Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of baked salmon wafts through the kitchen, a gentle reminder that homemade meals always trump takeout. My go-to for impressing family and friends? These irresistible Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce. This protein-packed appetizer not only boasts a crispy exterior but also a tender heart that’s simply delightful. The luscious avocado sauce provides a fresh twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is not just easy to whip up; it elevates your dining experience without the fuss. Are you ready to bring a touch of gourmet to your table? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why are these salmon balls irresistible? Easy to Prepare: You’ll love how simple it is to make these salmon balls; just mix, shape, and bake! Protein-Packed Goodness: With fresh salmon and nutritious ingredients, they’re a healthful treat everyone will enjoy. Deliciously Versatile: Serve them as appetizers or pair with a salad for a full meal; they fit any occasion! Irresistible Creamy Sauce: The luscious avocado sauce adds a delightful twist, making every bite extraordinary. Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these tasty bites—perfect for family dinners or gatherings! Try pairing them with some grilled steak tacos or enjoy their freshness alongside a light Japanese katsu bowl for an unforgettable experience. Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Ingredients • Get ready to create a delectable appetizer! For the Salmon Balls Fresh Salmon – This is your main protein, ensuring a tender texture. Use skinless fillets for best results; wild-caught salmon enhances flavor. Breadcrumbs – Binds the mixture while adding a pleasing crunch. Plain or seasoned options can be used. Egg – Acts as a binding agent, bringing everything together. Ensure freshness for optimal results. Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley) – They add brightness and freshness to the dish. Substitute with other herbs if desired. Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors and lends zest to the mixture. Fresh or bottled can be used, but fresh is preferred. Garlic Powder – This enhances flavor and depth. Fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, balancing flavors throughout the cooking process. For the Creamy Avocado Sauce Avocado – Forms the creamy sauce, giving a smooth, rich texture. Select ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed. Greek Yogurt – Contributes creaminess without overwhelming heaviness. Use plain variety for best flavor. Lemon Juice – Adds brightness in the sauce for a refreshing touch. Fresh juice is ideal for maximum flavor. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection. Adjust according to taste for balance. Embrace the joy of cooking with these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce—your taste buds will thank you! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the salmon balls evenly. While the oven warms up, gather all your ingredients and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to hold the salmon balls once they are shaped. Step 2: Prepare the Salmon In a large mixing bowl, flake fresh salmon into small, bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to break the salmon apart, ensuring there are no large chunks. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving that tender texture in your Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Add breadcrumbs, egg, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl containing the flaked salmon. Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined, ensuring the egg binds everything without overmixing, which could make the salmon balls tough. Step 4: Shape the Balls With slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, scoop out the mixture and shape it into 1-inch balls, making sure they are compact. Place each ball on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring there is enough space between each to allow for even baking. Step 5: Bake Transfer the baking sheet with the shaped salmon balls into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they are done when they are firm to the touch and slightly crisp on the outside. Step 6: Make the Sauce While the salmon balls are baking, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor. Step 7: Serve Once the salmon balls are out of the oven, let them cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm alongside the creamy avocado sauce for dipping. These Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home! How to Store and Freeze Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Fridge: Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the salmon balls on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen salmon balls directly from the freezer at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This keeps them crispy and delicious. Creamy Avocado Sauce: For best flavor, store the sauce separately in the fridge and consume within 1-2 days, as it’s best fresh! Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Variations Feel free to get creative with these delicious salmon balls! Let your taste buds guide you. Canned Salmon: Use canned salmon if you’re short on time; just drain and flake it well for a quick option. For a budget-friendly twist, this variation is as easy as it gets while still holding onto that delightful flavor. Spice it Up: Incorporate paprika or cayenne pepper into the mixture for a kick of heat. Elevate the flavor with spices that create a little warmth and excitement, making every bite an adventure. Feta Cheese: Add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy flavor explosion in your salmon balls. This delicious twist not only enhances taste but adds a delightful creamy texture that pairs well with avocado sauce. Herb Variations: Swap fresh dill or parsley with cilantro or chives for a different herbal note. Changing up the herbs can refresh the entire dish, giving it a new personality that suits your mood. Vegetable Additions: Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost. This addition offers not only vibrant color but also a sneaky way to include greens, adding depth to the flavor profile. Nutty Crunch: Fold in crushed almonds or walnuts for an unexpected crunch. This will add a texture element that surprises and delights with each bite, balancing the tender salmon perfectly. Zesty Citrus: Zest a lemon or lime into the mixture for an extra zing. A little citrus goes a long way in elevating flavors, ensuring your salmon balls brighten up the palate. For even more ideas, you might love accompanying your salmon delights with a light Salmon Sushi Bake or pair them with some Steak Tacos Avocado for a delightful meal theme. The possibilities are endless! Make Ahead Options These Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix and form the salmon balls up to 24 hours in advance. After shaping, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent drying out. The creamy avocado sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; just blend the ingredients and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, bake the salmon balls from the refrigerator without thawing for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. This way, you can enjoy delicious, homemade appetizers with minimal effort on busy weeknights! What to Serve with Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Elevate your dinner experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of these delectable bites. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness balances the salmon’s richness, offering a deliciously crunchy contrast that everyone loves. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: This vibrant veggie adds a tender, flavorful touch, making your meal feel fresh and light. Pairing the two brings a touch of gourmet to your table! Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Packed with textures and citrusy zing, this salad refreshes the palate and enhances the salmon balls beautifully. It’s a nutritious addition that’s also vibrant and colorful! Herbed Couscous: Fluffy and flavorful, seasoned couscous adds a lovely base that pairs well with the creamy avocado sauce, soaking up every bite. Mixed Greens Salad: A bed of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast, adding a crispness that balances the savory salmon. It’s perfect for cutting through richness! Chilled Cucumber Soup: This crisp and light soup serves as a lovely starter or side, accentuating the fresh flavors of the salmon balls while keeping the meal light and enjoyable. Sparking Water or Lemonade: A refreshing drink will cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing the flavors of your salmon balls while keeping the mood relaxed and cheerful. Lemon Sorbet: Finish your meal with a tangy lemon sorbet for a light dessert that echoes the citrus notes in the salmon balls, leaving a refreshing taste in your mouth. Expert Tips for Salmon Balls Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized salmon balls, ensuring they cook uniformly and achieve the perfect golden-brown crust. Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the salmon mixture to keep the balls tender and prevent them from becoming dense; the key is to combine just until mixed. Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the shaped salmon balls for 15-30 minutes before baking; this helps them maintain their shape while cooking. Cooking Temperature Check: Always ensure that salmon balls reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption; invest in an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to personalize your salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce; it’s a great way to create unique flavor profiles! Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe FAQs How do I select the best salmon for these salmon balls? Absolutely! When choosing salmon, look for fresh, skinless fillets with a firm texture. Wild-caught salmon usually offers a richer flavor, while farmed salmon may be more affordable. Always check for bright, vibrant color without dark spots or a strong fishy odor—these are signs of freshness. How should I store leftover salmon balls? You can store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their crisply baked exterior, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving to restore some of that delicious crunch. Can I freeze salmon balls? Very! To freeze salmon balls, first place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, cook them directly from the freezer at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. What should I do if the salmon mixture is too wet? No worries! If you find your salmon mixture is too wet to form into balls, this usually means you might need to add a little more breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture. Start adding in small increments, mixing gently until the mixture holds together but remains tender. Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies? Absolutely! Since these salmon balls are primarily made with ingredients like fish and eggs, they should not be fed to pets, especially dogs, as they can be allergic to seafood or egg proteins. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your pet’s diet. Additionally, if anyone has a shellfish or fish allergy, it’s best to avoid this recipe altogether. How can I adjust these salmon balls for different dietary needs? The more the merrier! For gluten-free diets, swap out traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. If you’re looking to reduce calories or are lactose intolerant, using a dairy-free yogurt in the creamy avocado sauce is a wonderful option. Don’t hesitate to personalize your salmon balls and sauce to suit everyone’s preferences! Savory Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Delight Indulge in these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce, a protein-packed and irresistible appetizer guaranteed to impress! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 ballsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salmon Balls1 pound Fresh Salmon Use skinless fillets for best results; wild-caught salmon enhances flavor.1 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned options can be used.1 large Egg Ensure freshness for optimal results.2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley) Substitute with other herbs if desired.2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh or bottled can be used, but fresh is preferred.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred.to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning, balancing flavors throughout the cooking process.For the Creamy Avocado Sauce1 large Avocado Select ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Use plain variety for best flavor.1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh juice is ideal for maximum flavor.to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection. Equipment OvenMixing bowlBaking sheetblender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.Flake fresh salmon into small, bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl.Add breadcrumbs, egg, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the salmon and mix until well combined.With wet hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.While baking, prepare the avocado sauce by blending avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.Let the salmon balls cool slightly before serving with the creamy avocado sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, refrigerate molded salmon balls before baking and ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
