Name: Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) cooked salmon (flaked, skinless & boneless); ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt; 2 green onions (thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan frying); 1 ripe avocado (pitted & peeled); 3 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (for sauce); 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for sauce); 1 small garlic clove (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for sauce); Salt & pepper to taste (for sauce)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's as wholesome as it is irresistible, look no further than these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce. Juicy, flavorful salmon balls pair perfectly with a lush, zesty avocado dip—making them a hit at parties, weeknight dinners, or even as a savory snack. Ready for a bite-sized flavor explosion everyone will love? Let’s get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

Packed with Protein: salmon delivers a nutritious boost in every bite.
Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
Luscious Avocado Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping.
Versatile: Ideal for parties, meal prep, or a satisfying snack.
Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and fun bite-sized shape make these a family favorite.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) cooked salmon (flaked, skinless & boneless)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
2 green onions (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan frying)
1 ripe avocado (pitted & peeled)
3 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (for sauce)
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
1 small garlic clove (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for sauce)
Salt & pepper to taste (for sauce)

Directions

Make the Salmon Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine flaked salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt, green onions, fresh dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated. Don’t overmix—just enough to bind.
Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into 12 even balls.

Cook the Salmon Balls

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add salmon balls (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning often until golden brown on all sides.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let rest for 2 minutes while you make the sauce.

Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, 3 tablespoon Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, minced garlic, and cilantro or parsley.
Blend until very smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve salmon balls warm or at room temperature with creamy avocado sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use leftover or canned salmon for a quick shortcut—just be sure to drain well.
These salmon balls can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes as a lighter option.
Chill the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.

Variations

Spicy Sriracha: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
Asian-Inspired: Swap dill for cilantro and add 1 teaspoon soy sauce to the salmon mixture.
Low-Carb: Replace panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Nonstick skillet
Food processor or blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Paper towels

Storage Instructions

Store cooked salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado sauce keeps best for 1-2 days, pressed with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning. Reheat salmon balls in the microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve as an appetizer with pita chips, veggie sticks, or crackers.
Add to a fresh salad bowl for a protein-packed lunch.
Enjoy tucked inside mini slider buns with extra sauce for party sandwiches!

Pro Tips

Chilling the shaped balls for 10-15 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape beautifully.
Use just enough oil to coat the pan—you want crispy edges, not soggy bottoms.
Taste the salmon mixture before shaping balls to adjust seasoning if needed.

FAQ

Can I use canned salmon?: Absolutely! Drain it well and remove any skin or bones before using.
Can I freeze salmon balls?: Yes, freeze cooked balls in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have a food processor?: You can mash the avocado sauce ingredients together with a fork until smooth! It may be a bit chunkier but still delicious.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes
Makes: 12 salmon balls (about 4 servings)