Salmon Cakes

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal your toddler will actually eat, these salmon cakes are a favorite in our house. They use simple, affordable ingredients like canned salmon and potatoes, are naturally gluten-free, and take just 25 minutes to make. They’re perfect for busy moms who want something fast and nourishing.

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These healthy salmon patties use affordable pantry staples and are packed with vitamin D, protein, calcium, and omega-3s — an easy way to boost your family’s nutrition. Light but satisfying, they work well for easy meal prep, weeknight dinners, or quick lunches.

Lemon zest, green onion, and parsley give these salmon cakes a bright, fresh flavor that’s especially perfect for spring and summer — but honestly, we make them year-round. Pair them with a simple side salad, sautéed vegetables, or rice for a balanced, family-friendly meal.

Plus, if you have little ones, these are a hit. My toddler loves them, so we make this recipe often.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready in just 25 minutes
• Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
• Naturally gluten-free (no bread crumbs needed)
• Toddler-friendly and family-approved
• Great for easy lunches or quick dinners

Don’t forget to pin this recipe!

Ingredients for gluten-free salmon patties

You’ll need just 6 simple ingredients for this budget-friendly meal:

• Canned salmon (with bones, for extra calcium!)
• Potatoes
• Green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Eggs

Tools you’ll need

• Sharp knife — I can’t live without this 6-inch Victorinox knife. It stays sharp and is easy to maintain.
• Chopping board
• Potato peeler
• Small or medium pot
• Microplane or grater
• Measuring spoons
• Large mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop — optional but incredibly handy. This set from Amazon is an essential in my kitchen.
• Baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Spatula

How to make these toddler-approved salmon cakes (salmon patties)

Peel and chop the potato, then place it in boiling water. While it cooks, mash the canned salmon in a bowl with a fork. The soft bones can be mixed in for extra calcium.

Now, add the chopped green onion, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Once the potato is fully cooked, drain well and mash. Add this to the salmon mixture and mix. Add the eggs, stirring to fully combine.

Divide the mixture into equal balls. You should get about 8-10, depending on your preferred size. I like to use a cookie scoop to make this easier. Press the balls into thick patties and set aside.

Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil, then place the patties in the pan. Cook 4 minutes per side, then remove the salmon cakes.

Cool for a few minutes before eating. Enjoy!

What to serve with salmon patties

For a quick lunch on busy days, I serve these salmon cakes with a simple side salad (drizzled with my favorite easy vinaigrette) and rice. For my toddler’s plate, I chop up extra salad toppings, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumber. If I want to switch things up, I sometimes serve the salmon cakes with a meal-prepped bean salad or a pasta salad.

For a family-friendly dinner, I often swap the salad for sautéed asparagus or zucchini, or steamed broccoli.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make salmon cakes without breadcrumbs?

Yes! This recipe uses potatoes instead of breadcrumbs, making it naturally gluten-free.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

You can, but canned salmon keeps this recipe quick and budget-friendly.

How do I keep salmon patties from falling apart?

Here are three simple tips to keep the salmon cakes from falling apart:

1. Drain all the liquid from the canned salmon and boiled potatoes.
2. If the patty mixture seems too dry with two eggs, add a third. The dryness of the mixture depends heavily on the size and type of potato used. Use a medium-sized gold or russet potato.
3. When cooking, don’t flip the patties more than once!

Are salmon cakes healthy?

Yes, these are a good source of protein, omega-3s, and important nutrients like vitamin D and calcium.

How many servings does this recipe make?

Typically, I serve two patties per adult and one per child.

Can you meal prep salmon cakes? How should I store them?

These gluten-free salmon cakes are a great meal prep recipe for busy moms. My toddler and I often have these canned salmon patties for lunch and save the rest for an easy lunch sometime later in the week. To store the salmon cakes, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 4 days. They reheat well in the microwave or in a pan over low heat.

This is a recipe I make over and over because it’s simple, affordable, and always gets eaten. If you tried this salmon cake recipe and enjoyed it, please give it 5 stars!