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These easy salmon cakes are a great reminder of how helpful a well-stocked pantry can be. With a few basic ingredients and a can of salmon, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table with very little effort.
Canned salmon has been a kitchen staple for generations, and for good reason. It’s affordable, versatile, and works beautifully in simple recipes like these salmon cakes, which come together quickly and feel both familiar and nourishing.
If you like simple, pantry-based recipes like this one, you may also enjoy my Easy Tuna Patties, another quick and budget-friendly meal made with canned fish.
Why I Love These Simple Salmon Cakes
- They’re quick to mix and cook, making them ideal for busy nights.
- The ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand.
- Canned salmon is affordable and full of flavor.
- The recipe is flexible and easy to adapt with different seasonings.
- They work just as well for dinner as they do for lunch the next day.
This is one of those recipes that proves simple food can be deeply satisfying.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Canned salmon – Pink or sockeye both work well.
- Fresh bread crumbs – Help bind the patties. You can also use panko or dried bread crumbs. If you’re using dried bread crumbs instead of fresh, you’ll want to use a little less. Dried crumbs absorb more moisture, so start with about half and add more only if the mixture feels too loose.
- Scallions – Add mild onion flavor.
- Light mayonnaise – Adds moisture and richness. You can also use plain Greek yogurt instead.
- Egg – Helps hold the patties together.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor.
- Dill (dried or fresh) – A classic pairing with salmon.
- Old Bay seasoning (optional) – Adds extra flavor if you like.
- Olive oil – For cooking the patties. Any neutral oil will work.
How Many Calories and WW Points in Low Carb Salmon Cakes?
According to my calculations, each salmon cake has about 253 calories.
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)
How To Make Easy Salmon Cakes
- In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the olive oil until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into patties, making either larger or smaller cakes depending on your preference.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link) over medium heat.
- Cook the salmon cakes until lightly browned on both sides and heated through.
- Remove from the pan and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Canned salmon is usually sold as either sockeye (red) or pink salmon. Pink salmon is milder in flavor and typically more budget-friendly, which makes it a great choice for everyday cooking.
These salmon cakes disappear quickly whenever I make them. I’m always reminded how the simplest meals are often the ones everyone enjoys most.
Recipe Variations
- Add finely chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, capers, parsley, or celery.
- Brighten the flavor with lemon juice or lemon zest.
- Swap in Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Simple Sauce Idea:
Stir together light mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, chopped scallions, lemon juice, and fresh dill or parsley for an easy topping.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with lemon wedges and a simple sauce like tartar or tzatziki.
- Turn them into salmon burgers on buns or toasted English muffins.
- Add them to a salad for a light, protein-rich meal.
- Pair with peas, mashed potatoes, or a fresh fruit salsa.
If you’ve made these Simple Salmon Cakes, 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.
Easy Salmon Cakes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) salmon, drained with skin and bones removed
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs , You can also use panko or dried bread crumbs. If you’re using dried bread crumbs instead of fresh, you’ll want to use a little less. Dried crumbs absorb more moisture, so start with about half and add more only if the mixture feels too loose.
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (gluten-free, if desired)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, or 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the olive oil until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 8 large or 16 small salmon patties.
- In a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon patties for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned and heated through.
- Remove from the pan and serve immediately.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 SmartPoints (Green plan) 3 SmartPoints (Blue plan) 3 SmartPoints (Purple plan) 6 PointsPlus (Old plan) Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup water chestnuts (finely chopped) to the salmon mixture for a crunchy addition to your salmon cakes.
- Other possible additions and seasonings include dijon mustard, chopped parsley, chopped capers, chopped celery, lemon juice, lemon zest, cajun seasoning blend.
- Stir together a creamy sauce for your salmon cakes: 1/4 cup light mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 chopped scallions, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More WW-Friendly Salmon Recipes
If you like these easy salmon fishcakes, be sure to check out my other Weight Watchers friendly recipes including:
- Quick and Easy Salmon Patties – Another pantry-friendly salmon recipe that comes together quickly and works well for an easy weeknight meal.
- Salmon Dill Loaf – A lighter baked salmon dish with classic dill flavor, perfect when you want something a little different from patties.
- Salmon Panzanella Salad – A fresh, lighter option that pairs salmon with vegetables and bread for a satisfying meal-style salad.
- Crock Pot Salmon with Asian Style Veggies – An easy slow cooker recipe that combines tender salmon with vegetables and simple Asian-inspired flavors.
- Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Peas – A quick pasta dish that feels a little special but still fits into an everyday dinner rotation.
- Scrambled Eggs with Salmon – A simple, protein-rich meal that works well for breakfast, lunch, or a light supper.
This has become a regular meal in my rotation, I’ve always liked salmon patties but the seasoning for these is next level IMHO
Hi Kate, So glad you like them! Thanks for taking the time to let us know. ~Martha
Very tasty.
Can you bake them in the oven? If so what temperature and how long?
And can you use fresh salmon?
Hi Donna, I haven’t tried them in the oven but think that 350 degrees for 20 minutes or sho should work. Hope this helps. ~Martha
Awesome!!
My husband & I really enjoyed these & my husband was comparing them to his grandmother’s so that means they were a hit!
Thanks so much Tracy!
How do I save your recipes? I clicked SAVE and nothing happened. I don’t know where to save it.