Dinner

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

Introduction

Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce make a delicious and nutritious appetizer or light meal. These flavorful, tender bites pair perfectly with a smooth avocado dip that adds a refreshing twist. Easy to prepare and versatile for baking or stovetop cooking, they’re sure to impress.

The image shows six round, golden-brown patties with a crispy texture on the outside, each topped with a dollop of pale green creamy sauce and small pieces of chopped green onions. The patties are placed in a white bowl on a smooth, bright green creamy sauce layer that covers the bottom, with a few fresh cilantro leaves as garnish on top and around the patties. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, adding light reflections that highlight the crispiness and fresh green colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Water (to thin the sauce, if necessary)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking the salmon balls. Alternatively, prepare for stovetop cooking by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Dice the salmon into small pieces or pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Avoid pureeing to maintain texture.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, garlic, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls using clean hands. For baking, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: If cooking on the stovetop, heat olive oil in the skillet and cook the salmon balls for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: If baking, bake the salmon balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until firm and fully cooked.
Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the creamy avocado sauce by blending the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth.
Step 8: Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Add water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 9: Remove salmon balls from heat once cooked and let cool slightly.
Step 10: Serve the warm salmon balls with the creamy avocado sauce for dipping and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture in the salmon balls.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture.
Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream in the sauce for a tangier taste.
Try cooking the salmon balls on a grill pan for a smoky finish.

Storage

Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture. Keep the avocado sauce separate and consume within 1 day, as avocado may brown over time. Stir the sauce before serving if it thickens.