Introduction

Salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce offer a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. These flavorful, tender bites pair perfectly with the smooth, zesty avocado sauce for a refreshing and satisfying dish. They’re quick to make and sure to impress your guests or family.

The image shows four round, grilled salmon bites, each with a crispy, charred orange exterior speckled with green herbs. They are placed closely together on a white plate, sitting on a layer of smooth, light green herb sauce that pools beneath them. A generous drizzle of the same vibrant green sauce runs down the center of the closest salmon bite, adding a glossy texture with specks of herbs visible throughout. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Finely chop the salmon or pulse it briefly in a food processor until coarsely ground. Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 2: Add parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the salmon. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon balls and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado cilantro sauce by combining avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve the warm salmon balls with a generous dollop of the creamy avocado cilantro sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the avocado blend.
To save time, prepare the avocado sauce ahead and keep it chilled until serving.
Try baking the salmon balls at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-frying for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado sauce in a separate container with a tight lid and a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning; it will keep for about 1 day. Reheat the salmon balls gently in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture, but serve the sauce cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows four grilled salmon balls with a golden brown and slightly charred surface, speckled with green herbs. Each salmon ball is coated with a light green sauce that has a creamy texture mixed with finely chopped herbs. The balls are placed on a white plate, sitting on a small pool of the same green sauce that spreads around their base. The overall look is fresh and vibrant with visible grill marks and bright green herb bits on both the balls and the sauce. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?

Fresh salmon is best for texture and flavor, but you can use canned salmon in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How do I know when the salmon balls are cooked?

They should be firm to the touch, golden brown on the outside, and cooked through without any raw center. Cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side usually ensures they are done.

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

Delicious and healthy Salmon Balls served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce. These flavorful salmon balls are seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and smoked paprika, then grilled to perfection. Paired with a zesty and creamy avocado cilantro sauce, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or a wholesome main course.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
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

Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into small chunks and place in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped but not pureed, maintaining some texture.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon with parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well blended.
Form the Salmon Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the salmon balls on a plate or tray.
Prepare for Grilling: Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Grill the Salmon Balls: Cook the salmon balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently turn them to avoid breaking.
Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Plate the grilled salmon balls and drizzle or serve with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can bake the salmon balls in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes as an alternative to grilling.
Ensure the salmon is fresh and high quality for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the lime juice and garlic in the sauce according to your taste preferences.
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; it may darken slightly due to the avocado.

Keywords: Salmon balls, Avocado sauce, Healthy appetizer, Gluten-free, Grilled seafood, Creamy cilantro sauce