Salmon Balls Avocado Sauce: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Salmon balls avocado sauce: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine succulent, perfectly seasoned salmon balls, bursting with flavor, nestled in a creamy, vibrant avocado sauce. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of combining salmon with avocado in this specific form are modern, both ingredients boast rich histories. Salmon has been a staple food for coastal communities for centuries, revered for its nutritional value and distinct taste. Avocados, originating in Mesoamerica, were prized by the Aztecs and Mayans, not only for their delicious flavor but also for their health benefits. The fusion of these two ingredients represents a delightful marriage of tradition and innovation.

What makes these salmon balls avocado sauce so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender, flaky salmon contrasts beautifully with the smooth, rich avocado sauce. The dish is incredibly versatile, perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated snack. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients. People adore this dish because it’s healthy, delicious, and convenient – a winning combination in today’s busy world. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this culinary masterpiece!

Ingredients:

• For the Salmon Balls:
• 1 pound skinless, boneless salmon fillet, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
• For the Avocado Sauce:
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water (or more, to adjust consistency)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a little heat
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh dill sprigs
• Lemon wedges
• Red pepper flakes

Preparing the Salmon Balls:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, dill, Dijon mustard, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salmon balls tough. I like to use my hands for this, but a spatula works just as well.
2. Shape the Salmon Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. I usually get around 20-24 salmon balls from this recipe. Place the formed salmon balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
3. Chill the Salmon Balls (Optional but Recommended): Cover the plate or baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salmon balls for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking. While this step is optional, I highly recommend it, especially if you find the mixture a little soft.

Cooking the Salmon Balls:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the salmon balls without overcrowding. If necessary, cook them in batches.
2. Cook the Salmon Balls: Carefully place the salmon balls in the hot skillet, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). I use a meat thermometer to be sure.
3. Remove and Drain: Once cooked, remove the salmon balls from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and not greasy.

Preparing the Avocado Sauce:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, cilantro, garlic, water, salt, and pepper. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I prefer a slightly thinner sauce for dipping.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for extra tang, salt and pepper to taste, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, chill the avocado sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Salmon Balls:

1. Arrange and Serve: Arrange the cooked salmon balls on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the avocado sauce for dipping.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh dill sprigs, lemon wedges, and red pepper flakes, if desired. These add a pop of color and extra flavor.
3. Enjoy! These salmon balls are delicious served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even as part of a larger meal. They pair well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips and Variations:

• Type of Salmon: I prefer using wild-caught salmon for its richer flavor and higher nutritional value, but farmed salmon works just as well. Just make sure it’s fresh and of good quality.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the salmon balls a nice crispy texture, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Parsley, chives, or even a little bit of tarragon would be delicious in these salmon balls.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the avocado sauce to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the salmon balls, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the salmon balls with cooking oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the salmon balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The avocado sauce is best made fresh, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from browning.
• Serving Suggestions: These salmon balls are great on their own as an appetizer, but you can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. They’re also delicious in tacos or lettuce wraps.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 per serving (3-4 salmon balls with avocado sauce)
• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Fat: 12-18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Salmon Balls with Avocado Sauce! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great way to get your omega-3s.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Salmon Balls with Avocado Sauce are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the savory salmon, the subtle spice, and that creamy, dreamy avocado sauce is simply divine. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!

I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. First, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more healthy fats and omega-3s into your diet. Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, and the avocado sauce adds even more goodness. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve these salmon balls as an appetizer at your next gathering, as a light lunch, or even as a protein-packed snack. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a satisfying meal for yourself. Third, and perhaps most importantly, they taste absolutely amazing! The texture is perfect – tender and moist on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside. And that avocado sauce? Oh, that avocado sauce! It’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything.

Looking for some serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! These salmon balls are delicious served warm or cold. For a light lunch, try pairing them with a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables. They also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board. For a more substantial meal, serve them over quinoa or rice with a side of steamed broccoli. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using them as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are a few variations you might enjoy. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or dill. And if you want to make the avocado sauce even creamier, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. You could also add a squeeze of lime juice for a brighter, more citrusy flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Seriously, give these Salmon Balls with Avocado Sauce a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. They are a delightful and healthy treat that will impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family think? I’m all ears! You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations. I truly believe that cooking is a shared experience, and I’m so grateful to be a part of your journey. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I hope you find this salmon balls recipe as enjoyable as I do.

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