There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels elegant, nourishing, and comforting all at once. These Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are the perfect example of balance done right. Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and paired with a luxuriously smooth avocado sauce, this dish feels restaurant-worthy while remaining approachable for everyday cooking.

Whether you’re preparing a healthy family dinner, an impressive party appetizer, or a protein-packed meal prep option, salmon balls deliver versatility without sacrificing flavor. Rich in omega-3s, naturally gluten-free adaptable, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

INGREDIENTS

For the Salmon Balls

Fresh salmon fillets, skin removed and finely chopped
Eggs
Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
Fresh garlic, minced
Green onions, finely sliced
Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Olive oil (for baking or pan-searing)

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Ripe avocados
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Fresh lemon juice
Garlic clove
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Cold water (to thin as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat if pan-searing.
Finely chop the salmon using a sharp knife until minced but not paste-like.
Transfer salmon to a large mixing bowl.
Add eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, green onions, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Using damp hands, form the mixture into evenly sized balls.
Arrange salmon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly oiled skillet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, or pan-sear until golden on all sides and cooked through.
While the salmon cooks, prepare the sauce by blending avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add cold water gradually until the sauce reaches a creamy, drizzle-able consistency.
Serve salmon balls warm with avocado sauce spooned over or on the side for dipping.

FLAVOR PROFILE & TEXTURE

The salmon balls are delicately flaky with crisp edges, while the avocado sauce adds cooling creaminess and brightness. Lemon and herbs cut through the richness, creating a dish that feels light yet deeply satisfying.

SERVING IDEAS

Serve over mixed greens for a light lunch
Pair with roasted vegetables for dinner
Add to pita bread or wraps
Offer as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks
Use in meal prep bowls with quinoa or rice

STORAGE & MEAL PREP

Refrigerate cooked salmon balls for up to 3 days
Freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months
Sauce is best fresh but keeps 24 hours refrigerated with plastic wrap touching surface

NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS

High in omega-3 fatty acids
Excellent lean protein source
Naturally low-carb adaptable
Heart-healthy fats from avocado and olive oil

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Crispy, tender salmon balls paired with a smooth and refreshing avocado sauce, perfect as an appetizer or healthy main dish.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Salmon Balls

1 lb fresh salmon skin removed, finely chopped
1 egg
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp green onions chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
1 tsp lemon zest

Avocado Sauce

2 ripe avocados
0.5 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet or skillet
Food processor or blender

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix chopped salmon with remaining ingredients until just combined.
Form into balls and place on baking sheet.
Bake 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
Blend avocado sauce ingredients until smooth.
Serve salmon balls warm with sauce.

Notes

Pan-sear for extra crispiness or bake for a lighter option.