Southwest Keto Salmon Patties with Avocado Aioli

These low-carb keto southwest salmon patties with avocado aioli make an easy 30-minute dinner with a little kick and a ton of flavor! 

This post was originally published on April 9, 2019 and updated with new photos and copy on January 2, 2022.

Quick & Easy Southwestern Salmon Patties with Avocado Aioli

Salmon is a great way to get in your Omega 3’s! I used to not be big on fish, but now I eat salmon a few times a week. It’s all about the salmon you buy and the recipe you make. Trust me, the only way I eat salmon is if it’s delicious- and this recipe is another winner! They have quickly become one of my favorite easy weeknight meals to make!

I made these low-carb salmon patties with a “southwestern” flair because I love Mexican-inspired flavors and a hint of spice is always welcome at my dinner table! These keto salmon patties and the avocado aioli are Whole30, low carb, keto, paleo, and gluten-free. Believe me, when I say, these Southwest Salmon Patties are absolutely perfect!

Salmon Cakes vs. Salmon Patties

There is no real difference between salmon cakes and salmon patties. In fact, they are totally interchangeable terms and I use them that way in this recipe. Whatever rolls off your tongue first, that’s what to call them!

How to Make Southwestern Salmon Patties

What You’ll Need

Canned Salmon: Boneless/skinless Salmon (I like Wild Planet brand!).
Fresh Herbs & Veggies: Red Onion, Fresh Cilantro ( you can use parsley if you prefer!).
Grocery Staples: Coconut Aminos, Dijon Mustard, Mayo, Eggs.
Pantry Staples: Almond Flour, Olive Oil (or Ghee).
Spices: Sea Salt, Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika.

What is the Best Salmon for Salmon Patties?

When choosing salmon for salmon patties, I recommend using canned salmon. However, not all canned salmon are created equal!  I love using Wild Planet or Costco Brand canned wild-caught salmon, as I prefer no skin and bones. Wild planet is easy to find and makes amazing, fresh, and well-sourced products.

Method 1: Baked Salmon Patties

1. Preheat oven to 425F
2. Place salmon patties on a lined and greased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15 mins, then remove from the oven and flip using a spatula.
4. Return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Method 2: Air-Fryer Salmon Patties

1. Spray the basket and the tops of the salmon cakes with olive or avocado oil.
2. Heat your air fryer to 400F and cook for 10 minutes without flipping.
3. Check your salmon patties frequently and make sure to take them out when they are golden brown.

*please see printable recipe below for more detailed instructions*

The BEST Salmon Patties Sauce

Avocado Ranch Aioli

This delicious, creamy avocado aioli is the perfect topping for salmon cakes. The hint of spice from the salmon patties and the creamy avocado ranch flavor of the aioli makes a mouth-watering blend of flavors. Do you want salmon patties with your sauce or sauce with your salmon patties? You decide! 🙂

• 1 large avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/2 tsp dried chives
• 2 tbsp water, more if you want it thinner

Combine all aioli ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Add water as needed until desired consistency is reached.

What to Serve with Salmon Patties

I serve my salmon patties warm right out of the oven (or warmed up!) with avocado ranch aioli.

If you’re looking for amazing Whole30 sides, these salmon patties would go super well with my Southwest Breakfast Potatoes or my Fool-Proof Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

If you want the perfect keto sides to serve with these salmon patties, try my delicious Healthy Green Bean Casserole or this amazing Coconut Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice.

And the aioli….feel free to put it on EVERYTHING.

Mary’s Tips & Tricks

Meal Prep

These keto salmon patties are great for meal prep!  You can double this recipe by going to “print recipe” and changing the quantity. This will update the ingredients you need to make a big batch for meal prep!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in the oven on 400F for 10 minutes, or pan fry in avocado oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.

Common Reader Questions

Can I freeze salmon patties? Yes! To freeze before frying or baking, make patties out of the salmon mixture and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hr. Then, remove the patties from the freezer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Are salmon patties healthy? Salmon is full of Omega3’s which have amazing health benefits. For this recipe, I make a few swaps that make these salmon cakes much healthier than other recipes, and they have far fewer carbs!

Are these salmon patties keto? Yes! these salmon patties are low carb and keto! And so is the avocado aioli! With only 2 net carbs per serving, you can have a few totally guilt-free.

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of almond flour? If you’d like to substitute gluten-free flour for almond flour, that should totally work. However, if you use gluten-free flour, these salmon patties won’t be keto or Whole30 compliant.

Are these salmon patties Whole30 compliant? Yes! If you’re planning to do a Whole30, these southwest salmon patties are an excellent recipe to keep on hand! The best part? The avocado aioli is also Whole30 compliant!

Can you make Salmon Patties with Tuna? Yes! You can swap tuna for salmon. Just drain it first!

Other Whole 30 & Keto Salmon Recipes

Lemon Caper Salmon Patties (One Pan!)

Easy Garlic Herb Baked Salmon

Maple Dijon Pistachio Crusted Salmon

If you try these southwest salmon patties and love them, the best way to say thanks is to leave a 5 star rating and review below! And don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram – I love seeing what you’re cooking up!

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Recipe by: Mary’s Whole Life LLC

Photos by: Casey from The Mindful Hapa