Golden Mediterranean Salmon Cakes with Feta – The Best 30-Minute Recipe

These Golden Mediterranean Salmon Cakes with Spinach and Feta are a vibrant spin on traditional fish patties. With their crispy golden crust and Mediterranean flavor explosion, these cakes combine flaky salmon, creamy feta, fresh spinach, garlic, and herbs into a nutritious, satisfying dish. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight meal or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pan-fried salmon cakes deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon, Feta, and Spinach

Let’s break down the superfoods packed into this simple recipe:

Ingredient	Key Nutrients	Health Benefits
Salmon	Omega-3, Protein	Brain health, Heart function
Feta	Calcium, B Vitamins	Bone strength, Gut health
Spinach	Iron, Folate, Antioxidants	Immune support, Detoxification
Olive Oil	Healthy Fats	Anti-inflammatory, Heart-healthy

Combined, these create a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. This makes it not only delicious but also ideal for families, fitness enthusiasts, and busy professionals.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salmon Cakes:

• 1 lb canned salmon , drained (or cooked fresh salmon, flaked)
• 1 cup fresh spinach , finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill , chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley , chopped
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• Salt and black pepper , to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil , for frying

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges , for squeezing
• Tzatziki sauce , homemade or store-bought
• Fresh greens or cucumber-tomato salad , for pairing

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Let’s bring these Golden Mediterranean Salmon Cakes with spinach and feta to life! This section walks you through every step—from mixing to pan-frying—so you can serve up crispy, golden patties full of flavor in under 30 minutes.

Mixing the Perfect Patty Base

Creating a balanced salmon mixture is key to forming patties that hold their shape while staying tender and flavorful.

Step-by-Step:

1. Drain the salmon well to remove excess liquid. Flake it with a fork to break apart large chunks.
2. In a large bowl, combine the following:
   • 1 lb of canned or cooked salmon
   • 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
   • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
   • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
   • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
   • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
   • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
   • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
   • 1 clove garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
   • Salt and black pepper to taste
3. Mix gently using a spoon or your hands. Don’t overwork the mixture—just combine until it sticks together. If the mix feels too dry, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice. Too wet? Sprinkle in a few more breadcrumbs.

💡 Pro Tip: Chilling the mixture for 15–20 minutes helps firm it up and makes shaping easier.

Forming and Shaping the Salmon Cakes

Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to create uniform patties that cook evenly and look great on the plate.

Here’s how:

1. Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions using a spoon or scoop.
2. Shape each portion into a round patty about ½-inch thick. Press gently to compress without flattening.
3. Optional: Place formed patties on a parchment-lined tray and chill again for 10 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.

Pro Shaping Tips:

For mini appetizers, make smaller 2-inch rounds and reduce cook time.

Wet your hands lightly with water or olive oil to prevent sticking.

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