Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
