Whole30 + Keto Salmon Cakes Recipe + Video – healthy and delicious salmon cakes made from canned salmon, topped with a lemon dill aioli. Ready in 20 minutes! Paleo, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, sugar free, clean eating, real food.

A fork cutting into a salmon cake

Stick with me here.

You know that canned salmon that’s right next to the canned tuna? It makes the absolute most delicious salmon cakes and is in no way gross! Who knew?

Salmon cake on a white plate with coleslaw and lemon wedges

When I was doing my oh-so-extensive Whole30 Trader Joe’s Shopping Guide, I noticed the canned salmon and challenged myself to come up with a recipe for it.

These whole30 + keto salmon cakes are life changing. It’s like a crab cake, but made with salmon. Promise you’re going to love.

Steps to cooking salmon cakes

Ingredients in Whole30 + Keto Salmon Cakes

Salmon cakes are usually made with bread crumbs. But I swapped it for almond flour and it was perfect. I added in tons of fresh herbs to bring brightness to the salmon cakes, and some of my homemade mayo to keep it juicy.

While the salmon cakes are getting golden and perfect in the cast iron skillet, I whip up a fast lemon dill aioli to serve on top.

Salmon cakes cooking in a cast iron skillet

Since the salmon is already cooked, you’re really just browning the cakes and warming it through.

This dinner honestly takes 20 minutes start to finish.

Salmon cake on a white plate with aioli, coleslaw and lemon wedges

I’m going to have to insist you also make my whole30 + keto herby lemon coleslaw to go with it. It’s kind of the perfect meal. You’re already chopping herbs, just chop a few more for the coleslaw.

If you make the coleslaw and the salmon cakes together (which you really should), you’ll need exactly 1 batch of my homemade whole30 + keto mayo for the coleslaw dressing, to use in the salmon cakes, and to make the lemon dill aioli. Don’t you love when it works out like that?

Whole30 + Keto Salmon Cakes Meal Prep

Meal prep of salmon cakes with coleslaw and aioli

These salmon cakes and coleslaw make a great lunch or dinner meal prep! See recipe notes for meal prep instructions.

I eat them cold when I meal prep them, and they’re absolutely delicious. The coleslaw stays crunchy for days, and doesn’t get soggy!

Watch Recipe Video (1:00 min)

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Whole30 + Keto Salmon Cakes with Lemon Dill Aioli

★★★★★

5 from 39 reviews
  • Author: Natalie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Ingredients

Lemon Dill Aioli

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped

1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 clove of garlic, grated or finely minced (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Salmon Cakes

(3) 6-ounce cans wild alaskan salmon, drained and moisture squeezed out in a paper towel (see notes)

1/2 cup almond flour

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 eggs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about half a lemon)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup avocado oil

Instructions

Lemon Dill Aioli

Make the lemon dill aioli by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine, set aside.

Salmon Cakes

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.

In a large bowl, combine the salmon, almond flour, mayonnaise, eggs, parsley, dill, chives, lemon juice, salt and garlic powder. Stir to combine.

Divide the mixture into 4, and form into patties using a moderate amount of pressure to press them together.

Add the avocado oil to your warm pan. Cook the patties over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Use a spatula to gently flip the patties, and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Remove from the heat, and allow to rest for 3 minutes.

Serve the salmon cakes warm topped with lemon dill aioli. I highly recommend serving these with my paleo + whole herby lemon coleslaw!

Leftovers will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 5 days. These are also delicious served cold. See notes below for meal prep and reheat instructions.

Notes

Be sure to read your can labels. Canned salmon can come with skin and bones in it, or skinless and boneless. The skin and bone is more nutritious! The skin and bones dissolve when mixed together. But it definitely doesn’t look the most appetizing. Look for “skinless + boneless” canned salmon if preferred.

These make great appetizers too! Just make 16 smaller patties instead of 4 big ones.

If you make the coleslaw and the salmon cakes together (which you really should), you’ll need exactly 1 batch of my homemade mayo for the coleslaw dressing, to use in the salmon cakes, and to make the lemon dill aioli.

Meal Prep Instructions: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. I love these plastic ramekins to hold the lemon dill aioli. HEATING: These are actually delicious served cold. If you want to warm the salmon cakes either microwave until warm, about 2-3 minutes (I like to sprinkle on a little water to help it steam and prevent it from drying out). Or reheat in a 350ºF oven until warm, 8-12 minutes. But careful, because microwaved fish smells really strong.

You can use fresh salmon too! Great to use with leftover cooked salmon. You’ll need 18-ounces worth. Just shred it with a fork, then follow the recipe as listed.

In a pinch, you could use dried herbs. But I really love the fresh herbs, adds tons of brightness.

This works with canned tuna too!

You can reheat leftovers in the skillet with avocado oil to get them crispy again!

These are shockingly delicious eaten cold the next day. Great for meal prep!

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