Easy Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon

Salmon patties have always been one of my favorite back-pocket meals.

They’re inexpensive, quick to make, and incredibly versatile. Best of all, they rely on pantry staples that I almost always have on hand.

This version comes from a well-loved cookbook I discovered at Goodwill. As soon as I started flipping through the pages, I noticed several recipes marked by the previous owner—a sure sign of a cookbook that had seen plenty of use. These salmon patties were one of the first recipes I decided to try.

Made with canned salmon, green onions, celery, breadcrumbs, and a simple horseradish sauce, they come together in less than 30 minutes and make a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Serve them with coleslaw, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges for an easy meal any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
• Great use for canned salmon
• Easy to make ahead
• WW-friendly
• High in protein
• Perfect for lunch or dinner
• Crispy outside, tender inside

Ingredients & Substitutions

Canned Salmon

Use your favorite canned salmon, drained and picked over for skin and bones if desired. Leftover cooked salmon works well too.

Green Onions

Add mild onion flavor. Finely chopped red, white, or yellow onion can be substituted.

Celery

Provides crunch and freshness. Finely diced bell pepper works well too.

Horseradish Sauce

Adds a subtle zing. If you don’t have prepared horseradish sauce, combine prepared horseradish with light mayonnaise as described above.

Breadcrumbs

Plain, seasoned, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs all work.

Oil

Any neutral cooking oil works well for pan-frying.

How to Make Salmon Patties

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the salmon, green onions, celery, horseradish sauce, and breadcrumbs. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.

If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.

Step 3: Cook

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link) over medium-high heat.

Cook the patties until golden brown on the first side, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Carefully flip and continue cooking until browned and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and dipping sauces.

Recipe Notes

These salmon patties are softer and more delicate than traditional salmon burgers. If you prefer a firmer patty, add an extra tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs.

The patties can be formed several hours ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook.

One of my favorite shortcuts is using leftover grilled or baked salmon instead of canned salmon.

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations, each patty has just 213 calories and 3 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

6 PointsPlus (Old plan)

What to Serve with Salmon Patties

These easy salmon patties pair well with:

• Coleslaw
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Potato wedges
• French carrot salad
• Cucumber salad
• Rice pilaf
• Fresh fruit

For dipping, try:

• Tartar sauce
• Yogurt dill sauce
• Lemon aioli
• Remoulade
• Extra horseradish sauce

If you’ve made these Easy Salmon Patties, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Source: Adapted from Good Housekeeping The Supermarket Diet Cookbook (affiliate link) by Janis Jibrin M.S. R.D. and Susan Westmoreland

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the bones from canned salmon?

No. The small bones are edible and provide calcium. Remove them only if you prefer.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 400F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I freeze salmon patties?

Yes. Freeze cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh salmon?

Absolutely. Cook and flake fresh salmon before mixing with the remaining ingredients.

More Easy Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

• Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Easy Salmon Cakes are a delicious way to enjoy canned or leftover salmon.
• Light, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy dinner, this Salmon Dill Loaf is a Weight Watchers-friendly twist on a classic comfort dish.
• Fresh, vibrant, and packed with seasonal flavor, this Summer Salmon Panzanella Bread Salad combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, toasted bread, and flaky salmon for a satisfying warm-weather meal.
• A WW Friendly Meal Plan featuring this Quick & Delicious Salmon Patties Recipe.