Total Time: 40 minutes | Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Introduction
There’s something magical about transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. I first discovered salmon balls at a friend’s dinner party, and I was immediately hooked by their crispy golden exterior and tender, flaky interior. Since then, I’ve made them my own by pairing them with a lusciously smooth avocado sauce that adds a creamy, tangy dimension to every bite.
These little gems have become my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a nutritious weeknight meal, these salmon balls deliver restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can have a sophisticated dish ready without the stress. The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect even for busy weeknights.
Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and healthy fats from avocado, this recipe offers exceptional nutritional value. Each serving provides 10 grams of protein while keeping calories at a reasonable 120 per ball.
Versatile for Any Occasion: These salmon balls work beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a buffet spread. They’re equally at home at elegant dinner parties and casual family meals.
Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized format and mild flavor make these salmon balls appealing to even picky eaters. Children often prefer this preparation to traditional salmon fillets.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in advance, making entertaining less stressful and more enjoyable. The components come together quickly when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Balls:
- 1 lb fresh skinless salmon fillets
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salmon Balls
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Using a fork, carefully flake the salmon into small, uniform pieces in a large mixing bowl. Remove any remaining bones or skin if present. The texture should be similar to canned tuna but with larger, more distinct flakes.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients Add the breadcrumbs, egg, chopped herbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the salmon. Gently fold everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still maintain some texture.
Step 4: Form the Balls Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Rolling them between your palms creates a smooth, uniform shape. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Baking and Making the Sauce
Step 5: Bake to Perfection Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The salmon balls should turn golden brown on the outside while remaining moist inside. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Prepare the Avocado Sauce While the salmon balls are baking, prepare your sauce. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The sauce should have a velvety consistency similar to sour cream.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Once the salmon balls are golden and cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving platter alongside a bowl of the creamy avocado sauce. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile salmon balls shine in numerous serving scenarios. For an elegant appetizer spread, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and the avocado sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
As a main course, serve them over a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, or rice pilaf. The combination creates a balanced, satisfying meal that’s both light and filling.
For a party-style presentation, consider setting up a slider bar with small buns, lettuce, tomato slices, and the avocado sauce. Guests can customize their own mini salmon burgers, making it interactive and fun.
You can also incorporate them into a Mediterranean-style mezze platter alongside hummus, olives, pita bread, and fresh vegetables. This approach works wonderfully for casual gatherings where guests can graze throughout the evening.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Salmon Balls
Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the salmon mixture for a kick of heat. You can also incorporate sriracha into the avocado sauce for double the spice.
Asian-Inspired Version
Replace the dill with fresh cilantro and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the mixture. Serve with a soy-ginger dipping sauce instead of the avocado sauce.
Mediterranean Style
Mix in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and replace the dill with fresh oregano. Add sun-dried tomatoes to the salmon mixture and serve with tzatziki alongside the avocado sauce.
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Air Fryer Method
For a quicker cooking time and extra crispy exterior, cook the salmon balls in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make-Ahead Tips
Advance Preparation: You can form the salmon balls up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook. This makes entertaining much more manageable.
Freezing Instructions: These salmon balls freeze beautifully. Place unbaked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Sauce Storage: The avocado sauce is best made fresh to maintain its bright green color. However, if you need to make it ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Leftover Storage: Cooked salmon balls can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior.
Notes
- Salmon Selection: Fresh salmon works best, but you can use canned salmon in a pinch. Drain it well and remove any skin and bones before using.
- Binding Issues: If your mixture seems too wet to hold its shape, add more breadcrumbs, a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a splash of lemon juice or water.
- Even Sizing: Using a small cookie scoop ensures all your salmon balls are the same size, which means they’ll cook evenly. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
- Herb Flexibility: While dill adds a classic flavor, parsley, cilantro, or even basil work wonderfully. Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand or prefer.
- Avocado Ripeness: The avocado should be ripe but not overripe for the best sauce texture. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not have brown spots inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before using. Excess moisture can make the salmon balls fall apart during cooking.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce? Regular yogurt, sour cream, or even mayonnaise work well. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but all are delicious.
How do I know when the salmon balls are done? They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The exterior should feel firm to the touch, and they should easily release from the parchment paper.
Can I pan-fry these instead of baking? Absolutely! Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon balls for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. They’ll have an even crispier exterior this way.
Why are my salmon balls falling apart? This usually happens if the mixture is too wet or wasn’t mixed enough for the egg to bind everything together. Make sure your salmon isn’t too moist, and consider adding a bit more breadcrumbs if needed.
Can I make larger salmon patties instead of balls? Yes, you can form the mixture into patties about 3 inches in diameter. Adjust the cooking time to 15-18 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce? Replace the Greek yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that’s just as delicious.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Category: Appetizer/Main Dish | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 salmon ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg