A Special Lunch for All the Moms You Love

By Julia Mitchell

Published in Longmeadow Neighbors May 2025

Celebrate all the moms in your life this Mother's Day with a meal that even the littlest folks in the family can help prepare. Plus this recipe is easy to clean up so you have more time to focus on the guest of honor.

FRESH SALMON CAKES WITH BUTTERMILK DRESSING
PREP TIME: 30 mins | COOK TIME: 30 mins | SERVINGS: 4 serves

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 pounds skinless salmon fillet

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 7 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided

• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1 tablespoon whole buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 1 head butter lettuce, torn

• 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes

Directions:

1. Finely chop salmon on a cutting board; place in a medium bowl. Add chives, salt, pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the mayonnaise; stir to combine. Shape mixture into 8 (2 ½-inch-wide) patties. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Place each patty in breadcrumbs; press to coat all sides.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add patties to skillet; cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 130°F, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.

3. Whisk together parsley, buttermilk, soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 3 tablespoons mayonnaise in a small bowl.

4. Divide lettuce, snap peas, and radishes evenly among 4 plates. Top each with 2 salmon cakes; drizzle with dressing.

Longmeadow Resident Julia Mitchell has worked for Southern Living magazine for 15 years and helped develop recipes as well as doing on-stage cooking demonstrations. She has worked with chefs developing shows and magazines. She has taught cooking classes for all ages and loves to pass on easy traditional techniques so everyone falls in love with food and cooking.

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