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Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas


Description

Hello, food lovers! Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy dinner option or a fun twist on your favorite salmon dishes, this Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce recipe is the perfect choice. These little bites of grilled salmon, packed with fresh herbs and served with a velvety avocado-cilantro drizzle, make for a satisfying and nourishing meal. This dish is as simple to prepare as it is delicious—let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering recipe!


Ingredients

Scale

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 option)
  • 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 a richer texture)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Feel free to substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt for an even creamier texture.


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

Start by finely chopping the salmon fillet or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon, chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Salmon Balls

Once your mixture is ready, take small portions and roll them into balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. You should have about 12-14 balls depending on size.

Step 3: Grill the Salmon Balls

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the salmon balls in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the salmon balls from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

For the creamy avocado sauce, combine the avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice to balance the flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your grilled salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce either drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce on the side. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can also be refrigerated for leftovers.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh salmon fillet. If you can find wild-caught salmon, it’s even better for both taste and health benefits.
  • Customize the Sauce: Feel free to play around with the avocado sauce by adding a bit of jalapeño for a spicy kick or using a touch of honey for sweetness.
  • Grilling Option: While this recipe calls for grilling the salmon balls in a pan, you can also cook them on the barbecue for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the balls with a little oil and grill over medium heat.