Name: Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed and chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option); 1 egg; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp green onions, chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp lemon zest; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 1 ripe avocado; 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream); 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp water (or as needed to reach desired consistency)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce is a delightful dish that offers a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. These bite-sized wonders are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition, making them a perfect addition to any meal or as a standalone snack. Imagine the crisp exterior providing a satisfying crunch, giving way to the tender, flavorful salmon inside. Paired with a creamy, luscious avocado sauce, each bite is an explosion of freshness and comfort. This recipe is worth making for families and gatherings, creating memorable culinary experiences that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to adore about this recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With a minimal list of ingredients, you can whip up an impressive dish without the fuss. The preparation is straightforward as well, requiring no advanced cooking skills—perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. Furthermore, this recipe is family-friendly; the kids will enjoy shaping the salmon balls and dipping them into the creamy avocado sauce. Just imagine the smiles at the dinner table!

Ingredients for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

To create these delightful salmon balls, you will need fresh ingredients that contribute to both flavor and texture:

1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed and chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
1 egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the creamy avocado sauce, gather the following ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp water (or as needed to reach desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Directions for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Prepare the Salmon: Begin by placing the fresh salmon fillets in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, or you can opt to chop it by hand for a more rustic texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Form Salmon Balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, roughly 1-2 inches in diameter. This step is fun and allows you to get creative; kids love helping with this!
Cook the Salmon Balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon balls and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!
Make the 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, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and just enough water to achieve the desired consistency. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Once the salmon balls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and serve them immediately. They pair beautifully with the vibrant, creamy avocado sauce for dipping.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some chef’s secrets and optional extras to elevate your salmon balls:

Chill the Mixture: After mixing the salmon ingredients, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.
Add Spice: For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the salmon mixture.
Experiment with Herbs: Swap out the parsley for dill or cilantro to give a unique flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

For an eye-catching presentation, place the salmon balls on a platter with a small bowl of the creamy avocado sauce in the center for dipping. You can garnish with additional chopped herbs and lemon wedges for an appetizing look. These salmon balls pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, lightly sautéed vegetables, or even a bed of quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy them as an appetizer, in a lunchbox, or make them a star at your next gathering!

Nutritional Information

These salmon balls are not just tasty; they’re nutritious too! Each serving is packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Not only do they taste great, but they also offer the perfect balance for a healthy diet, encouraging you to indulge without the guilt.

Storing Tips & Variations for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cooked salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or skillet. For a healthy swap, consider substituting almond flour for breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free. You could also experiment with different types of fish or even incorporate vegetables into the mixture for added nutrition.

Conclusion for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a new dish to impress your family or guests, the Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce is the perfect choice. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and give this delightful recipe a try today!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon fillets?

Yes! Canned salmon can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain it well and flake it before mixing.

2. How can I make the avocado sauce spicier?

You can add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado sauce to give it an extra kick.

3. Can these salmon balls be frozen?

Absolutely! After cooking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.

4. What’s a good side dish to serve with salmon balls?

A light green salad or roasted veggies make great side dishes. You can also serve them with whole grain rice or quinoa for a more complete meal.

5. Is it possible to use a different type of fish?

Definitely! You can substitute with trout, tuna, or even a white fish like cod for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful bite-sized salmon balls paired with a creamy avocado sauce, perfect as a snack or main dish.

Instructions

Prepare the salmon: Begin by placing the fresh salmon fillets in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, or you can opt to chop it by hand for a more rustic texture.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Form salmon balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, roughly 1-2 inches in diameter.
Cook the salmon balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon balls and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the 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, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and just enough water to achieve the desired consistency. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Once the salmon balls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and serve them immediately with the creamy avocado sauce for dipping.