Description
These salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and bright citrus flavor. Served with a smooth, zesty avocado sauce, they make an easy high-protein meal or appetizer that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound salmon, cooked and flaked (or 2 cans salmon, drained well)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the flaked salmon in a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small, even balls using your hands or a small scoop. Place them on a plate or tray and chill for 10 to 15 minutes if time allows.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon balls and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the salmon balls cook, add the avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the avocado sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a small splash of water or extra lime juice if you want a thinner consistency.
- Serve the salmon balls warm with the creamy avocado sauce on the side or spooned over the top. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Drain canned salmon very well to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- Do not overmix the salmon mixture or the texture may become dense.
- If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
- Chilling the salmon balls before cooking helps them stay firm and hold their shape.
- For a lower-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- The avocado sauce is best served fresh to keep its bright color and creamy texture.
- You can bake or air fry the salmon balls instead of pan-frying for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 salmon balls with 2 tablespoons sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105mg