Keto Southwest Salmon Cakes with Cool Avocado Crema

Discover an incredibly easy, flavorful, and healthy weeknight meal: these low-carb keto southwest salmon patties, perfectly complemented by a creamy avocado aioli. Ready in just 30 minutes, they deliver a delightful kick and a ton of zesty flavor!

This article was originally published on April 9, 2019, and has been comprehensively updated with new photos and expanded content on January 2, 2022, to bring you the most detailed and delicious recipe possible.

Quick & Easy Southwestern Salmon Patties with Creamy Avocado Aioli

If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and undeniably delicious way to incorporate more fish into your diet, look no further! Salmon is a powerhouse of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart health and brain function. For years, I wasn’t a huge fan of fish, but my perspective completely changed when I discovered the right recipes and quality salmon. Now, I enjoy salmon several times a week, and these Southwest Salmon Patties have become one of my absolute favorite quick and easy weeknight meals. This recipe is a true winner, guaranteed to convert even the most skeptical fish-eaters!

I crafted these low-carb salmon patties with a vibrant “southwestern” flair because I simply adore Mexican-inspired flavors. A hint of spice and fresh herbs always brings a welcome zest to my dinner table. What’s even better? These incredible keto salmon patties, along with their luscious avocado aioli, are incredibly versatile and cater to a variety of dietary needs. They are Whole30 compliant, naturally low carb, keto-friendly, paleo, and completely gluten-free. Believe me when I say, these Southwest Salmon Patties offer a perfect blend of convenience, health, and outstanding taste!

Salmon Cakes vs. Salmon Patties: What’s the Difference?

Often, people wonder about the distinction between “salmon cakes” and “salmon patties.” The truth is, there’s no real difference at all! These terms are completely interchangeable and are used synonymously throughout the culinary world, and certainly in this recipe. Whether you prefer to call them salmon cakes, salmon patties, or even salmon croquettes, the end result is the same: a delightful, flaky, and flavorful fish dish. So, feel free to use whichever term rolls off your tongue first!

Why Choose Canned Salmon for Your Patties?

While fresh salmon is wonderful, canned salmon is a secret weapon for making quick and easy salmon patties. It’s convenient, affordable, and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. However, not all canned salmon is created equal. When selecting salmon for your patties, I highly recommend opting for boneless and skinless wild-caught varieties. My personal favorites include Wild Planet or the Costco Brand canned wild-caught salmon. These brands offer high-quality, sustainably sourced products that taste fresh and require no extra work to remove bones or skin, saving you valuable time and effort. Using canned salmon ensures a consistent texture that’s ideal for forming into patties, and it’s already cooked, significantly cutting down on your overall cooking time.

Mastering Southwestern Salmon Patties: Your Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients

Creating these flavorful Southwest Salmon Patties is straightforward with a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather, designed to be both delicious and compliant with keto, Whole30, paleo, and gluten-free diets:

• Canned Salmon: For convenience and quality, choose boneless and skinless wild-caught salmon. I prefer brands like Wild Planet for their superior taste and sourcing.
• Fresh Herbs & Veggies: Finely diced red onion adds a sweet and sharp contrast, while fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note. If cilantro isn’t your preference, fresh parsley makes an excellent alternative.
• Binding & Flavor Staples:
  • Coconut Aminos: A fantastic soy-free alternative to soy sauce, adding umami and a touch of sweetness.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy depth that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Mayonnaise: Acts as a rich binder and contributes to the patty’s moist texture. Ensure it’s Whole30 compliant if following that diet.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding all the ingredients together, ensuring your patties hold their shape during cooking.
• Pantry Essentials:
  • Almond Flour: Our chosen low-carb, gluten-free binder that helps achieve a perfect consistency and crust.
  • Olive Oil or Ghee: For cooking, providing healthy fats and a delicious sear.
• Southwest Spices: A carefully selected blend to give these patties their signature kick and aromatic complexity:
  • Sea Salt
  • Cumin
  • Chili Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika

Preparing Your Perfect Salmon Patty Mixture

Once you have all your ingredients, the process is simple. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned salmon, diced red onion, chopped cilantro (or parsley), coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, eggs, almond flour, sea salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Using your hands or a fork, mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the salmon is broken up into small, consistent pieces. The mixture should be firm enough to form into patties without crumbling.

Cooking Your Southwestern Salmon Patties: Choose Your Method!

You have a couple of fantastic options for cooking these keto salmon patties, ensuring they come out perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Method 1: Baked Salmon Patties (Crispy & Hands-Off)

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures a beautiful, crispy crust.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly grease it with olive oil or ghee. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
3. Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup, scoop out the salmon mixture and gently form 8 patties, each about 1-inch thick, using your hands. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and, using a spatula, flip each patty to brown the other side.
6. Return the patties to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through.

Method 2: Air-Fryer Salmon Patties (Super Crispy & Fast)

The air fryer is perfect for achieving extra crispy salmon patties with less oil and in less time.

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the tops of your salmon cakes with olive or avocado oil. This helps create that desirable golden-brown exterior.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Carefully place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 10 minutes without flipping.
4. Monitor your salmon patties frequently. They are ready when they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Method 3: Pan-Fried Salmon Patties (Classic & Flavorful)

For a traditional approach that yields a rich, golden crust, pan-frying is an excellent choice.

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or ghee in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the formed salmon patties into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are deeply golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on their thickness.

(Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for precise measurements and comprehensive instructions.)

The BEST Salmon Patties Sauce: Avocado Ranch Aioli

No Southwest Salmon Patty experience is complete without the perfect dipping sauce, and this creamy Avocado Ranch Aioli is nothing short of sensational. The subtle spice and savory notes of the salmon patties find their ideal match in the cool, tangy, and rich flavor of this aioli. It creates a mouth-watering blend of flavors that will have you wondering: do you want salmon patties with your sauce, or sauce with your salmon patties? You decide!

Ingredients for Avocado Ranch Aioli:

• 1 large avocado, perfectly ripe, peeled and pitted
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise (ensure Whole30 compliant if needed)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, for brightness and to prevent browning
• 2 cloves minced garlic, for aromatic depth
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried minced onion
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp dried dill
• ½ tsp dried chives
• 2 tbsp water, or more if you prefer a thinner consistency

Instructions for Avocado Ranch Aioli:

Combine all aioli ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for approximately 30 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy. If you desire a thinner consistency, gradually add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until your preferred texture is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This aioli is truly transformative!

What to Serve with Your Delicious Salmon Patties

These Southwest Salmon Patties are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, air fryer, or pan, alongside a generous dollop of that incredible avocado ranch aioli. Their versatility means they pair beautifully with a variety of sides, whether you’re sticking to Whole30, keto, or just enjoying a healthy meal.

For amazing Whole30 compliant side dishes, these salmon patties are fantastic with my Southwest Breakfast Potatoes for a hearty, flavorful complement, or with my Fool-Proof Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.

If you’re aiming for perfect keto sides, consider pairing them with my delicious Healthy Green Bean Casserole, offering a comforting and low-carb option. Another excellent choice is this amazing Coconut Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, which brings a burst of fresh flavor and keeps the meal light and compliant.

And seriously, the avocado aioli isn’t just for salmon patties—feel free to put it on EVERYTHING! It’s incredible as a dip for veggies, a spread for wraps, or even as a dressing for salads.

Mary’s Tips & Tricks for Perfect Salmon Patties

Effortless Meal Prep

These keto salmon patties are absolutely perfect for meal prepping! You can easily double or even triple this recipe to have healthy, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Simply adjust the quantity in the printable recipe card below, and the ingredient amounts will update automatically. Prepare a large batch on Sunday, and enjoy delicious, wholesome lunches or dinners all week long.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place your cooked salmon patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or gently pan-fry them in a little avocado oil over medium heat for approximately 2 minutes per side until warmed through and slightly crispy again.

Freezing Salmon Patties for Future Meals

Yes, you can absolutely freeze salmon patties, both cooked and uncooked! This is a fantastic way to stock your freezer with quick meal options. To freeze before cooking, form the patties from the mixture and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm. Once solid, individually wrap each patty in plastic wrap, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then cook according to your preferred method, or cook from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time).

Common Reader Questions About Salmon Patties

We’ve gathered some of the most common questions our readers have about these amazing Southwest Salmon Patties to ensure you have all the information you need for success.

Are salmon patties healthy?

Absolutely! Salmon is renowned for being packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which offer incredible health benefits, including supporting heart and brain health, and reducing inflammation. For this specific recipe, I’ve made mindful swaps, such as using almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, to make these salmon cakes significantly healthier and lower in carbohydrates than many other recipes out there. They are a fantastic part of a balanced diet.

Are these salmon patties keto and low-carb?

Yes, they are! These Southwest Salmon Patties are specifically designed to be low carb and keto-friendly. The accompanying avocado aioli is also perfectly compliant. With only around 2 net carbs per serving, you can enjoy several guilt-free, delicious patties without derailing your dietary goals.

Are these salmon patties Whole30 compliant?

Yes! If you’re following a Whole30 program, these Southwest Salmon Patties are an excellent recipe to keep in your rotation. All ingredients are Whole30 approved, including the delicious and creamy avocado aioli, making it a stress-free and flavorful meal option during your reset.

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of almond flour?

You can certainly substitute a general gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for almond flour in this recipe. However, it’s important to note that if you make this swap, the salmon patties will no longer be keto or Whole30 compliant, as most gluten-free blends contain higher carbohydrate flours like rice flour or potato starch. For strict keto and Whole30, stick with almond flour.

Can you make Salmon Patties with Tuna?

Yes, absolutely! Tuna is a fantastic substitute for salmon in this recipe. The process remains the same; just be sure to drain the canned tuna thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients. The Southwest flavors and avocado aioli pair wonderfully with tuna as well, offering a delicious variation.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

While this recipe is optimized for the convenience and texture of canned salmon, you can certainly use fresh salmon. You’ll need to cook and flake about 24 oz of fresh salmon (baked or pan-seared) before incorporating it into the mixture. Ensure it’s cooled and flaked well before mixing to achieve the right patty consistency.

How can I make the salmon patties extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness, the air fryer method is your best bet. If baking, ensure your oven is fully preheated and the baking sheet is lightly oiled. For pan-frying, don’t overcrowd the pan and allow sufficient time for each side to brown without constantly flipping.

Other Whole30 & Keto Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed these Southwest Salmon Patties, be sure to explore more of our healthy and delicious salmon recipes that fit Whole30, keto, and paleo lifestyles:

• Lemon Caper Salmon Patties (One Pan!): Another easy and flavorful salmon cake recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Easy Garlic Herb Baked Salmon: A simple yet elegant baked salmon dish that’s incredibly versatile.
• Maple Dijon Pistachio Crusted Salmon: For a touch of gourmet, try this impressive and flavorful salmon recipe.

If you try these southwest salmon patties and absolutely love them, the best way to show your appreciation is to leave a 5-star rating and a review below! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these recipes. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations on Instagram—I always love seeing what delicious meals you’re cooking up!

Pin this Recipe for Later!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase using one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Mary’s Whole Life and helping us continue to share healthy, delicious recipes!

Recipe by: Mary’s Whole Life LLC

Photos by: Casey from The Mindful Hapa