from the usual burger, give this recipe a try—I promise, it won’t disappoint!