Name: Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 potatoes (about 3 cups mashed potatoes); 450g (2 cups) canned or fresh cooked salmon; 1 egg; 1 lemon, juice and zest; 1 tbsp flour, plus extra for dusting; 2 tbsp parsley or dill, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 125ml (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp chives, chopped; 1 clove garlic, pressed/minced; 1 tsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you love the idea of combining tender, flaky salmon with comforting mashed potatoes, then this Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. Imagine golden, crispy salmon cakes bursting with fresh herbs and lemon, paired with a cool, zingy yogurt sauce infused with garlic and chives that takes every bite to the next level. This dish feels both homey and elegant, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left, a large shiny metal bowl filled with raw ingredients including a whole egg, flour, chopped pinkish meat, bright orange zest, and fresh green herbs all mixed together; on the right, six round scoops of the mixed dough are placed on a white marbled surface lightly dusted with flour, each scoop showing colors of light beige, green streaks from the herbs, and bits of orange zest; the texture looks soft and a bit rough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create incredible textures and flavors. Each element plays an important role, from the creamy potatoes providing structure to the bright lemon and herbs that lift the salmon perfectly.

Mashed potatoes (about 3 cups): The base that keeps the cakes tender and moist while binding everything together.
Salmon (450g/2 cups, fresh or canned): Flaked and free of skin and bones, delivering rich flavor and protein.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder so your salmon cakes hold their shape.
Lemon juice and zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that complements the salmon beautifully.
Flour (1 tbsp, plus extra for dusting): Gives a light coating for a crisp exterior when frying or air frying.
Parsley or dill (2 tbsp): Brings a vibrant herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For frying the cakes to a golden crunch.
Greek yogurt (½ cup/125ml): The creamy base of the cooling chive and garlic yogurt sauce.
Chives (1 tbsp): Offers a gentle oniony bite in the sauce without overpowering.
Garlic clove (1, pressed): Adds a subtle punch that harmonizes with the yogurt and herbs.
Lemon juice (1 tsp, for the sauce): Enhances the tanginess and balances the creamy sauce.

How to Make Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Cake Mixture

Start by combining your mashed potatoes and flaked salmon in a large bowl, making sure to remove any skin or bones for a smooth texture. Crack in the egg to act as a binder, then add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped parsley, and flour. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a cohesive mixture that’s easy to shape but not too wet.

Step 2: Shape the Salmon Cakes

Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, portion out the mixture into evenly sized balls. Roll each ball lightly in flour on a dusted plate or board to give them a thin coating that crisps up beautifully. Gently flatten the balls into patties about half an inch thick, ready for cooking.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon cakes in the pan and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they develop a golden, crunchy crust. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even cooking. The result is a delightful contrast of textures — crisp outside and tender inside.

Step 4: Air Fryer Option for Ease

If you want a lighter option or less hands-on frying, preheat your air fryer to 240°C (500°F). After shaping and dusting your salmon cakes, spray them lightly with oil and arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-9 minutes until golden, turning halfway if needed. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need two or three batches.

Step 5: Whip Up the Chive and Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic, chopped chives, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. This cool, tangy sauce complements the richness of the salmon cakes like nothing else.

How to Serve Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a salmon patty broken in half, revealing a soft inside with chunks of pink salmon mixed with a creamy, white mashed potato-like texture sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The outside is golden-brown and crispy. The white plate beneath has a speckled design and sits on a white marbled surface. To the right, there are bright yellow lemon wedges and a white bowl with a creamy white sauce speckled with herbs. A woman's hand is holding the patty pieces above the plate near a fork, with a bit of green lettuce visible at the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra flourish by sprinkling fresh chopped chives or parsley right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a thin lemon wedge on the side invites guests to personalize their bites.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with bright, seasonal salads such as a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or lightly dressed arugula. Roasted vegetables or simple steamed green beans also provide a nutritious, colorful balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salmon cakes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of the chive and garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. Alternatively, stack them with a dollop of sauce in between layers for an elegant plated appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salmon cakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separate to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

Salmon cakes freeze beautifully! Place the uncooked, floured patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months and cooked straight from frozen using the frying or air fryer method.

Reheating

To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon works wonderfully in this recipe and often adds even more flavor. Just be sure to flake it finely and remove any skin or bones before mixing.

Is it possible to make these salmon cakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. This swap won’t compromise the taste but will keep the recipe friendly to gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare the yogurt sauce ahead of time?

Definitely, the chive and garlic yogurt sauce improves if made ahead and chilled for at least 15 minutes as it allows all the flavors to blend nicely.

What’s the best way to achieve crispy salmon cakes without frying?

Using an air fryer is a fantastic way to get that crispy exterior with less oil. Cooking at 240°C for 8-9 minutes will give you that golden finish without deep frying.

How do I keep the salmon cakes from falling apart?

Make sure to use the right ratio of mashed potatoes, egg, and flour as the binder, and avoid overmixing. Also, shaping the cakes gently but firmly helps maintain their integrity during cooking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe enough for anyone craving a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The way the crispy salmon cakes melt in your mouth paired with that vibrant, creamy sauce is something you will find yourself coming back to again and again. Give it a try—it feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with your favorite people.