Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce make a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s easy to prepare. Packed with fresh herbs and vibrant flavors, this dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The creamy avocado cilantro sauce adds a refreshing touch that complements the savory salmon perfectly.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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. Step 1: Finely chop the salmon fillet or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small balls about 2 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-14 salmon balls depending on size.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the salmon balls for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: For the sauce, combine avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Step 5: Serve the grilled salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce, either drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
• Use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mix for a spicy kick.
• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a full meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy avocado sauce is best made fresh, but any leftovers can be kept in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Reheat salmon balls gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying them out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the salmon balls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the salmon balls at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through. This is a lighter alternative to pan-frying.

Is it necessary to remove the skin from the salmon?

Removing the skin helps achieve a better texture in the salmon balls and prevents the skin from interfering during mixing. It’s recommended but not absolutely required if you prefer to leave it on.

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 102 reviews

Delicious and healthy salmon balls grilled to perfection and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce. This recipe offers a flavorful, protein-packed dinner option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 salmon balls 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Mixture: Finely chop the salmon fillet or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon, chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Shape the Salmon Balls: Take small portions of the salmon mixture and roll them into balls about 2 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 12-14 balls depending on the size.
3. Grill the Salmon Balls: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the salmon balls in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked salmon balls from the pan and set aside.
4. Prepare the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce: Combine the avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt or lime juice for balance.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the grilled salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce either drizzled on top or as a side dipping sauce. Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for leftovers.

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
• Sour cream can be used instead of Greek yogurt for a richer sauce texture.
• Salmon balls can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and lime juice in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Keywords: Salmon Balls, Avocado Sauce, Healthy Dinner, Gluten-Free, High Protein, Grilled Fish Balls