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Salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce is my standby for a dish that feels both comforting and fresh. This recipe brings together the flaky richness of baked salmon with the cool tang of an avocado sauce perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The steps are easy enough for a weekday meal but deliver flavors that truly satisfy.
I came up with this dish after wanting something with both classic tastes and a lighter modern twist. Now I always make a double batch for busy weeks my kids request it for their lunchboxes.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Fresh salmon fillets: always choose skinless and bright pink looking fillets for best flavor
- Plain breadcrumbs: helps salmon hold together and gives a crisp bite
- Large egg: binds everything for a firm texture
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped: either herb brightens the flavor
- Lemon juice: brings freshness and softens the richness of the fish
- Ripe avocado: look for one that yields slightly to pressure for the smoothest sauce
- Salt and pepper: essential for highlighting all the flavors
How to Make It
- Prep and Preheat:
- Begin by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit this ensures even gentle cooking for moist salmon balls
- Flake the Salmon:
- Use a fork or clean hands to break the salmon into small bite size flakes in a large mixing bowl
- Build the Mixture:
- Add breadcrumbs egg fresh herbs lemon juice salt and pepper to the salmon use clean hands to gently mix until combined the mixture should be just moist enough to hold together
- Shape into Balls:
- Portion out small balls about one inch in diameter if the mixture feels sticky dampen your hands slightly then arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet so they are not touching
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place your tray in the center of the oven bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until firm and lightly browned underneath this timing keeps them tender inside
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce:
- While the salmon balls bake ripe avocado goes into a blender with Greek yogurt a splash of lemon juice salt and pepper blend until creamy and smooth taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Serve Warm:
- Let the salmon balls rest for five minutes before serving to lock in moisture serve on a plate with a bowl of the avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling
Dill is my go to herb for this recipe because it wakes up the dish and adds a little brightness. I remember the first time I made these for my family the kitchen smelled so inviting everyone kept poking in asking when dinner was ready.
Flavor Boosters
Store any leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The avocado sauce will keep for about two days if pressed tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from browning. You can reheat the salmon balls in the oven for ten minutes at three hundred fifty degrees or enjoy them cold as a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
These salmon balls are delicious tucked into pita bread with greens as a portable sandwich. Make mini versions for appetizers with toothpicks. Sometimes I set out extra herbs or chopped veggies on the side for everyone to create their own bowl.
Creative Twists
If fresh salmon is not available canned wild salmon will work just drain it thoroughly. For a gluten free version swap in finely ground gluten free oats for breadcrumbs. No Greek yogurt Swap in sour cream or even a little cream cheese to thicken up the sauce.
I have made these for neighborhood potlucks and watched the platter vanish in minutes. Even people who thought they did not like salmon have come back for seconds and the avocado sauce is always a conversation starter.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use canned salmon for the balls?
Yes, canned salmon can be used; drain well and remove any skin or bones for best texture and flavor.
- → What herbs pair best with salmon balls?
Fresh dill or parsley work well, but you can also try chives or cilantro for different herbal notes.
- → How do I keep the salmon balls moist?
Mix in the egg and avoid overbaking to maintain a tender, juicy interior in each salmon ball.
- → Is the avocado sauce suitable for make-ahead?
The avocado sauce can be made a few hours in advance; cover tightly and chill to prevent browning.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to enjoy this dish without gluten.