Description
Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce is a quick and nutritious dish that combines tender, protein-packed salmon balls with a smooth, flavorful avocado-based dipping sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a fresh and satisfying meal or appetizer option that is versatile, kid-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Balls
- 1 lb fresh skinless salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons water or olive oil (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Finely chop or pulse fresh salmon fillets in a food processor until slightly chunky. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the Salmon Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray prepared for cooking.
- Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water or olive oil, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to achieve a dipping sauce consistency.
- Cook the Salmon Balls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon balls carefully in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm salmon balls with the creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime zest if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the salmon mixture to keep the balls tender and light.
- Fry at medium heat to cook evenly without burning.
- Choose ripe avocados for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Adjust avocado sauce consistency carefully by thinning with water or olive oil.
- Variations: Add jalapeños for spice, bake instead of fry, use almond flour for gluten-free, or substitute Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 salmon balls with sauce (approx.)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: salmon balls, avocado sauce, gluten-free appetizer, healthy seafood recipe, quick dinner, kid-friendly seafood
