Salmon balls are one of those delightful bites that make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen—even if it’s your first time handling fresh fish. Tender, flaky salmon gets a light coating of panko breadcrumbs for a satisfyingly crispy exterior, and the blend of Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and green onions brings in a bright, herby punch that dances on your taste buds. Each ball is kissed with lemon juice and seasoned just right with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that’s never overpowering. As you fry them to a golden brown, the kitchen fills with hints of citrus and herb—inviting family and friends to gather around, napkins at the ready, for that first luscious bite.
Beyond being irresistibly tasty, these salmon balls are wonderfully versatile. You can whip them up as an elegant starter for a dinner party, tuck them into wraps for a quick lunch, or simply enjoy them straight off the skillet as a satisfying snack. And let’s talk about that creamy avocado sauce—smooth Greek yogurt and ripe avocado blend into a velvety, tang-forward dip that complements the warm, savory salmon bites perfectly. It’s like two best friends meeting on a plate: one brings all the zest and crunch, the other brings soothing richness. After just about 20 minutes of prep and another 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have an impressive dish ready to wow everyone at your table.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SALMON BALLS WITH CREAMY AVOCADO SAUCE
Before we get cooking, let’s break down the star players in this recipe. Each ingredient has its own job, working together to create those succulent salmon balls and the dreamy avocado dipping sauce that takes them over the top.
- Fresh Salmon
Provides rich, omega-3–packed protein with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. Always choose skinless, boneless fillets for ease of chopping and a uniform texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs
Light and airy, these Japanese-style crumbs give the salmon balls a crispy exterior without weighing them down. They also help bind the mixture for easy shaping.
- Green Onions
Add a mild oniony zing and a pop of color. Their subtle sharpness balances the richness of the salmon.
- Fresh Dill
Brings a bright, herby lift that pairs naturally with seafood. Dill’s citrusy notes elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Dijon Mustard
Offers tangy depth and a gentle kick, helping to emulsify the mixture so your salmon balls hold together beautifully.
- Lemon Juice
Injects a burst of citrus brightness, cutting through the richness and highlighting the delicate salmon taste.
- Egg
Acts as a binder, ensuring the salmon balls maintain their shape during cooking.
- Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and herbs.
- Olive Oil
A neutral-flavored oil perfect for pan-frying, giving the balls a golden, crisp crust.
- Avocado
Creates a luxuriously smooth base for the dip, contributing healthy fats and a mellow, buttery flavor.
- Greek Yogurt
Adds tangy creaminess and a protein boost, making the sauce irresistibly lush.
- Lime Juice
Gives the avocado sauce a zesty lift, balancing the richness with bright acidity.
- Garlic
Provides savory depth and a subtle bite that complements the creaminess of the avocado.
- Salt and Pepper
Season the avocado sauce to bring all the flavors into bright focus.
HOW TO MAKE SALMON BALLS WITH CREAMY AVOCADO SAUCE
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for crafting these golden salmon balls and their companion sauce. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure perfect texture and maximum flavor.
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, chopped dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, egg, salt, and pepper. Use a gentle folding motion with your hands or a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the fish.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1–2 inches in diameter. Press each ball gently between your palms to compact them just enough so they hold together during cooking.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the salmon balls in a single layer, leaving a little space between each. Pan-fry for 4–5 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs until they’re golden brown all around and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
4. To prepare the creamy avocado sauce, blend together the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Process until the sauce is ultra-smooth and silky, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Serve the salmon balls warm, either drizzled with the creamy avocado sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra dill or a wedge of lime, if you like, and get ready to enjoy every vibrant bite.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SALMON BALLS WITH CREAMY AVOCADO SAUCE
Now that your salmon balls and avocado sauce are ready, let’s explore some fun ways to present this dish so it dazzles your guests.
- Serve them on a charcuterie-style platter, nestled among lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, and edible flowers. The vibrant green avocado sauce can be placed in a small bowl in the center for easy dipping.
- Turn these into mini fish tacos by warming small corn tortillas, adding shredded cabbage or slaw, placing a couple of salmon balls, then drizzling generously with avocado sauce. Top with cilantro and a squeeze of extra lime.
- Create a salad bowl by layering mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Add a few salmon balls on top and spoon the creamy avocado sauce around as a dressing substitute for a healthy, balanced meal.
- Build a bento-style lunch box by arranging salmon balls alongside sliced veggies, rice, and pickled ginger. Pack the avocado sauce separately in a small container so it stays fresh until lunchtime.
HOW TO STORE SALMON BALLS WITH CREAMY AVOCADO SAUCE
If you happen to have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), follow these storage tips to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
- Refrigerate: Place cooled salmon balls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Line the bottom with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep them crisp.
- Freeze: For longer storage, arrange the salmon balls on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, label with the date, and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Sauce Storage: Store the avocado sauce in a small airtight jar with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly on its surface to prevent oxidation. Keep refrigerated and use within 2 days for the best color and flavor.
- Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed salmon balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their crisp exterior.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—an entire guide to making irresistibly tender salmon balls with a tangy, creamy avocado sauce that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. We’ve covered everything from key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to clever serving ideas and foolproof storage tips. This dish strikes the perfect balance of crispy and creamy, fresh and rich, making it a versatile option for appetizers, lunches, or even a light dinner. Feel free to print this article or save it for later, so you’ll always have the detailed recipe and helpful notes at your fingertips. And don’t forget, there’s an FAQ section below to address any lingering questions you might have about substitutions, variations, or troubleshooting.
I’d love to hear how your salmon balls turn out! If you have any comments, questions, or feedback—whether you tried marinating the salmon, added a spicy jalapeño twist, or baked them instead of frying—drop a note below. Your experiences and tips are what make cooking such a fun, shared adventure. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious bites in your kitchen!
Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Description
These tender salmon balls are packed with fresh dill and green onions, pan-fried to golden perfection, then paired with a tangy, creamy avocado sauce for a bright, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter, pressing gently to ensure they hold together.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon balls and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and drain on a paper towel.
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To prepare the creamy avocado sauce, blend together the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
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Serve the salmon balls warm, drizzled with creamy avocado sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Note
- To enhance flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice and dill for 30 minutes before mixing.
- These salmon balls can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapenos to the mix.
- Leftover salmon balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The avocado sauce can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
