Quinoa Salmon Patties

To me, sometimes it's really hard to find things that sound good to cook and eat during the summer. It's so hot and humid so all I want to do is eat fruit and salads all the time. For some reason, these salmon patties really hit the spot when I'm feeling this way. I think it's because they can be eaten so many different ways. Eat them as a meal with a few sides, pop them on top of a salad, eat them like a burger between two buns...It's hard to get bored with this many options. It also doesn't hurt that these yummy patties are packed with health benefits. Salmon has healthy fats and omega 3s as well as calcium from the bones if you use canned salmon with the bones left in. I'll be honest, this grosses me out. I have to take the little spine out and ignore the other bones I see. This is just me being a baby though. Eating the bones is tremendously good for you so do it if you can stomach it! You can't tell they're in there once the patties are mixed and cooked. Another health boost comes from the protein, vitamins, and minerals found in quinoa. I use this grain instead of bread crumbs to act as a binding agent making it gluten free but, honestly, I like the taste and texture it adds. Lemon sriracha aioli slathered on top takes these to a whole other level of delicious!

Ingredients (Makes about 12 patties depending on size)

2- 12 oz cans salmon (I use Trader Joe's brand)

1 cup cooked quinoa

2 eggs

1 TBSP mayo (Optional)

2 green onions chopped

1 stalk of celery finely chopped

Zest of half of a lemon

Juice of 1 small lemon

3 minced garlic cloves

1/4 cup chopped dill loosely packed

1 tsp sea salt

Pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

Cayenne pepper

Olive or avocado oil

Tip- Fry one or two and taste- add more spices if needed! Unlike baking, which is exact, cooking is all about finding your groove. I have different taste buds than you do so I can give you the basics but, spices should always be adjusted to your taste!

Aioli

1/2 cup mayo

Juice of 1 small lemon

1-2 garlic cloves minced

1 TBSP sriracha

Sea salt

Garlic powder

Directions

Combine all ingredients except oil and stir well to combine.

Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and make a round flat patty.

Heat pan on medium high with just enough oil to cover the pan (I use a cast iron skillet).

Place patties in a hot pan without over crowding and let cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Tip- The patties should brown and begin to stick together. When you flip the first time they might fall apart a little. Squish back together with your spatula and let them cook. If they still don't hold together well, let the next batch cook a little longer on each side. If your pan starts smoking turn the heat down slightly.

To make aioli combine ingredients, stir, taste and adjust as needed.

#salmonpatties #salmonrecipes #healthyrecipes #salmon #omegathree #dinnerrecipes #leftovers #mealprep #easydinner #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreedinner #lunch #saladtopper #aioli #husbandapproved