Description
This salmon loaf is my go-to recipe when I want something nutritious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has the perfect texture – not too dense and not too crumbly.
The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple pantry items into something that tastes special enough for company. The fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14.75 oz) of salmon, drained and flaked (bones removed if preferred)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill or parsley work great!)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained salmon and flake it with a fork. Remove any skin or bones if you prefer (though they’re perfectly edible and nutritious!).
- Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, chopped onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this keeps the texture light!
- If using herbs, fold them in now for a fresh flavor boost.
- Press the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf feels firm.
- Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it hold together better.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Tip: Don’t toss that salmon liquid! It contains nutrients and can be added to soups or used to moisten pet food.
- Add finely diced bell peppers or grated carrots for extra veggies and color
- Swap the breadcrumbs for quick oats to make it gluten-free
- Mix in ¼ cup grated parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy version
- Try a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a flavor kick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American