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Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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