Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas
A fresh and wholesome salmon dinner made with tender salmon balls and a creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Perfect for quick healthy meals, easy weeknight dinners, and clean eating recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 salmon balls
- Category: Dinner, Healthy Recipes
- Method: Grilling / Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Salmon Balls
1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for richer texture)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Finely chop the salmon or pulse in a food processor until coarsely minced. Add to a bowl with parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Step 2: Shape the Salmon Balls
Roll the mixture into balls about 2 inches wide. You should get 12–14 balls.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon Balls
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook salmon balls for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Sauce
Blend avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve salmon balls warm with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh or wild-caught salmon gives the best flavor and texture.
Customize the Sauce: Add jalapeño for heat or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
Grilling Option: These salmon balls can also be grilled on an outdoor BBQ for extra smoky flavor.
