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?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh salmon, herbs, and spices creates a burst of delicious flavors in every bite.
- Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- 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:
- In a bowl, combine the salmon, parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and grill the salmon balls until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, blend the avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
- 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:
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasonings in the salmon mixture and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- 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.

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:
- Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute canned salmon for fresh in this recipe.
- Can I freeze the salmon balls? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked salmon balls for up to 3 months.
- Can I use parsley or cilantro only? Feel free to use either herb or a combination of both based on your preference.
- 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!
PrintSalmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce: In a blender, combine avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- 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