Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas

Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option? These salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce are a perfect choice! They are not only flavorful and easy to make but also versatile for different occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Great flavors: The combination of fresh salmon, herbs, and spices creates a burst of delicious flavors in every bite.
  2. Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  3. Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, these salmon balls are a nutritious option for any meal.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Salmon Balls:

  • Fresh salmon fillet (skin removed): Provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Fresh parsley and cilantro: Add freshness and herbaceous flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option): Bind the ingredients together.
  • Large egg: Acts as a binder for the salmon mixture.
  • Garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper: Enhance the flavor profile.
  • Olive oil (for grilling): Adds a light and healthy cooking fat.

For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce:

  • Ripe avocado: Creates a creamy and velvety texture.
  • Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
  • Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Adds a tangy and creamy element.
  • Lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper: Balance the flavors in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the salmon, parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  2. Form the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and grill the salmon balls until cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, blend the avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
  5. Serve the salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

Helpful Tips:

  • For a crispier texture, you can bake the salmon balls in the oven instead of grilling.
  • To make the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Adjust the seasonings in the salmon mixture and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
  3. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture.

Serving Suggestions:

These salmon balls pair well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa. Serve with a refreshing cucumber mint cocktail or a crisp white wine for a complete meal.

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake them in the oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute canned salmon for fresh in this recipe.
  2. Can I freeze the salmon balls? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked salmon balls for up to 3 months.
  3. Can I use parsley or cilantro only? Feel free to use either herb or a combination of both based on your preference.
  4. Can I use a food processor to mix the salmon mixture? Yes, a food processor can help mix the ingredients quickly and evenly.

Conclusion:

Try out these salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce for a delicious and healthy dinner option. Share your feedback and enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones!

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Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas

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These flavorful salmon balls are packed with fresh herbs and spices, served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a healthy and satisfying dinner option.

  • Author: Touria Elkoudssi
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon Balls:

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer texture)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon Balls: In a food processor, pulse salmon until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and mix in parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Shape into balls.
  2. Cook the Salmon Balls: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon balls until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Make the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce: In a blender, combine avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  4. Serve: Serve salmon balls with creamy avocado cilantro sauce on the side.

Notes

  • You can also bake the salmon balls in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
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