Salmon Balls With Creamy Avocado Sauce (Print Version)

Tender salmon balls with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce for a perfect appetizer or light meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salmon Balls

01 - 1.1 lbs fresh salmon fillet, skinless, finely chopped
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1 egg, lightly beaten
07 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
08 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tsp lemon zest
10 - ½ tsp salt
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil for pan-frying

→ Creamy Avocado Sauce

13 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
14 - ½ cup Greek yogurt
15 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
17 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
18 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
19 - ¼ tsp salt
20 - ⅛ tsp black pepper

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large bowl, combine chopped salmon, onion, garlic, dill, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork the mixture.
02 - With damp hands, shape the mixture into small balls using about 1 heaping tablespoon per ball. Place on a tray and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the salmon balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes total. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil.
04 - Blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro or parsley, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
05 - Serve the salmon balls warm, drizzled with the creamy avocado sauce or arranged on a platter with the sauce on the side for dipping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of tender salmon and creamy avocado sauce is honestly addictive
  • These look impressive but are surprisingly forgiving to make
  • You get all those healthy omega-3s without feeling like you are eating health food
02 -
  • Do not skip chilling the mixture for 15 minutes if the salmon feels too soft to shape
  • The sauce will oxidize slightly over time but a squeeze of extra lemon helps keep it vibrant
03 -
  • Keep a bowl of water nearby to dip your hands while shaping the balls
  • Let the fried salmon balls rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to stay crispy

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