Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool salmon balls: Once the salmon balls are cooked, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- 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