Name: Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet; 1/2 cup panko crumbs or paleo/W30/GF substitute; 1 egg; 2 green onions chopped; 1/2 poblano pepper seeded and chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 large ripe avocado peeled, seeded, and chopped; 1/2 poblano pepper seeded and chopped; 2 green onions chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

These Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa are juicy, zesty, and loaded with bold flavors.

The poblano peppers and green onions add a subtle kick, while the creamy avocado salsa on top keeps everything cool and refreshing.

Whether you serve them with a bun or on a bed of greens, they’re the perfect summer dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

Fresh salmon gives these burgers amazing texture and flavor

Easy to prep and cook – ready in under 30 minutes

Avocado salsa on top makes it feel fancy (but it’s super simple)

Healthy, light, and packed with protein

Great with or without a bun

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Salmon fillet – Use fresh, skinless salmon for best texture

Panko breadcrumbs – Adds lightness and helps bind the burgers

Green onions & poblano pepper – Brings flavor and mild heat

Egg – Keeps everything together

Fresh lemon or lime juice – Brightens everything up

Avocado – Creamy and cool, perfect contrast to the warm burgers

Simple seasoning – Just salt and pepper to let the ingredients shine

Pro Tips Before You Start

Chop salmon finely for better binding and even cooking

Use a food processor if you prefer a quicker method

Wet your hands when forming patties – less sticking

Make the salsa right before serving to keep avocado fresh

Grill or pan-sear – both work great with this recipe

How to Make Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Remove the skin and finely chop the salmon fillet into small chunks.

Place the chopped salmon into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients

Add panko breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, chopped poblano pepper, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

Form the salmon mixture into burger-sized patties.

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Avocado Salsa

In a separate bowl, combine chopped avocado, chopped poblano pepper, green onions, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Gently stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Top each cooked salmon burger with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa.

Serve on toasted buns or over a salad for a bun-free option.

What to Serve It With

Toasted brioche buns or lettuce wraps

Roasted sweet potato wedges

Cucumber salad or coleslaw

A cold sparkling lemonade or citrus iced tea

Variations / Substitutions

Make it gluten-free with GF panko or almond meal

Go paleo or Whole30 by using crushed plantain chips instead of breadcrumbs

Add heat with a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños

Use cilantro in the salsa for a fresh twist

Serve as sliders for a party-friendly version

Storage & Leftovers

Uncooked patties: Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking

Cooked burgers: Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container

Avocado salsa: Best served fresh, but can be stored with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface for up to 1 day

Freeze uncooked burgers: Separate with parchment and freeze up to 2 months

Reheat cooked patties in a skillet or air fryer for best texture

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?
Fresh salmon is best for texture, but canned will work in a pinch—just drain it very well.

How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
Make sure the salmon is finely chopped and the egg and panko are well mixed in to bind.

Can I cook these in a skillet?
Yes! A lightly oiled nonstick skillet over medium-high heat works perfectly.

What can I use instead of poblano peppers?
You can substitute with bell peppers for mild flavor or jalapeños for heat.

Is the avocado salsa spicy?
It has a mild kick from the poblano, but it’s mostly creamy and fresh.

Do I need to chill the patties before cooking?
Chilling for 10–15 minutes can help them hold shape, but it’s not required.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the patties and store in the fridge, then cook fresh when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

These Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa are a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal that feels restaurant-quality but comes together in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors or pan-searing indoors, the result is juicy, flavorful burgers with a fresh, creamy topping that takes them over the top.