Budget-Friendly • High-Protein • Heart Healthy • Alpha-Gal Friendly

This is a healthier take on a Southern comfort food favorite! These Southern-Style Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Using canned wild-caught salmon makes this recipe affordable, convenient, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re trying to eat more Omega-3s or simply need a quick, budget-friendly meal, these salmon patties are a delicious way to support heart health while enjoying a classic family favorite. Pair them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal the whole family will love. This recipe was inspired by our dietitian-to-be intern Sienna!

Estimated Cost (Based on Average Grocery Prices)

IngredientEstimated Cost
Canned Alaskan Pink Salmon$4.25
Whole Wheat Bread$1.50
Egg$0.35
Onion$0.75
Lemon Juice$0.15
Garlic Powder, salt, and pepper$0.10
Olive oil$0.20

Total Recipe Cost: ~$7.30
Servings: 5 (2 patties per serving)

Cost per serving: $1.46

Where the Nutrition Comes From

  • Salmon: Provides complete protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin B12 to support heart health, brain function, and muscle recovery. Canned salmon with bones also provides an excellent source of calcium.
  • Whole Wheat Bread: Supplies fiber that helps with lasting energy while helping support digestive health.
  • Egg: Adds complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, along with choline to support brain health and muscle function.
  • Onion: Provides antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds that support heart health while adding flavor without excess sodium.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds fresh citrus flavor and a small boost of vitamin C that complements the richness of the salmon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these salmon patties with:

  • Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
  • Pineapple Cowboy Caviar
  • Steamed Green Beans
  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • Brown Rice or Quinoa
  • Fresh fruit for a complete balanced plate

For a lighter meal, serve over a mixed green salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Why We Think You’ll Love This Recipe!

✔ Classic Southern comfort food made healthier

✔ Alpha-gal friendly

✔ Excellent source of lean protein

✔ Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats

✔ Budget-friendly using pantry staples

✔ Ready in about 1 hour (including chilling time)

✔ Great for meal prep and leftovers

Nutrition Tip From Sienna

Pair these salmon patties with a high-fiber vegetable and a whole grain or starchy vegetable to create a balanced meal that supports heart health, recovery, and lasting energy. For athletes or those with higher protein needs, serve with a side of Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt), cottage cheese, or an extra serving of vegetables and quinoa to increase the overall protein and nutrient content of the meal.

Check out the recipe below:

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Southern-Style Salmon Patties

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean, Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14.75 oz can Wild-caught Alaskan pink salmon, undrained
  • 6 slices Whole wheat bread, torn into small pieces
  • 1 large Egg
  • 3/4 cup Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (for cooking)

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl and Spoons
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Skillet and spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, empty the canned salmon (including the juice).
  2. Add the egg, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped onions into the bowl.
  3. Tear 6 slices of bread into tiny pieces and add them to the bowl. Mix until combined. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Heat stove to medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil into the pan.
  5. Measure out 3-4 tbsp of mix and shape into a patty. Cook patty on each side for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Below is the estimated nutritional value for each serving of this recipe:
 
 
 
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

 

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Place cooked patties between sheets of parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet, air fryer, or 350°F oven until heated through to help maintain their crispy texture.

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