Oh man, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on your tastebuds, you’ve *got* to try these Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa. Seriously, they’re a game-changer! I remember the first time I made these – the smoky char from the grill, the bright, zesty salsa, and that perfectly flaky salmon. It was an instant hit, and now it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something healthy but super satisfying. Grilling salmon is one of my favorite ways to cook it, and these burgers just take it to a whole new level. They’re just *so* good!
Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa
Trust me, these burgers are a weeknight win! Here’s why you should totally make them:
- Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
- Incredible Flavor: Smoky grilled salmon meets tangy, creamy avocado salsa. Yum!
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with good-for-you omega-3s and fresh veggies.
- Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy: Seriously, the steps are so straightforward.
- Satisfying Texture: Flaky salmon, crunchy buns, and that amazing salsa topping.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even the picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for these amazing burgers. You’ll need about a pound of salmon fillet, and make sure you get it with the skin removed – it just makes forming the patties so much easier. Then, we’ve got some panko bread crumbs (for that perfect texture!), one large egg, and a good sprinkle of fresh dill. Don’t forget a little Dijon mustard for a punch, plus some lemon zest to brighten everything up. Oh, and salt and pepper, of course!
For that gorgeous avocado salsa, grab yourself one ripe avocado, diced up nice and small. Then, about a quarter cup of red onion, finely chopped, and another quarter cup of fresh cilantro – it adds a lovely freshness. A good squeeze from one lime is essential, and then just a pinch of salt and pepper to tie it all together. That’s it! Simple, right?
Essential Equipment for Making Your Grilled Salmon Burgers
To make these delicious burgers, you won’t need a whole lot of fancy stuff. Just grab a medium bowl for mixing the salmon, and a fork works best for flaking it apart. You’ll also need a small bowl for that super easy avocado salsa. And of course, the star of the show: your grill! If you don’t have a grill, no worries, a non-stick skillet works too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s surprisingly quick.
Preparing the Salmon Burger Mixture
First things first, take your salmon fillet and flake it all apart in a medium bowl using a fork. Be gentle here; we don’t want mush! Then, toss in the panko bread crumbs, that lightly beaten egg, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and your salt and pepper. Mix it all up *just* until it’s combined. Overmixing makes for tough burgers, and we want tender, flaky goodness!
Forming and Grilling the Salmon Patties
Now, divide that salmon mixture into four equal portions and gently shape them into patties. Don’t overwork them! Get your grill nice and hot – medium-high heat is key. Pop those patties on and let them grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re not flaky anymore and look beautifully firm.
Grilling salmon perfectly is all about that heat and timing, and these patties cook up so fast!
Crafting the Fresh Avocado Salsa
While the burgers are doing their thing on the grill, whip up the salsa. In a small bowl, gently combine your diced avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Give it a little pinch of salt and pepper. Just stir it carefully so you don’t mash up the avocado too much. So fresh and so vibrant!
Assembling Your Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers
Almost there! Quickly toast your burger buns on the grill for a minute or two if you like that extra grilled flavor. Then, just take a perfectly grilled salmon patty, slide it onto the bottom half of your bun, and pile on that cool, fresh avocado salsa. Top with the other half of the bun, and voilà!
Tips for Perfect Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers
When I make these Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa, I always keep a few things in mind to make sure they turn out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, don’t overmix the salmon mixture! You want to keep that lovely flaky texture, so just combine everything gently until it’s barely mixed. Trust me, overworking it leads to a chewy burger, and that’s not what we’re going for here.
Also, make sure your grill is nice and hot before you put the patties on. A good sear is crucial for that smoky flavor and to help them cook quickly without falling apart. And speaking of not falling apart, don’t flip them too soon! Let them get a nice crust on one side before attempting to flip. For general burger tips, check out how to make the perfect burger.
If you’re worried about sticking, a good brush of oil on the grill grates usually does the trick. And hey, if you want to jazz things up, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mix for a little kick, or mix a tiny bit of finely diced jalapeño into the avocado salsa. It just adds another layer of deliciousness!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Salmon Burgers
Sometimes, you might not have everything on hand, and that’s totally okay! For the bread crumbs, if you’re out of panko, regular dried bread crumbs (not Italian seasoned, though!) work just fine. Or, if you want to keep it super healthy, you could even try a little bit of almond flour, though the texture will be a bit different.
Fresh dill is amazing here, but if you can’t find it or aren’t a huge fan, fresh parsley is a great substitute. It’s less potent but still gives a nice fresh herb flavor. And about the salmon itself, fresh is best, but even good quality frozen salmon that’s been thawed works perfectly well. Remember, these are flexible!
Serving Suggestions for Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers
These burgers are so fantastic on their own, but serving them with the right sides really makes the whole meal sing! I love to pair them with a big, fresh green salad – maybe something with some crunchy cucumbers, bell peppers, and a light vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus or sweet potato fries are also *amazing* alongside. For drinks, a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or even just some sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime feels just right. It’s a whole summery vibe!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon Burgers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! For the salmon burgers, let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or popping them into an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Keep the avocado salsa separate in its own container with plastic wrap pressed right onto the surface to stop it from browning.
When you’re ready to reheat, I actually find that gently warming them in a skillet over low heat works best. It helps keep them from getting too dry and gives you a nicer texture than say, microwaving. Just a few minutes on each side should do it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers
Got more questions about making these amazing Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa? I’ve got you covered!
Can I prepare the salmon burger mixture in advance?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make the mixture according to the recipe, then cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This actually lets the flavors meld even more!
What are good substitutes for panko bread crumbs in salmon burgers?
If you don’t have panko, regular dried bread crumbs work just fine. For a lower-carb option, you could try a bit of almond flour, but it will change the texture a little.
How do I know when the grilled salmon burgers are cooked?
They should be firm to the touch and flake easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read around 145°F (63°C). The edges should look cooked through, not raw or mushy!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact salmon you use and what brands of ingredients you grab. But generally, one of these delicious burgers packs about 450 calories, 20g of fat (with about 4g being saturated), 30g of protein, and 40g of carbs. You’ll also get around 6g of fiber and about 600mg of sodium. Pretty good for something so tasty, right?
Print
Irresistible Grilled Salmon Burgers With Avocado Salsa
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious grilled salmon burgers topped with a fresh avocado salsa.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, flake the salmon with a fork.
- Add panko bread crumbs, egg, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the salmon patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and firm.
- While the burgers are grilling, prepare the avocado salsa: In a small bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes, if desired.
- Assemble the burgers by placing a salmon patty on the bottom half of each bun and topping with avocado salsa.
- Place the top half of the bun on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-fry the salmon burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: salmon burger, grilled salmon, avocado salsa, healthy burger, seafood recipe