Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option? These Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are the perfect choice! Packed with flavor, easy to make, and versatile for any occasion, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh salmon, herbs, and spices creates a burst of delicious flavors in every bite.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these salmon balls ahead of time for a convenient and nutritious meal option throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Salmon Balls:
- Fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
- Fresh parsley and cilantro, finely chopped
- Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- Large egg
- Garlic, minced
- Smoked paprika
- Lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for grilling)
For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce:
- Ripe avocado
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer texture)
- Lime juice
- Clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the salmon, herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls and grill in olive oil until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, blend avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the creamy sauce.
- Serve the salmon balls with the creamy avocado sauce on the side.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the avocado sauce.
- To make the salmon balls ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best taste and texture.
- Don’t overmix the salmon mixture to prevent it from becoming too dense.
- Adjust the seasonings in the avocado sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa for a balanced meal. A glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon balls in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. The avocado sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh? Yes, canned salmon can be used as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Can I freeze the salmon balls? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked salmon balls for up to 3 months.
- Is the avocado sauce spicy? The sauce has a mild flavor, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Can I grill the salmon balls on a stovetop grill pan? Yes, a grill pan works just as well for cooking the salmon balls.
Conclusion:
Try out these Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce for a flavorful and healthy dinner option that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones!
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Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Healthy Dinner Ideas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood, Healthy Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These salmon balls are packed with fresh herbs and spices, served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a flavorful and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
– 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
– 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)
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the Salmon Mixture:
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In a food processor, pulse the fresh salmon fillet until it is finely chopped and has a mince-like texture. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop it by hand into small pieces.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon with fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free), egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
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Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix.
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Form the Salmon Balls:
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Once the mixture is well-mixed, shape it into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, pressing gently to hold them together.
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You should have about 12-16 salmon balls, depending on size.
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Cook the Salmon Balls:
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon balls in the skillet.
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Cook the salmon balls for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently to ensure they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature of the salmon balls should reach 145°F (63°C) to be fully cooked.
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Prepare the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce:
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While the salmon balls are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or extra lime juice to thin it out.
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Serve:
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Once the salmon balls are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate.
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Serve the salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce on the side or drizzle the sauce over the top.
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Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
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Notes
– To add a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture.
– For a different flavor profile, substitute the smoked paprika with chili powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 salmon balls with sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg