These high protein Gluten Free Salmon Patties are a quick family-friendly meal made from wild caught canned salmon, cooked crisp on the stove then dipped in the most delicious homemade garlic aioli sauce. Gluten free, dairy free, grain free, low carb and a great way to get your daily dose of omega 3's!
Easy Gluten Free Salmon Patty Recipe
Canned salmon is a great pantry staple and an inexpensive, quick way to get lots of nutrients in!
This recipe for salmon patties is packed with flavor without breadcrumbs or fillers. Instead of traditional flour or crackers, we're using almond flour to keep these salmon patties naturally low carb and gluten free while still holding them together perfectly.
Salmon cakes are perfect if you're short on time as they only take 20 minutes(at the most!) to make and are super kid-friendly!
Why You'll Love These Gluten Free Salmon Patties
- High in protein
- Low carb and keto-friendly
- Made with canned salmon
- Gluten free (no breadcrumbs)
- Budget-friendly
- Ready in under 20 minutes
These healthy salmon patties are perfect if you're trying to eat more protein without relying on heavy ingredients or processed foods.
What ingredients do I need to make this Gluten Free Salmon Cakes Recipe?
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. These healthy salmon patties are flavored with Dijon mustard and basic seasonings, while the almond flour and eggs bind them together.
Here's everything you'll need:
- Canned Wild Caught Salmon: Boneless and skinless
- Mayonnaise
- Eggs
- Almond Flour
- Dijon Mustard
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper
- Fresh Parsley
- Oil. For sauteing-I always use avocado oil when cooking anything at high heat due to it's high smoke point.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes. Cook and flake fresh salmon first, then proceed with the recipe.
The garlic aioli dipping sauce for salmon patties is so easy!
- Mayo
- Ketchup
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Ground Cayenne Pepper
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and that's it! You will never eat any kind of fish cakes without this sauce again!!
Why Almond Flour Works So Well
Traditional salmon patties often use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Almond flour keeps these salmon patties:
- Lower in carbohydrates
- Higher in healthy fats
- Gluten free
- Slightly nutty and flavorful
- Moist without being dense
It acts as a binder while still allowing the salmon to shine. If you're following a low carb, keto, or gluten free lifestyle, this is a great alternative.
If you love cooking and baking with almond flour, be sure to check out some of my other gluten free recipes made with almond flour!

How to Make these High Protein Salmon Patties
Step 1: Drain and Prepare the Salmon
Drain the canned salmon well. Add the salmon to a large mixing bowl and flake with a fork.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add almond flour, eggs, mayo, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more almond flour.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and shape into patties about ½ inch thick.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crispy
Heat a skillet over medium heat with avocado oil. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid flipping too early- letting them form a crust helps them stay intact.
Protein & Nutrition Benefits
Salmon is one of the best high protein foods you can add to your diet. It's rich in:
- Complete protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- B vitamins
- Selenium
- Anti-inflammatory nutrients
Each serving of these salmon patties contains a generous amount of protein. They're satisfying without feeling heavy. Perfect for weight loss, muscle building, or simply balanced eating.
What to serve with Salmon Patties
While this recipe for salmon cakes is delicious on it's own, you'll want to dip the patties in the easy Garlic Aioli Sauce recipe below, and adding a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.
Also try them:
- Over a bed of mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
- Topped with avocado and sliced tomatoes
- In lettuce wraps for a low carb meal
- With roasted vegetables
Storing and Freezing Your Gluten Free Salmon Patties
After making salmon patties, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Canned salmon patties also freeze well. Wrap them in foil or place in an airtight container, then defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Have you tried this recipe? Be sure to leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out!
Let's eat!
Gluten Free Salmon Patties with Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix together all ingredients for the salmon cakes(except oil) in a medium sized bowl.
- In a large stove top pan, heat oil on medium-high until simmering
- Using your hands, form salmon mixture into round patties.
- Saute the cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don't try to flip them until a nice crust has formed on the bottom. Add more oil as needed.
- Transfer to a plate and serve with Garlic Aioli and lemon wedges.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, garlic powder, salt and cayenne. Cover and chill until serving.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Jen says
These are something different to break up the monotony of dinnertime. Both my kids enjoyed them too. I've made them several times. I was a little nervous after the first time, but Debby kindly pointed me in the direction of skinless, boneless cans of salmon. That is definitely the way to go! The sauce is easy to make and can definitely be used for other dishes.
Thriving Gluten Free says
So glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe! Definitely use the skinless/boneless salmon in a can for this recipe!
Debbie McMenamin says
Debby - these salmon cakes were delicious! The key to the cakes is the delicious garlic aioli dipping sauce. I made one small substitution and used GF bread crumbs in place of the almond flour. Thanks for all your tasty recipes! Deb 😉
ThrivingGlutenFree says
So glad you enjoyed them! The sauce is the best part!!
Stacy says
These are my new favorite quick lunch/dinner for myself, especially with the yummy sauce! Super easy and satisfying
ThrivingGlutenFree says
I love this! Thanks for sharing!