If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful seafood dinner, these lemon dill salmon burgers are a perfect choice. Made with chopped salmon, bright lemon zest, and fragrant fresh dill, these homemade salmon burgers are pan-seared until golden and incredibly juicy. Served on toasted buns with crisp lettuce and a creamy lemon dill sauce, this easy salmon burger recipe is ready in about 25 minutes and makes a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or anyone craving a light yet satisfying seafood meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Fresh and Bright Flavor – These lemon dill salmon burgers are packed with fresh lemon zest, fragrant dill, and juicy salmon for a light but flavorful seafood meal.
• Quick and Easy Dinner – Ready in about 25 minutes, these homemade salmon burgers are perfect for busy weeknights.
• Juicy and Tender Salmon Patties – Using chopped salmon instead of canned salmon creates a flaky, restaurant-quality texture.
• Healthier Burger Option – Salmon burgers are naturally rich in protein and omega-3s, making them a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers.
• Perfect for Grilling or Pan-Seared – Cook these lemon dill salmon burgers in a skillet or on the grill for an easy summer dinner.
• Pairs with Many Sides – Serve these salmon burgers with fries, salad, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Fresh Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers with Creamy Lemon Sauce
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife (for chopping salmon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)
- large skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Small bowl (for lemon dill sauce)
Ingredients
Salmon Burgers
- 1 lb fresh salmon skin removed and finely chopped
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Lemon Dill Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 burger buns toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Optional: avocado or cucumber
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Finely chop the salmon with a knife or pulse briefly in a food processor until it resembles coarse ground meat.
Mix the Burger Mixture
- In a bowl combine: chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, dill, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined.
Form Patties
- Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties about ¾ inch thick.
Cook the Salmon Burgers
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Lemon Dill Sauce
- In a small bowl whisk together: mayonnaise (or yogurt), lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Assemble the Burgers
- Spread lemon dill sauce on toasted buns.
- Add salmon patty and top with: lettuce, tomato, onion, and optional avocado.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations
Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers
For a smoky flavor, cook these lemon dill salmon burgers on the grill instead of a skillet. Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the salmon patties for about 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
These salmon burgers in the air fryer are quick and easy. Cook the patties at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Low-Carb Salmon Burgers
For a lighter option, serve the lemon dill salmon patties in lettuce wraps instead of burger buns. Butter lettuce or romaine works especially well.
Spicy Salmon Burgers
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or sriracha to the salmon mixture for a spicy twist on classic lemon dill salmon burgers.
Avocado Salmon Burgers
Top the burgers with sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess that pairs perfectly with the lemon and dill flavors.
Mediterranean Salmon Burgers
Mix in crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley, and serve with cucumber slices or tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-style salmon burger variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?
Yes, canned salmon can be used if needed, but fresh salmon creates the best texture for lemon dill salmon burgers. If using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any large bones before mixing the patties.
How do you keep salmon burgers from falling apart?
Salmon burgers stay together thanks to binders like egg and breadcrumbs. If the mixture feels too soft, chilling the patties for about 10–15 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape.
Can lemon dill salmon burgers be grilled?
Yes, these salmon burgers can be cooked on a grill. Place them on a well-oiled grill over medium heat and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until the salmon is cooked through.
What type of salmon is best for salmon burgers?
Fresh salmon fillets such as Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, or coho salmon work well. Skinless salmon is easiest to chop and mix into burger patties.
Can salmon burgers be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salmon burger patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What toppings go well with lemon dill salmon burgers?
Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, cucumber slices, and a creamy lemon dill sauce for extra flavor.
How do you store leftover salmon burgers?
Cooked salmon burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
More Seafood Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed these lemon dill salmon burgers, you might also love these flavorful seafood recipes from SugarCloudBaking. From fresh salmon dinners to hearty fish sandwiches, these recipes are perfect for seafood lovers looking for easy and delicious meals.
Try this gourmet Rich Tuna Burger:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/26/rich-tuna-burger/
This Italian Tuna White Bean Sandwich is packed with Mediterranean flavor and makes a quick and satisfying lunch:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/04/italian-tuna-white-bean-sandwich/
For a sweet and spicy seafood dinner, make this vibrant Mango Chili Salmon:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/09/mango-chili-salmon/
This herb-packed Watercress Pesto Crusted Salmon is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy dinner:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/01/watercress-pesto-crusted-salmon/
If you love tropical flavors, try Hawaiian Papaya Teriyaki Salmon with its sweet and savory glaze:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2025/12/27/hawaiian-papaya-teriyaki-salmon/
For a cozy seafood comfort dish, make a bowl of Creamy Salmon and Clam Chowder:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2025/12/06/creamy-salmon-and-clam-chowder/
This crunchy Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Crusted Fish features a delicious nutty crust and tender fish:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2025/12/31/hawaiian-macadamia-nut-crusted-fish/
For a simple whole fish recipe, try Whole Roasted Tilapia:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/02/14/whole-roasted-tilapia/
If you enjoy bold spices, this crispy Fish Vepudu (Andhra Fish Fry) is packed with flavor:
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/16/fish-vepudu-andhra-fish-fry/
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