
Salmon, Quinoa and Yogurt Protein Cakes with Warm Cucumber Herb Salad
These golden protein cakes combine salmon, quinoa, and yogurt for a high-protein dish that is juicy inside and lightly crisp outside. They are served with a warm cucumber, red onion, and fresh herb salad for contrast and freshness.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh skinless salmon (chopped finely a cuchillo)
- 180 g cooked quinoa (cold or at room temperature)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (divided)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 80 g red onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 200 g cucumber (en medias lunas finas)
- 6 g garlic (chopped or grated, divided)
- 15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 10 g fresh dill (chopped)
- 45 g almond flour (for dar estructura)
- 10 g Dijon mustard (divided)
- 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed, divided)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g smoked paprika (for the mezcla of tortitas)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, cooked quinoa, 60 g (1/4 cup) of the Greek yogurt, the beaten egg, half of the red onion, half of the garlic, half of the parsley, half of the dill, the almond flour, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, the smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 2
Shape the mixture into 8 compact, even cakes and place them on a tray or plate. Refrigerate for 10 minutes so they hold their shape better.
- 3
Meanwhile, make the topping sauce. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 60 g (1/4 cup) Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and the rest of the dill.
- 4
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil and cook the cakes for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until deeply golden and safely cooked through in the center. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, transfer them to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 4 to 5 additional minutes.
- 5
In the same skillet, add the remaining red onion, the remaining garlic, and the cucumber. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, just until slightly softened while still fresh. Turn off the heat and toss with the remaining parsley, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
- 6
Serve 2 cakes per portion with the warm cucumber salad on top or alongside. Finish with the yogurt-mustard sauce spooned over the cakes or served on the side.
Chef tips
Hand-chop the salmon into small pieces instead of processing it for a juicier texture. If the mixture feels too soft, chill it 5 more minutes before shaping the cakes.
Substitutions
You can swap the salmon for trout or fresh tuna. Dill can be replaced with chives or extra parsley. If you do not have almond flour, use ground oats, though it will only remain gluten-free if they are certified gluten-free.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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