Name: Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ pounds salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large egg, beaten; ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon mustard powder; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon); 2 to 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 slices Havarti dill cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon minced chives; 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 4 brioche buns, toasted; 1 cup caramelized onions; 1 avocado, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

I am so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe. This dish is such a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic burger, perfectly balancing the rich, tender salmon with the zesty touch of Old Bay and creamy avocado. Every time I make these, they bring a smile to everyone’s face at the table, and I love how quick and satisfying they are to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe

What really captivates me about this Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe is the incredible flavor profile. The salmon is light yet hearty, the Old Bay seasoning adds just the right amount of savory kick without overpowering the fishiness, and the avocado keeps everything silky and smooth. Plus, the Havarti dill cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a subtle herbal creaminess that feels so indulgent.

Beyond just the taste, I adore how straightforward this recipe is. In under an hour from start to finish, I can easily whip up a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even a weekend lunch with friends. It’s the kind of dish that works equally well for family dinners, cookouts, or impressing guests at a party. What makes it stand out to me is how all the elements — from the crunchy brioche bun to the tangy Old Bay mayo and fresh avocado slices — come together with effortless flair that always feels special.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface with various ingredients for making hamburgers. There is a bowl of bright orange cubed raw salmon, a bowl of caramelized brown onions, and a bowl with sliced green avocado. A small bowl contains a creamy light sauce, while another small bowl holds chopped green chives. A plate has three slices of pale creamy cheese with specks of herbs. There are three golden brown hamburger buns topped with sesame seeds lined up on the right side. Two small glass containers hold a light yellow liquid and a golden oil. A small plate holds three piles of light brown and reddish spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that bring together a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Every item plays a key role, from the fresh salmon that’s the star of the show to the fragrant chives and bright lemon juice adding freshness and zing.

Fresh salmon: Using skinless, chunked salmon gives the patties a tender texture and a wonderful natural flavor.
Egg: Acts as the perfect binder so your patties hold together without drying out.
Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, they add just enough crunch to the patties without weighing them down.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These add subtle depth without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Old Bay seasoning: The star spice blend that brings an iconic, savory punch with hints of celery, paprika, and pepper.
Mustard powder: A little twist that adds complexity and a touch of heat.
Lemon juice: Brightens the salmon and contributes a fresh citrus zing.
Fresh chives: Softer than onions, they add a gentle onion flavor and a burst of green color.
Vegetable oil: For frying the patties until golden and crispy.
Havarti dill cheese: Melts beautifully on top, infusing the burgers with creamy, herbal notes.
Mayonnaise: The base for the Old Bay mayonnaise that ties all the flavors together.
Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet bread that perfectly complements the salmon’s savory flavors.
Caramelized onions: Adds a deep, sweet counterpoint that plays so nicely with the tangy mayo and creamy avocado.
Avocado: Creamy slices that cool and balance the spice from the Old Bay mayo.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the salmon by placing it in a food processor and pulsing about 15 times until the pieces are roughly ⅛-inch in size. Transfer three-quarters of this shredded salmon to a large bowl. Continue pulsing the remaining salmon until it forms a smooth paste, about 15 more pulses.

Step 2: Add the beaten egg to the food processor with the salmon paste and pulse until just blended. Then transfer this mixture to the large bowl with the shredded salmon.

Step 3: Add the panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, mustard powder, lemon juice, and minced chives to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until fully combined but be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the burgers may become tough.

Step 4: Line a plate with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Divide the salmon mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the salmon patties and cook for about 3 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Flip the patties carefully and immediately place a slice of Havarti dill cheese on each one. Cook for another 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked through.

Step 7: While the patties cook, prepare the Old Bay mayonnaise by mixing together mayonnaise, minced chives, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. This sauce is what makes these burgers truly shine with its zesty, creamy flavor.

Step 8: To assemble, spread a generous layer of Old Bay mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted brioche buns. Place each salmon burger on the bottom bun, cheese side up. Top with caramelized onions and a few slices of fresh avocado, then cover with the top bun.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or a weekend meal with friends. The prep time takes about 20 minutes, mostly preparing and mixing the ingredients, and the cooking time is roughly 10 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish, depending on how fast your caramelized onions are ready or if you make them ahead of time. No extra resting or chilling time is necessary, so these salmon burgers can go straight from skillet to plate!

How to Serve This Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe

The image shows four round, orange-colored patties with small green herb pieces mixed throughout. They are evenly spaced on a white parchment paper that lines a silver metal tray. The surface beneath the tray is a white marbled texture with small specks of tan, black, and brown scattered across it. The patties have a slightly uneven texture, showing chunks and bits within them, and each patty appears thick and roughly the same size. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe, I love pairing them with crisp, refreshing side dishes that balance the richness of the fish and mayo. A crunchy coleslaw, garlic roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette are some of my favorite accompaniments. The caramelized onions and avocado already offer so much flavor that I keep the sides fresh and light.

Presentation is key to making this burger feel special — I usually serve them on a large platter lined with colorful lettuce leaves and extra lemon wedges for that pop of brightness. Garnishing with a sprinkle of additional fresh chives or a small handful of microgreens adds a lovely last touch, and these little details always make the meal feel more festive.

As for drinks, I find that these burgers pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or an ice-cold pilsner beer. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea complements the flavors wonderfully. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, serving these burgers warm off the skillet ensures they’re juicy and flavorful in every bite.

Variations

I love how versatile this Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe is. If you want to switch things up, you can easily substitute the Havarti dill cheese with Swiss, pepper jack, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. For a dairy-free or vegan twist, try replacing the cheese with a plant-based alternative and swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo blend.

If you’re gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the salmon mixture, and opt for gluten-free buns. You can also experiment with different fish varieties, like trout or cod, though I find salmon’s fatty richness gives the best texture and flavor.

For cooking, if you want to keep it lighter, you can bake the patties at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. Grilling is another fantastic option that adds a charred smokiness, but be careful when flipping as the patties can be delicate.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend placing the salmon burgers in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, it’s best to store any avocado slices separately and add them fresh when reheating and serving.

Freezing

These salmon burgers freeze well if you want to prepare them ahead of time. Form the patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, then freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours). Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can keep frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the best way is to gently warm the patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, which helps keep the outside crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible since that can make the texture rubbery and the cheese greasy. If you’re reheating baked or grilled patties, a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes also works well to restore some crispness. Reapply fresh avocado slices and the Old Bay mayonnaise just before serving for maximum flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

While fresh salmon produces the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can substitute canned salmon if needed. Make sure it’s well drained and flake it finely. The patties may be a bit softer, so consider adding a bit more panko for binding and handle them gently when forming and cooking.

Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

Old Bay seasoning is definitely a signature part of this recipe’s flavor, adding that unique mix of spices that complement the salmon beautifully. If you don’t have it on hand, you could try a combination of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic the taste, but the authentic blend really elevates the mayo and patties.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate them covered. If you want to get even more ahead, freeze the formed patties, then cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat. Assembling the burger is best done just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.

What type of buns work best?

I prefer brioche buns for their slight sweetness and soft crumb, which contrasts beautifully with the flavorful salmon and creamy toppings. However, you can also use potato buns, whole wheat buns, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I add vegetables to the patties?

Definitely! Finely diced bell peppers, celery, or even grated zucchini can be folded into the salmon mixture to add moisture, nutrition, and a fresh crunch. Just be mindful not to overpower the salmon and keep the ratios balanced so the patties hold together well.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Salmon Burgers with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Avocado Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and exciting, with layers of flavor that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these burgers make every meal feel like a celebration. Dive in, experiment with your favorite variations, and let the vibrant, fresh flavors brighten your table!