Delicious & Healthy Salmon Burgers with Dill and Feta: The Ultimate Leftover Salmon Recipe

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Looking for a creative way to use up that leftover cooked salmon? Look no further! These incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful salmon burgers are a culinary revelation. Infused with the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh dill and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, each patty is then coated in a lightly crispy layer of ground flax seeds, adding a delightful crunch and a powerful nutritional boost. This recipe isn’t just about reducing food waste; it’s about elevating a simple ingredient into a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

The Inspiration Behind a Busy Kitchen’s Best Kept Secret

Life has a way of speeding up, doesn’t it? As September rolls along, the rhythm of school, work, and family life kicks into high gear. Our household, like many, is a whirlwind of activity, especially with my daughter’s wedding just around the corner. It feels like only yesterday she was a bright-eyed toddler, and now we’re celebrating a beautiful new chapter. Amidst the joyful chaos of wedding preparations, yard tidying, and managing daily responsibilities, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a monumental task.

This recipe for salmon burgers was born out of that very need for efficiency and deliciousness. Last week, after enjoying a wonderful steam-baked salmon dinner – a deceptively simple yet elegant way to prepare fish – I found myself with a generous amount of perfectly cooked salmon left over. Waste not, want not, as they say! My garden still offered wisps of fragrant dill, and a lovely chunk of fresh feta from the Italian market beckoned from the fridge. It was clear these ingredients were destined for greatness, together in a sizzling pan.

The beauty of these burgers extends beyond their ease of preparation. We savored them for dinner, then the next day, they transformed into fantastic lunchbox heroes. Tucked into warm pitas with a dollop of mayo and a hint of cilantro chutney, they were an instant hit. This versatility makes them a staple for anyone juggling a busy schedule, proving that quick meals don’t have to compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Why Salmon Burgers Are a Weeknight Winner

Salmon burgers offer a multitude of benefits, making them an ideal choice for healthy, convenient eating:

Nutritional Powerhouse

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is renowned for its high content of EPA and DHA, essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
• Excellent Source of Protein: High-quality protein helps with muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon provides significant amounts of Vitamin D, B vitamins (B12, niacin, B6), selenium, and potassium.
• Added Fiber: The ground flax seeds in this recipe boost the fiber content, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.

Unbeatable Convenience

Utilizing leftover cooked salmon is an intelligent way to meal prep, saving precious time on busy evenings. The entire process, from mixing to pan-frying, is incredibly fast, making it possible to have a homemade, healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. They’re also perfect for making ahead – simply form the patties and store them in the fridge, ready to cook whenever hunger strikes.

Versatile Flavor Profile

The combination of fresh dill, tangy feta, and zesty lemon creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor that is both light and satisfying. These ingredients complement the rich taste of salmon beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. The natural saltiness of the feta means you won’t need to add extra salt, keeping the sodium content in check while enhancing the overall taste.

Spotlight on Key Ingredients: Beyond the Salmon

While salmon is the star, the supporting cast in these burgers truly makes them shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture:

Fresh Dill: The Herbaceous Star

Dill brings a unique, fresh, and slightly aniselike flavor that pairs exceptionally well with fish. Its delicate fronds add a vibrant green hue and an aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the salmon and feta. Don’t skimp on the fresh dill; it truly makes a difference!

Feta Cheese: Tangy and Salty Goodness

Crumbled or finely diced feta cheese contributes a wonderful briny tang and a slight creaminess to the patties. Its saltiness is potent enough to season the entire burger mixture, negating the need for additional salt. Feta also helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring the burgers hold their shape during cooking.

Ground Golden Flax Seeds: The Unsung Hero

My new favorite ingredient, ground golden flax seeds, are a revelation in these burgers. Unlike their darker brown counterparts, golden flax seeds have a milder, almost imperceptible flavor, making them easy to “hide” in various dishes. They are an absolute nutritional powerhouse:

• Omega-3s: While slightly less than brown flax, they still provide an impressive amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.
• Dietary Fiber: Ground flax seeds are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting digestive health, satiety, and stable blood sugar levels.
• Lignans: These unique compounds found in flax seeds possess antioxidant and estrogen-balancing properties.

In this recipe, ground flax seeds serve a dual purpose: they act as an additional binder, helping the patties stay together, and they create a fantastic, slightly crispy coating when pan-fried, adding a delightful textural contrast. I buy them pre-ground (fine milled) and store them in the freezer to maintain freshness, adding them to everything from baking to smoothies. Health-wise, using them more often means we’re reaping more benefits!

Salmon Burgers with Dill and Feta Cheese Recipe

These salmon burgers are surprisingly easy to make, and their delightful flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll love how quickly they come together, especially when starting with pre-cooked salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flaked, cooked salmon (approximately 10 oz / 300 gms)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120ml) fine breadcrumbs (gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 cup (120 gms) crumbled or finely diced feta cheese
• ¼ cup (60ml) chopped fresh dill
• ¼ cup (60ml) finely chopped onion (red or yellow onion works well)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Grated zest of ½ a lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup ground golden flax seeds (also known as flax seed meal)
• Grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil like avocado or canola) for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh dill, finely chopped onion, black pepper, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. This ensures even distribution of flavors and helps the mixture bind. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the salmon tough.
3. Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 small patties, each about scant ⅓ cup in size. A good trick is to use a ⅓ cup measuring scoop, pack it with the salmon mixture, and then gently plop it onto your hand. Flatten and shape the burger slightly to your desired thickness. The patties will be soft at this stage, but don’t worry, they will firm up beautifully as they cook.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat a tablespoon of grapeseed oil (or your preferred frying oil) in a heavy skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be shimmering, but not smoking.
5. Coat with Flax Seeds: Place the ground golden flax seeds in a shallow bowl. Gently roll each salmon burger patty in the flax seeds, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. This step adds both flavor, texture, and a healthy boost!
6. Fry the Burgers: Carefully place the coated salmon burgers into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to fry them in two batches to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice golden crust.
7. Cook Until Golden: Fry the burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Since the salmon is already cooked, you’re primarily aiming for a beautiful crust and to warm the patties through.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove the cooked burgers from the pan and serve hot.

This recipe yields approximately 8 small patties, serving 4 people.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Salmon Burger Experience

These salmon burgers are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Classic Style: Serve them on toasted burger buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a dollop of homemade tartar sauce or a lemon-dill aioli.
• Mediterranean Twist: Tuck them into warm pita bread with a smear of hummus, crisp cucumber, and a sprinkle of fresh mint, as mentioned in the original recipe inspiration.
• Low-Carb Option: Enjoy them in a crisp lettuce wrap or alongside a vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• As a Main Course: Serve them next to roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a quinoa salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• With a Sauce: Experiment with different sauces like a creamy Greek yogurt dip, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a fresh avocado crema.

Guten Appetit!

These Dill and Feta Salmon Burgers are more than just a meal; they’re a smart, delicious solution for busy lives and a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible benefits of salmon. Give them a try, and watch them become a new family favorite!

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More Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these salmon burgers, explore other ways to enjoy healthy fish and flavorful burgers from the Kitchen Frau kitchen:

Steam-baked Salmon with Lovage and Lime and a Zesty Tartar Sauce – The very recipe that inspired these amazing burgers!

Spinach and Salmon Salad Rolls – A fresh and light way to enjoy salmon, perfect for spring and summer.

Chimichurri Sauce on Salmon – Elevate your salmon with this vibrant and herbaceous sauce.

Shrimp Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing – Another delightful seafood dish featuring fresh dill.

Mexican Burgers with Smoky Chipotle Sauce – If you love unique burger ideas, this one is a must-try!