Zesty Salmon Balls with Avocado Sauce Recipe: Fresh Seafood Magic

Crafting delectable salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce brings unexpected culinary delight to your kitchen adventure.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each tender morsel, inviting playful exploration.

Moist fish blended with herbs creates irresistible little bites packed with nutrition.

Coastal ingredients merge seamlessly in this elegant yet approachable dish.

Crisp exterior and silky interior promise a sensory journey that surprises and satisfies.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy gourmet-style cooking without complicated techniques.

Dive into this recipe and experience how simple ingredients can become something magical.

Salmon Balls With Creamy Avocado for a Light Dinner

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whips up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious yet nutritious meals.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Delivers high-quality salmon protein with a lean, healthy profile that supports muscle development and overall wellness.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like herbs or using different cooking methods such as baking or air frying for varied preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Culinary Adventure: Playful ball shape and creamy sauce make this dish appealing to children, transforming healthy eating into an enjoyable experience.

How to Form Flavorful Salmon Balls with Avocado

• Salmon: Wild-caught salmon provides rich omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein for a heart-healthy meal.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the salmon mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Herbs, Garlic, Paprika, Lemon Zest: Create texture, depth of flavor, and aromatic complexity to the salmon balls.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Avocado: Creamy base that provides healthy fats and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and protein to the avocado sauce.
• Cilantro, Lime Juice, Garlic: Bring bright, fresh flavors to complement the salmon balls.
• Salt, Pepper: Season and balance the sauce's flavor.

Salmon Balls with Avocado Cream Prep

Step 1: Combine Salmon Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, place canned salmon and gently break it apart with a fork.

Add fresh chopped parsley, panko breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced garlic, sweet paprika, bright lemon zest, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive blend that holds together well.

Step 2: Form and Cook Salmon Spheres

Using clean hands, roll the salmon mixture into uniform round balls about the size of a golf ball.

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the salmon spheres into the hot pan, cooking each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are heated completely through.

This typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 3: Craft Silky Avocado Sauce

Select a blender or food processor and add ripe avocado flesh, chopped fresh cilantro, creamy Greek yogurt, tangy lime juice, crushed garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Blend the ingredients until the sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency with no visible chunks.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the golden salmon spheres on a serving platter.

Drizzle or serve the vibrant green avocado sauce in a separate bowl alongside the salmon balls.

Optional garnishes include extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of paprika, or a lime wedge for an extra burst of freshness.

Creamy Dinner Tips for Salmon and Avocado Sauce

• Refrigerate the salmon ball mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping to help them hold together better and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Select high-quality, fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught for a more robust taste and nutritional profile.
• Add breadcrumbs gradually to control the mixture's moisture, ensuring the salmon balls remain moist but firm enough to hold their shape.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed nuts for a low-carb or gluten-free version of the recipe.
• Taste the avocado sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice or salt to enhance the creamy, tangy flavor profile.

Salmon Balls Storage Instructions

• Store leftover salmon balls and avocado sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds, ensuring they don't dry out or become tough.
• Keep avocado sauce covered with plastic wrap directly touching its surface to prevent browning, and stir well before serving.
• Not recommended due to the delicate texture of salmon and creamy sauce, which may separate or become watery when thawed.

Fresh Picks for Salmon Balls & Avocado Sauce

• Pairing Perfect Wine: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salmon's delicate flavor and cut through the creamy avocado sauce.
• Matching Herbal Accompaniment: Serve a fresh mixed green salad with dill and cucumber to echo the herb notes in the salmon balls and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
• Elevate with Citrus Side: Add roasted lemon-garlic asparagus spears to enhance the dish's bright, zesty undertones and provide a nutritious vegetable element that harmonizes with the salmon's flavors.
• Bright Beverage Boost: Pour a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime to cleanse the palate and highlight the dish's fresh, tangy profile while offering a light, hydrating complement.

Salmon Balls with Avocado Sauce Healthy Takes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with ground almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream in the avocado sauce for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute salmon with canned chickpeas or mashed white fish for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Modification: Remove breadcrumbs entirely and use finely chopped cauliflower rice as a binding agent to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Are salmon balls healthy?

Yes, salmon balls are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and beneficial nutrients. They’re a lean protein option that supports heart and brain health, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal.

• Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned salmon works perfectly and is an affordable, convenient alternative to fresh salmon. Just ensure you drain the liquid and remove any large bones before mixing the ingredients.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The current recipe contains breadcrumbs, which are not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond flour.

• How do I prevent the salmon balls from falling apart?

Make sure to mix ingredients thoroughly and compact the mixture firmly when forming balls. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping can also help them hold together better during cooking.

Salmon Balls with Avocado Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Nordic-inspired salmon balls dance with zesty avocado sauce, creating a delightful fusion of flavors that promises a quick and nutritious meal. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, these bite-sized delicacies will transport you to Scandinavian coastal kitchens with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)

Fresh Herbs and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

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 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Delicately flake the salmon in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring no large chunks remain.
2. Incorporate finely chopped herbs, crisp breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced garlic, smoky paprika, bright lemon zest, and seasoning to create a harmonious mixture.
3. Gently roll the salmon blend into uniform spherical portions, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
4. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, allowing a light golden crust to develop on each salmon sphere.
5. Rotate the salmon balls carefully, ensuring complete cooking and a beautifully caramelized exterior.
6. While cooking, prepare the creamy sauce by combining ripe avocado flesh with fresh cilantro leaves in a blender.
7. Add tangy Greek yogurt, zesty lime juice, crushed garlic, and delicate seasonings to the avocado mixture.
8. Pulse the sauce ingredients until achieving a silky, smooth consistency with vibrant green color.
9. Transfer the golden-brown salmon balls to a serving platter.
10. Drizzle or serve the creamy avocado sauce alongside the salmon balls, allowing guests to customize their plate.
11. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure salmon is thoroughly deboned to prevent unexpected bones in the final dish.
• Pat salmon dry before mixing to help breadcrumbs bind better and create a more cohesive texture.
• Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for enhanced flavor complexity and aromatic profile.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg