As a nutrition professional, I am a firm believer in planning the weeks meals ahead of time. As a working mom of two, I strive to planand shop forthe weeks meals the weekend before. Sometimes I succeed, other times not so much.

This week, I planned ahead. I shopped ahead. I even cemented our weeks meal options on our fridge dry erase board. Its Tuesday and Im not doing so hot. Sunday night, we had whole wheat pasta with veggies and turkey meatballs. It wasnt on the list, but it fit the bill for Sunday night comfort food. Last night, we had salmon cakes with avocado, steamed green beans and Trader Joe’s tater tots. Salmon cakes were on the planned menu, butas it turns outI didnt have all of the ingredients for the salmon cakes. But, it was closing in on dinnertime so I made do with what we did have.

Easy-to-make Salmon Cakes

Let me say that I enjoy salmon patties, but especially the fresh taste of salmon cakes made from canned salmon. I usually like to add fun ingredients, like capers, scallions, fresh herbs or red bell pepper. But, I didnt have those ingredients on hand. And because we didnt have any eggs, I used light mayo to hold the panko bread crumbs, salmon and other three ingredients together. The result? Light, tasty and simple salmon cakes that my husband and extra-picky toddler raved about.

2 (5-6 oz.) cans boneless, skinless salmon, drained and flaked
cup panko or bread crumbs
cup light or canola-based mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
tsp. dried dill weed
tsp. seasoning (I used Trader Joes Everyday Seasoning)
Butter or canola oil for sauting

Mix all ingredients. Form into patties. (This recipe makes about 8 or 9 patties.) Add a little butter or oil to pan and heat over medium-high heat. Saut patties until heated through, about 5 minutes per side. Serve over mixed greens or on whole grain sandwich rolls or buns. Mashed avocado makes a great spread on the bread.

TELL US: Do you have a favorite salmon cakes recipe? If so, please share. Wed love to hear from you!

Posted by Rima Kleiner, MS, RD