Healthy Postpartum Meal Prep: Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes
These healthy salmon sweet potato cakes are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and fiber to support postpartum recovery while being easy enough for busy weeknights and freezer meal prep.
Healthy Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes
These healthy Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your whole family. Made with flaky salmon, naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, fresh herbs, and simple pantry staples, they are an easy way to get a protein-rich dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you're meal prepping for the week, stocking your freezer before baby arrives, or just looking for a healthy dinner everyone will actually eat, these salmon cakes check all the boxes. They reheat beautifully, are toddler-friendly (especially when served with a dipping sauce), and pair well with everything from roasted vegetables to a simple side salad or rice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- High in protein to keep you feeling full and support muscle recovery.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from salmon to support brain and heart health.
- Naturally gluten-free (depending on your breadcrumbs or binder).
- Freezer-friendly for easy postpartum or busy weeknight meals.
- Great for meal prep because they reheat beautifully.
- Toddler and kid approved with a mild, comforting flavor.
- Made with simple, whole-food ingredients you can feel good about serving your family.
- Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, or dipping sauces.
Why These Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes Are Great For Postpartum Recovery
The weeks after giving birth place incredible demands on your body. Recovering from labor, rebuilding nutrient stores, supporting hormone production, and—if you're breastfeeding—producing milk all require a steady supply of nourishing foods. These Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes are packed with nutrients that can help support recovery while providing lasting energy for busy days with your little one.
- 🧡 High-Quality Protein - Salmon provides complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, helping your body repair tissues after childbirth, support muscle recovery, and promote healing.
- 🧠 Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA) - Salmon is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fats, especially DHA. These healthy fats support brain health, may help regulate inflammation, and are important for your baby's brain development if you're breastfeeding.
- 🍠 Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) - Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A supports immune function, skin and tissue healing, and healthy vision while also contributing to breast milk quality.
- 💪 Iron - Salmon contains iron, an important mineral that helps replenish stores after blood loss during delivery. Adequate iron supports healthy red blood cell production and may help reduce postpartum fatigue.
- ❤️ Vitamin B12 - Naturally found in salmon, vitamin B12 supports nerve function, energy production, and the formation of healthy red blood cells—all especially important during postpartum recovery.
- ☀️ Vitamin D - Salmon is one of the few foods naturally rich in vitamin D. This nutrient supports immune health, bone strength, calcium absorption, and may contribute to healthy mood regulation during the postpartum period.
- 🌿 Potassium - Sweet potatoes provide potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, supports healthy muscle function, and contributes to normal blood pressure.
- 🌾 Fiber - Sweet potatoes provide fiber to support digestive health and regular bowel movements—something many new moms appreciate as their bodies recover after birth.
- 🛡️ Antioxidants - Sweet potatoes and fresh herbs provide antioxidants that help protect your cells from oxidative stress and support your body's natural healing processes.
- 🦴 Healthy Fats - The healthy fats found in salmon help increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D while providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet, cooked and flaked
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 green onions, diced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F degrees.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the cubed sweet potatoes, and let them boil while you prepare the salmon, check with a fork for tenderness. Drain. Use fork to mash until smooth in pot.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, place in oven on greased baking sheet for 12 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove from oven and use fork to fully flake the salmon.
- Combine sweet potato mash, flaked salmon and all other ingredients in a large bowl.
- Form into 10-12 patties.
- Place on greased baking sheets.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want to see browning when you flip it. If not, leave it a bit longer.
- Allow patties to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
Freezer Meal Prep
Allow patties to fully cool on baking sheets. Place baking sheets in freezer to flash freeze patties for 2 hours. Transfer to gallon freezer bag. Label with date and reheat instructions. They will keep in the freezer for at least 3 months.
Freezer Reheat
You can reheat these frozen patties by placing in the oven for 30 minutes at 375°F. Alternatively, you can reheat these patties once they are thawed by placing them in the oven for 12 minutes at 375°F. Check temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?
Absolutely! Canned salmon works wonderfully in this recipe and is a great budget-friendly option. Make sure to drain it well and remove any large bones or skin. Because canned salmon is already cooked, it also saves time. All you have to do is mix it with the remaining ingredients and cook the patties until golden brown.
How do I keep the salmon cakes from falling apart?
If your mixture feels too wet, add additional oats in increments. You can also substitute breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for oats. That being said, oats have many additional nutritional benefits while also being naturally gluten free and encouraging milk production if you are breastfeeding. If your mixture feels too dry, add additional egg or mayo to get the correct texture.
What should I serve with salmon sweet potato cakes?
These salmon sweet potato cakes are very versatile. You can pair them with:
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- A simple garden salad
- On a bun
- Rice or quinoa
How long do salmon sweet potato cakes last in the refrigerator?
Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best texture.
What are the macros for this salmon sweet potato cakes recipes?
Calories - 275
Protein - 23g
Carbohydrates - 15g
Fat - 12g
Fiber - 3g
Looking for more high protein, freezer friendly recipes for the whole family?
Check out my recipe for high protein white chicken chili here.
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Tools I Used
The few things that made this recipe easier — and healthier.
Wooden Cutting Board
Reduces microplastic exposure, easier on your knives, naturally antimicrobial, and beautiful on the counter.
Caraway Baking Sheet
High-quality nontoxic ceramic-coated baking sheets promote even cooking, provides a naturally nonstick surface, and makes cleanup quick and easy. They are perfect for roasting vegetables, baking salmon, and preparing healthy family meals.