If you’re craving a bright, protein-packed meal that comes together in no time, Mediterranean Salmon Patties are about to become your new kitchen hero. These flavorful patties deliver all the zesty, herby notes you love in Mediterranean cooking, with a crisp golden crust and a tender, savory center. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress. Prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with color, texture, and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll transform pantry staples into a Mediterranean masterpiece. Each item brings its own magic to the table, contributing crunch, creaminess, or vibrant flavor to every bite.
- Canned Salmon: A convenient source of protein, canned salmon forms the flavorful base and keeps prep quick and easy.
- Red Onion: Adds a gentle bite and a pop of color, beautifully balancing the rich fish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely savory and slightly chewy, they infuse the patties with sweet-tart Mediterranean depth.
- Feta Cheese: Brings a creamy, salty note that melts into the patties for extra richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herbal lift that’s classic in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Dried Oregano: Offers earthy, aromatic flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Garlic: Provides warmth and a gentle pungency, giving each bite a little kick.
- Egg: The essential binder, ensuring your patties hold together perfectly during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs (or Almond Flour): Lightens the texture and keeps the patties tender; almond flour is a great low-carb alternative.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a burst of citrusy aroma that makes the patties irresistibly fresh.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the patties moist.
- Salt and Pepper: Let you adjust the seasoning to your liking, tying everything together.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying, giving the patties their signature golden exterior and a hint of fruity richness.
How to Make Mediterranean Salmon Patties
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining the drained salmon, finely chopped red onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, parsley, dried oregano, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Use a fork to gently mix everything together until it’s evenly incorporated, but don’t overmix — you want the patties to hold together, but still have some texture from the ingredients.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
With clean hands, scoop up the mixture and form it into 6 to 8 patties, each about a half-inch thick. Try to keep the patties uniform in size so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels a little sticky, lightly dampen your hands or add a touch more breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the patties in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each patty is beautifully golden brown and heated through. Resist the urge to flip too soon — letting them cook undisturbed helps develop that irresistible crust.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked Mediterranean Salmon Patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite Mediterranean sides, like tzatziki or a crisp cucumber salad. Every bite is loaded with sunshine flavors!
How to Serve Mediterranean Salmon Patties
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Mediterranean Salmon Patties look and taste even more vibrant. Finish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley, a few crumbles of feta, or a scattering of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. A lemon wedge on the side is always a good idea for that final zesty touch.
Side Dishes
These patties pair beautifully with so many sides! Try a dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki, a light cucumber and tomato salad, or warm pita bread. You can also serve them over a bed of greens with a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of red wine vinegar for a refreshing, protein-packed salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation: tuck the patties into pita pockets with lettuce and sliced cucumbers for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich, or serve them slider-style on mini buns with arugula and a swipe of hummus. For a lighter meal, stack them atop roasted veggies or a quinoa tabbouleh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Mediterranean Salmon Patties, simply let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
These patties freeze well, too! Arrange the cooked (and cooled) patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Mediterranean Salmon Patties in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil, about 2 minutes per side. You can also warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave gently (though the crust won’t be as crisp).
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, cooked, and flaked salmon will give your Mediterranean Salmon Patties an even richer texture and flavor. Simply swap the canned salmon for an equivalent amount of cooked salmon and follow the recipe as written.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re looking to keep things gluten-free or low-carb, almond flour is an excellent substitute. You could also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oat flour. The key is to add just enough to help the patties hold together.
Are Mediterranean Salmon Patties good for meal prep?
They’re fantastic for meal prep! Make a batch in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat as needed. They’re delicious hot or cold, and can be tucked into salads, wraps, or lunchboxes throughout the week.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a lighter option. Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and heated through.
What sauces pair well with Mediterranean Salmon Patties?
Classic tzatziki is a favorite, but you could also try a dollop of hummus, a drizzle of tahini sauce, or a quick yogurt-lemon dip. Anything creamy and bright will complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a plate of homemade Mediterranean Salmon Patties, with their crispy edges and sun-drenched flavors. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own — it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Mediterranean Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Salmon Patties are flavorful, easy-to-make fish cakes combining canned salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs for a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with lemon and tzatziki or a crisp cucumber salad, showcasing vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (6 oz each) boneless, skinless salmon (drained)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained salmon, finely chopped red onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a consistent mixture.
- Form the patties: Shape the salmon mixture into 6 to 8 patties, each about half an inch thick. Ensure they hold together well but are not overly compacted to maintain a tender texture.
- Heat the pan and cook: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each patty for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and heated thoroughly.
- Drain and serve: Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and optional sides such as tzatziki sauce or a fresh cucumber salad for a delicious Mediterranean touch.
Notes
- You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time.
- For a richer texture, substitute canned salmon with freshly cooked salmon.
- These patties are versatile and can be served inside pita bread or atop fresh greens for a lighter Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
