Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are an explosion of flavor and texture, where flaky salmon meets the cool, rich embrace of avocado. Imagine sinking your teeth into these savory morsels, a dance of delicate fish and vibrant, creamy sauce.
These delightful Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are the perfect centerpiece for a light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or even a fun, healthy snack. This recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.
- Effortlessly prepared with simple ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
- A delightful blend of savory salmon and rich, tangy avocado.
- Their vibrant green sauce creates an eye-catching plate presentation.
- Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, offering numerous serving options.
Ingredients for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, flake the salmon fillets with a fork. Add panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salmon balls tough.
Step 2: Form the Salmon Balls
Take about a tablespoon of the salmon mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place the salmon balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon Balls
Drizzle the salmon balls with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce
While the salmon balls are baking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine ripe avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon balls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Arrange the salmon balls on a platter and drizzle generously with the creamy avocado sauce. Garnish with extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added freshness and visual appeal.
Serve immediately as an appetizer or a light meal. These Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce pair perfectly with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To ace these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce, prep all your ingredients first! Mix the salmon balls while the oven preheats. Whip up the avocado sauce as the salmon balls bake, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative with your salmon balls! Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour for a gluten-free option. Add a dash of chili flakes for a little heat, or mix in some chopped dill for a fresh, herbaceous twist. Let your taste buds be your guide.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through. The avocado sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored separately for a short period.
Here are some tips for making the best baked salmon balls:
- Ensure the salmon is patted dry before mixing to prevent the balls from becoming too moist and falling apart during baking.
- Avoid overmixing the salmon mixture; gentle handling keeps the salmon balls tender and prevents a tough texture.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a small amount of smoked paprika to the salmon mixture; it complements the salmon beautifully.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)
My friend Sarah, who claims to hate fish, devoured these at a potluck! She even asked for the recipe. I call that a win! It’s now her favorite dish to make!
Conclusion for Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
These baked salmon balls offer a healthy and delicious way to enjoy seafood. The creamy avocado sauce adds a luscious touch, making them irresistible. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking, experimenting with different herbs and spices. Remember that fresh ingredients enhance the taste. Serve these tasty treats as an appetizer, a light meal, or a snack. They’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy creating and savoring this fantastic dish that brings simplicity and flavor together in every bite.
Print
Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Delicious salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce: baked salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet, skinless and boneless: 1 pound
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh dill, chopped: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Avocado: 1 ripe
- Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, flake the salmon with a fork. Add the panko breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, dill, and lemon juice to the bowl with the salmon. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Step 3: Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the salmon balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon balls are cooked through and lightly golden brown.
- Step 5: While the salmon balls are baking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Step 6: Serve the baked salmon balls with the creamy avocado sauce.
Notes
- Store leftover salmon balls and avocado sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the salmon balls in a low oven or air fryer to prevent them from drying out, and add fresh avocado sauce just before serving.
- Serve these salmon balls as a fun appetizer, atop a salad, or alongside quinoa for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan before mixing them into the salmon mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce?
Absolutely! Using frozen salmon is a great way to make this recipe accessible any time of year. Just ensure your salmon is fully thawed before you start. I usually let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water for about an hour, changing the water every 20 minutes. Pat the thawed salmon dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe. This will remove excess moisture, ensuring your salmon balls hold their shape perfectly and bake up beautifully.
What can I serve with these Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce?
The possibilities are endless! These little bites are incredibly versatile. I love serving them over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a complete and balanced meal. They’re also fantastic with a simple side salad for a light lunch. For a party appetizer, try arranging them on a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces like a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy lemon aioli, in addition to the avocado cream. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also pair wonderfully. Get creative and experiment with your favorite sides!
How long do these salmon balls last in the fridge?
These salmon balls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be mindful that they may become slightly less crispy. The creamy avocado sauce is best made fresh, but can be kept up to 24 hours in the fridge but might change its color.
Can I bake these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce ahead of time?
You certainly can! Preparing the salmon balls ahead of time is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining or meal prepping. Simply prepare the salmon balls as instructed, then bake them until they’re just cooked through. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. The avocado sauce is best made fresh just before serving to prevent browning.
Leave a Comment