Juicy Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Sizzling summer evenings call for a delightful grilled salmon burgers with avocado salsa that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
The combination of fresh, flaky salmon and zesty salsa creates a mouthwatering meal that breaks free from ordinary burger expectations.
Packed with omega-3 rich fish and vibrant ingredients, these burgers deliver serious flavor in every bite.
The creamy avocado salsa adds a luxurious touch that complements the perfectly grilled salmon patties.
Each burger brings together a harmony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.
Crisp, fresh ingredients elevate this dish from simple meal to a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Let’s fire up the grill and transform dinner into something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients Needed for Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Salsa
For Salmon Burger Base:
Salmon Fillet: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich, oceanic flavor and tender texture for the burger's core.
Panko Crumbs: Light, crispy Japanese breadcrumbs help bind ingredients and create a delicate, flaky burger structure.
Egg: Crucial binding agent that helps hold the salmon burger together during cooking.
For Fresh Aromatics and Seasoning:
Green Onions, Poblano Pepper: Vibrant herbs and mild peppers add zesty, fresh undertones and subtle warmth to the burger.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Bright citrus cuts through rich salmon and adds tangy, refreshing complexity.
Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the salmon's natural flavors.
For Avocado Salsa Ingredients:
Avocado: Creamy, buttery fruit brings luxurious texture and heart-healthy fats to top the burger.
Green Onions, Poblano Pepper: Matching aromatics from burger create harmonious flavor profile.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Prevents avocado browning and adds zippy, fresh contrast.
Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight the salsa's fresh ingredients.
Tool for Grilling Salmon Burgers and Assembling Salsa
Large Bowl: Essential for mixing salmon burger ingredients thoroughly.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping salmon, poblano pepper, and green onions.
Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
Indoor Grill Pan or Outdoor BBQ: Critical for cooking salmon burgers with nice grill marks.
Spatula: Helps flip and transfer salmon burgers without breaking.
Medium Bowl: Used for preparing fresh avocado salsa.
Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for both salmon burgers and salsa.
Cooking Instructions for Grilled Salmon Burgers with Salsa
Salmon Preparation Fresh seafood foundation starts with quality salmon. Select a vibrant, firm fillet with rich color and minimal skin.
Mixing Ingredients Combine chopped salmon with complementary elements like panko crumbs, beaten egg, zesty green onions, and bright poblano peppers. Create a harmonious blend that will hold together beautifully.
Patty Formation Gently shape the salmon mixture into compact, even rounds. Ensure each patty is uniform for consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
Grilling Technique Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Cook salmon burgers carefully, allowing golden-brown crust to develop on each side. Watch for subtle color changes indicating perfect doneness.
Avocado Salsa Companion Craft a vibrant salsa by delicately combining creamy avocado chunks with crisp poblano peppers, fresh green onions, and a zingy citrus splash. This bright topping elevates the entire dish.
Serving Style Crown each salmon burger with a generous spoonful of cool, creamy avocado salsa. Offer as a light meal with optional bun for added texture and satisfaction.
Tips for Toppings or Bun Choices
Replace salmon with fresh tuna, halibut, or even ground chicken for a unique twist on the classic burger.
Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce to the salmon mixture for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
Include a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to help the patties hold together more effectively during grilling.
Fold in toasted pine nuts or chopped water chestnuts to add unexpected texture and nutty undertones to the salmon burger.
Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the delicate salmon patties from sticking and ensure a perfect sear with beautiful grill marks.
Serving Grilled Salmon Burgers with Style
Beach Picnic Platter: Spread out a colorful beach towel and arrange these salmon burgers with fresh cut watermelon slices, crisp cucumber wedges, and a chilled tropical drink for a perfect seaside meal.
Taco Night Twist: Transform these salmon burgers into fish tacos by serving them in warm corn tortillas, topped with the avocado salsa, and adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra zest.
Salad Bowl Sensation: Create a light, protein-packed salad by placing the grilled salmon burger on a bed of mixed greens, drizzling with a light citrus vinaigrette, and topping with the fresh avocado salsa.
Gourmet Burger Stack: Elevate the presentation by serving the salmon burger on a toasted brioche bun, adding a thin slice of pepper jack cheese, crisp butter lettuce, and a dollop of spicy mayo alongside the avocado salsa.
Storage Tips for Salmon Patties and Salsa
Batch Preparation Magic: Whip up salmon burger mixture ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, ensuring fresh flavors and saving precious meal prep time.
Chilled Leftover Strategy: Store cooked salmon burgers in sealed containers within the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Uncooked salmon burger patties can be individually wrapped in plastic and frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best texture and taste.
Smart Salsa Storage: Keep avocado salsa separately in a tight-lid container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning. Consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness and vibrant flavors.
Pacific Northwest salmon creates a zesty burger loaded with fresh herbs and spices. Homemade avocado salsa adds bright, creamy complexity that elevates summer grilling for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) salmon fillet, skinned and chopped
1 egg
½ cup panko crumbs
2 green onions, chopped
1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
½ poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 large ripe avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparation: Finely dice salmon fillet and transfer to a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform chunk size for consistent cooking and texture.
Mixing: Combine salmon with panko crumbs, egg, green onions, poblano pepper, and citrus juice. Blend thoroughly until ingredients form a cohesive, well-integrated mixture that will hold together during grilling.
Grill Preparation: Preheat grill pan or barbecue to medium-high heat, creating an ideal surface temperature for searing salmon patties with a golden, crisp exterior.
Patty Formation: Gently shape salmon mixture into compact, uniform patties using light pressure to maintain structural integrity without compressing ingredients too densely.
Grilling: Place salmon patties on hot grill, cooking each side for approximately 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring a crisp exterior and moist interior.
Salsa Creation: While burgers cook, combine diced avocado, poblano pepper, green onions, and citrus juice in a separate bowl, creating a fresh, vibrant accompaniment with balanced flavors and textures.
Seasoning and Serving: Season salsa with salt and pepper, then delicately fold ingredients. Transfer perfectly grilled salmon burgers to plates and top generously with avocado salsa.
Presentation: Offer flexible serving options, allowing guests to enjoy burgers with or without buns based on individual preferences.
Notes
Dice Precisely: Cut salmon into uniform small chunks for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the burger.
Bind Smartly: Use panko crumbs and egg as key binding agents to prevent burger from falling apart during grilling.
Grill with Care: Maintain medium-high heat and cook each side for exactly 4 minutes to achieve golden exterior without drying out salmon.
Handle Gently: Press patties softly when forming to maintain delicate salmon structure and prevent overworking the mixture.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.