Easy Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce! 🥑

Hello, Food Lovers! Dive into Easy Salmon Balls

Hello, food lovers! Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy dinner option or a fun twist on your favorite salmon dishes, this Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce recipe is the perfect choice. Are you tired of the same old weeknight meals and yearning for something both nutritious and exciting? These little bites of grilled salmon, packed with fresh herbs and served with a velvety avocado-cilantro drizzle, make for a satisfying and nourishing meal. This dish is as simple to prepare as it is delicious—let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering recipe!

Gather Your Fresh Ingredients

The magic of these salmon balls lies in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh salmon is paramount for a moist and flavorful bite, and vibrant herbs will elevate them to new heights. For the creamy avocado sauce, ripe avocados are key to achieving that luxurious, smooth texture.

For the Salmon Balls:

• 1 lb Fresh Salmon Fillets: Skinless and boneless, aiming for a vibrant pink hue. You can also use leftover cooked salmon!
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: For that delightful crispiness. Substitution: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you don’t have panko.
• 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness. Substitution: Fresh dill or chives.
• 2 tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Complementary to the avocado sauce. Substitution: More parsley or a pinch of dried cilantro.
• 1 large Egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring your balls hold their shape.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: For a subtle tang. Substitution: Stone-ground mustard or a teaspoon of honey mustard.
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle garlic note.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For pan-frying, ensuring a beautiful golden crust. Substitution: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• 2 ripe Avocados: Creamy and yielding to the touch.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro: Generously packed. Substitution: Parsley or a mix of both.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch. Substitution: 1 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice: For that essential zing. Substitution: Lemon juice.
• 1/4 cup Water: To achieve the desired consistency. Add more or less as needed.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

This recipe comes together in approximately 35 minutes, which is quicker than many comparable baked salmon dishes and comparable to simple pan-fried fish recipes. The hands-on time is minimal, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step!

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

If using fresh salmon, pat it dry with paper towels. For the smoothest texture, you can lightly steam or poach the salmon fillets until just cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Alternatively, you can use high-quality canned salmon, drained very well. Once cooked or if using canned, flake the salmon into a medium bowl, ensuring there are no large chunks.

Step 2: Mix the Salmon Balls

To the flaked salmon, add the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with a fork or your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough salmon balls.

Step 3: Form the Salmon Balls

Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Roll the salmon mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 12-15 balls, depending on their size. Place them on a clean plate or baking sheet as you form them.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

While the salmon balls are prepped, let’s whip up that luscious sauce. Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the fresh cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add another tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon Balls

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the salmon balls to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently, until they are golden brown and heated through. For an even healthier option, you can bake these salmon balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange the warm salmon balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the creamy avocado sauce. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of cojita cheese if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Nutritional Snapshot

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (3-4 balls with sauce)
• Protein: High, from the salmon.
• Healthy Fats: Abundant from the salmon and avocado.
• Fiber: Moderate, especially with the avocado sauce.

Healthier Twists & Flavor Boosts

Want to lighten things up or add more zest? Try these simple swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• Lower Carb: Use crushed pork rinds or finely chopped almonds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Herb Power: Experiment with fresh dill, chives, or even a touch of minced jalapeño in the balls or sauce for an extra kick.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add depth to the salmon mixture.
• Lighter Sauce: For an even lighter sauce, substitute half the avocado with Greek yogurt or silken tofu.

Serving Suggestions

These salmon balls are incredibly versatile! Serve them as:

• A healthy appetizer with the avocado sauce for dipping.
• A light lunch alongside a fresh green salad.
• A main course paired with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a side of sweet potato fries.
• Part of a tapas-style meal with other small bites.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

• Overmixing: This leads to tough, dense salmon balls. Mix until just combined.
• Too Wet Mixture: If the mixture is too wet to form balls, add a little more panko or breadcrumbs.
• Crowding the Pan: Overcrowding will steam the balls instead of frying them, preventing a nice crust. Cook in batches.
• Under-ripe Avocados: For the sauce, ensure your avocados are ripe for maximum creaminess.

Storing Your Salmon Treasures

Salmon Balls: Cooled salmon balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or a low oven. The avocado sauce is best made fresh, but can be stored separately in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning, for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. Its texture and color may change.

A Flavorful Farewell

These Easy Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. They’re healthy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious, making them a winner for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We’d love to see your culinary creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas

• Author: Chef Mia

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Hello, food lovers! Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy dinner option or a fun twist on your favorite salmon dishes, thisSalmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Saucerecipe is the perfect choice. These little bites of grilled salmon, packed with fresh herbs and served with a velvety avocado-cilantro drizzle, make for a satisfying and nourishing meal. This dish is as simple to prepare as it is delicious—let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering recipe!

---

Ingredients

• Feel free to substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt for an even creamier texture.

---

Instructions

1. Start by finely chopping the salmon fillet or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon, chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Once your mixture is ready, take small portions and roll them into balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. You should have about 12-14 balls depending on size.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the salmon balls in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the salmon balls from the pan and set them aside.
4. For the creamy avocado sauce, combine the avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice to balance the flavor.
5. Serve your grilled salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce either drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce on the side. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can also be refrigerated for leftovers.

---

Notes

Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh salmon fillet. If you can find wild-caught salmon, it’s even better for both taste and health benefits.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to play around with the avocado sauce by adding a bit of jalapeño for a spicy kick or using a touch of honey for sweetness.
Grilling Option: While this recipe calls for grilling the salmon balls in a pan, you can also cook them on the barbecue for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the balls with a little oil and grill over medium heat.