If you’re looking for a delicious and nourishing dinner option that feels both comforting and fresh, you have to try this Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe. These patties are perfectly flaky and packed with flavor, combining tender salmon with vibrant herbs and a refreshing lemon dill sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or prepping for the week ahead, these patties bring a wonderful balance of protein, healthy fats, and zesty brightness that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl holds a mix of chopped orange, white, and green ingredients with a chunky texture, likely salmon, onions, and herbs, with a silver spoon resting inside. Below it, there is a metal tray lined with white parchment paper displaying five round patties of the same mixture, each showing small bits of orange, white, and green evenly spread. Both the bowl and tray are placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The joy of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays an essential role. From the rich salmon that offers moistness and flavor to the fresh herbs that brighten the dish, each component is carefully chosen to create the ultimate healthy salmon patty experience.

1 pound fresh salmon: The star of the dish, providing moist, flaky texture and rich omega-3s.
⅓ cup olive oil, divided: Adds healthy fats and helps achieve a golden crust when cooking the patties.
1 medium onion, finely diced: Brings gentle sweetness and moisture to the mix.
1 red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds vibrant color and a little sweetness for balance.
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a subtle, aromatic punch.
½ cup almond flour: A gluten-free binding agent that keeps the patties tender.
2 large eggs, beaten: Helps hold everything together perfectly.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture to the patties.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang and depth of flavor.
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Offers freshness and color.
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped: Infuses that signature herbaceous note essential to the dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to taste and enhance the flavors.
For the Lemon Dill Mayonnaise: 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, ½ lemon (zested and juiced), kosher salt, and black pepper come together to create a bright and creamy sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling.

How to Make Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Drizzle the fresh salmon with a tablespoon of olive oil and season it generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Bake it uncovered for 10 to 13 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. This gentle cooking method keeps the fish moist and tender, making it easy to flake once cooled. After baking, place the salmon in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes to cool completely, which helps when forming the patties.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While your salmon chills, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step draws out their sweetness and makes sure the veggies add a lovely texture and flavor dimension to your salmon patties.

Step 3: Prepare the Patty Mixture

Once the salmon is cool, use your hands to flake it into a large mixing bowl, removing any skin you find. Add the sautéed veggies, fresh dill, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, almond flour, and beaten eggs. Season with salt and black pepper. Then, mix everything thoroughly by hand until well combined. The almond flour and eggs act as natural binders, ensuring your patties hold their shape while staying tender.

Step 4: Form the Patties

Shape the salmon mixture into small, evenly sized patties using your hands. For ease, place the formed patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This little trick makes transferring them to the stove or oven so much simpler without losing their shape or pristine edges.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon Patties

Heat several tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, keeping them crisp without greasiness.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Dill Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce is the perfect companion to the salmon patties, balancing richness with bright citrusy and herbal notes, truly making the Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe stand out.

How to Serve Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two golden-brown patties stacked slightly overlapping on the right side, each topped with a dollop of white sauce with green herbs and a small sprig of dill. To the left of the patties is a bed of mixed green leaves, including spinach and arugula, with thin slices of red onion scattered lightly on top. Below the greens are several thin, curled slices of pale green cucumber sprinkled with small dill pieces. At the bottom right of the plate are three lemon wedges with a light sprinkle of black pepper. A silver fork rests beside the patties near the top right of the plate, and a glass jar of white sauce with a silver spoon inside is partially visible at the top right outside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and flavor, garnish your salmon patties with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley and an extra wedge of lemon. The fresh herbs add a dazzling pop of green, while a little squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish, enhancing the sauce’s citrus notes.

Side Dishes

These salmon patties work beautifully alongside simple, wholesome sides. Think a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic mashed cauliflower. Each side complements the patties without overpowering their flavor, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just add a bit of fun, try serving your salmon patties on whole-grain sliders with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of lemon dill sauce. Or, pair them with avocado slices and pickled red onions for a trendy twist. The Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe is versatile and perfect for casual or elegant occasions alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a quick lunch or dinner option that’s as tasty as the first time you made them.

Freezing

These salmon patties freeze beautifully. Just freeze the formed patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. It’s a wonderful way to have a ready-to-cook protein option waiting in your freezer for those busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, either warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This ensures the patties stay crispy on the outside while warming nicely throughout, keeping the flavors intact.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Canned salmon works well, but since it can be drier than fresh, I recommend increasing the mayonnaise to about ¼ cup to keep the patties nice and moist.

Is almond flour necessary, or can I substitute it?

Almond flour helps keep the patties tender and gluten-free, but you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs or regular flour if you don’t mind gluten. Just be mindful the texture might change slightly.

Can I bake the salmon patties instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake them! Place the patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes on each side. This method is great if you want a hands-off approach.

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

King salmon, with its high oil content, creates a very moist patty and you might need only one egg. However, sockeye or coho work wonderfully too for a slightly firmer texture.

How long does the lemon dill sauce stay fresh?

The sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Salmon Patties with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe is a real gem—simple to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and bursting with fresh flavors that brighten every bite. I absolutely love how the lemon dill sauce pairs perfectly with the golden salmon patties, turning an everyday dinner into something special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite healthy comfort food!