Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce offer a delightful twist on seafood appetizers that are both flavorful and satisfying. These tender, savory salmon bites paired with a cool, smooth avocado dip make for a perfect starter or light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (to thin the sauce, if necessary)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or prepare a skillet for stovetop cooking.
2. Step 2: Dice the salmon into small pieces or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely chopped, making sure to keep some texture.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, garlic, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls using clean hands, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet if baking.
5. Step 5: For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon balls for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.
6. Step 6: If baking, bake the salmon balls for 15-20 minutes until firm and cooked through.
7. Step 7: While cooking the salmon balls, prepare the sauce by blending avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth.
8. Step 8: Season the sauce with salt and pepper, thinning it with water if needed for desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Once cooked, let the salmon balls cool slightly before serving.
10. Step 10: Serve the salmon balls warm alongside the creamy avocado sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch in your salmon balls.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the salmon mixture.
• Substitute cilantro in the sauce with fresh basil or dill for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the salmon by hand for better texture control.

Storage

Store cooked salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado sauce separate and refrigerated as well, consuming within 1 day for best freshness. Reheat salmon balls gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture. The avocado sauce is best served fresh and may not reheat well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the salmon balls?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked salmon balls by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with salmon balls besides avocado sauce?

Salmon balls pair well with tartar sauce, a simple lemon dill mayo, or a spicy sriracha aioli. They also complement fresh salads or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

These Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are a delightful and healthy appetizer or main dish. Made with fresh salmon, herbs, and a zesty avocado-yogurt sauce, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The salmon balls can be baked or pan-fried to a golden perfection, making them versatile for any cooking preference.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 12 salmon balls) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon Balls

• 1 pound fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (to thin the sauce, if necessary)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven or prepare stovetop: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the salmon balls. Alternatively, you can cook them on the stovetop.
2. Prepare salmon: In a large mixing bowl, dice the salmon into small pieces or pulse it in a food processor until it is coarsely chopped. Be careful not to puree it completely; you want some texture in the final dish.
3. Mix ingredients: Add the breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the salmon. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Shape salmon balls: With clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if baking.
5. Cook salmon balls on stovetop: If you prefer stovetop cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon balls to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Bake salmon balls: If baking, place the salmon balls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
7. Prepare avocado sauce: While the salmon balls are cooking, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy.
8. Season avocado sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
9. Cool salmon balls: Once the salmon balls are cooked, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve: Serve the salmon balls warm, accompanied by the creamy avocado sauce for dipping.

Notes

• You can bake or pan-fry the salmon balls depending on your preference for texture and convenience.
• Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used.
• Make sure not to over-process the salmon to retain texture in the balls.
• The avocado sauce can be thinned with water to your preferred consistency and makes a great dipping accompaniment.
• These salmon balls can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: salmon balls, avocado sauce, healthy appetizer, baked salmon, fish balls, creamy avocado dip, quick seafood recipe