Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw are a light, fresh, and healthy seafood option perfect for welcoming burger season. These salmon patties are packed with flavor, featuring a blend of fresh parsley, dill, and mustard, and topped with a zesty, tangy lemon arugula slaw. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these sliders offer a delicious combination of crispy salmon and a vibrant slaw.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salmon Patties:

• 2 pounds fresh salmon (skin removed, canned can be substituted)

• ½ cup + 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon white pepper, ground

• 1 cup diced red onion

• ¾ cup diced roasted red bell peppers

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• ¾ cup chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill

• 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 10 gluten-free slider buns

For the Lemon Arugula Slaw (Yields 4 cups):

• 12 ounces arugula

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, coarsely chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

1. Make the Salmon Patties:

   • Place the salmon, ½ cup olive oil, salt, and white pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the pieces are bite-sized but still chunky.

   • Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and gently fold in the remaining ingredients, mixing with your hands until just combined.

   • Form 10 patties, each about 3 ounces.

   • Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2. Prepare the Lemon Arugula Slaw:

   • In a large bowl, combine arugula, red onion, and scallions.

   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill.

   • Pour the dressing over the arugula mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Sliders:

   • Place each salmon patty on the bottom bun. Top with a generous spoonful of lemon arugula slaw.

   • Serve immediately.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 450-500

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

The Salmon Patties: Flavorful and Crispy

At the heart of these sliders are the salmon patties, which are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Fresh, skinless salmon is pulse-processed until the pieces are bite-sized but still chunky, ensuring the patties hold their shape during cooking while remaining flavorful. The addition of white pepper, kosher salt, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill creates a vibrant base for the salmon, infusing the patties with fresh, aromatic flavors.

The roasted red bell peppers, diced red onions, and minced garlic add extra layers of flavor, giving the salmon patties a slightly sweet and savory undertone. Whole grain mustard provides a touch of tanginess, while the eggs and almond flour help bind everything together, ensuring the patties are easy to form and cook.

When cooked in a hot non-stick skillet with olive oil, the salmon patties develop a golden, crispy exterior while remaining moist and tender on the inside. This texture contrast makes the sliders incredibly satisfying to bite into. Each patty is roughly 3 ounces, the perfect size to serve as a slider, but they can also be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger seafood spread.

The Lemon Arugula Slaw: Fresh and Tangy

To complement the rich, crispy salmon patties, the Lemon Arugula Slaw brings a refreshing, tangy crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the salmon. The arugula provides a peppery bite, while the thinly sliced red onion and scallions add subtle sweetness and sharpness. The combination of these fresh vegetables creates a vibrant slaw that brings an earthy, fresh contrast to the salmon.

The slaw dressing is where the real magic happens. A mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, lemon juice, and zest creates a creamy yet zesty dressing that coats the vegetables in a rich, tangy layer. Fresh dill adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, while salt and freshly ground black pepper round out the seasoning. The result is a slaw that is bright, fresh, and the perfect complement to the crispy salmon patties.

Assembling the Sliders: Building the Perfect Bite

Assembling these sliders is easy and fun. Start by placing each crispy salmon patty on the bottom half of a gluten-free slider bun. The buns provide a soft, slightly sweet base that complements the savory salmon and tangy slaw. Then, top each patty with a generous spoonful of the lemon arugula slaw, ensuring the freshness of the slaw is front and center in every bite.

The combination of the crispy salmon, the creamy mustard dressing in the slaw, and the fresh crunch of the arugula and onions makes these sliders a satisfying meal. They are a great choice for anyone looking for a lighter yet flavorful seafood option, perfect for warm weather dining or any occasion that calls for something a little different.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw can be served as part of a light lunch or dinner, or as an appetizer for a gathering. They pair beautifully with a crisp, refreshing drink, such as a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or a light sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

For a complete meal, consider serving these sliders alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or sweet potato fries. The bright, tangy flavors of the slaw would also pair well with a citrusy side dish like a quinoa salad or a citrus-avocado salad, complementing the freshness of the dish.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

These sliders are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and reducing inflammation. The addition of fresh vegetables like arugula, red onion, and scallions provides a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the gluten-free buns ensure that the dish is accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

With approximately 25g of protein per serving and 3g of fiber, these sliders offer a balanced meal that will keep you feeling satisfied. The healthy fats from the olive oil and salmon, along with the tangy lemon and mustard, make this a flavorful and nourishing dish.

Conclusion

Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw are the ideal dish to celebrate the season of fresh flavors, offering a delicious and healthy seafood option that’s light yet satisfying. With crispy salmon patties seasoned with fresh herbs and mustard, topped with a tangy, vibrant lemon arugula slaw, these sliders offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you serve them as a main dish or an appetizer, these sliders are a perfect choice for any occasion, and their refreshing, zesty taste is sure to keep everyone coming back for more.