Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
These delightful baked salmon balls combine the luscious taste of fresh salmon with a creamy avocado sauce that's simply irresistible. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked for a healthier twist, they make an ideal appetizer or light meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. Serve up this crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering and watch them disappear!
Discover the magic of baked salmon balls paired with a creamy avocado sauce. This dish is not just a recipe; it's a journey into flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is renowned for its numerous health benefits. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. These healthy fats help to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of salmon can promote cardiovascular health and overall wellness, making it an excellent choice for those looking to eat healthily.
In addition to being heart-healthy, salmon is an excellent source of protein. Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, making it particularly beneficial for those who lead active lifestyles. Including salmon as part of a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight while providing the energy you need to power through your day.
Versatility of the Dish
One of the best aspects of baked salmon balls is their versatility. They can be served as a delightful appetizer or even as a main course alongside a salad or grain dish. The creamy avocado sauce adds a luscious texture and complements the savory flavors of the salmon balls, creating a delightful culinary experience that appeals to a wide range of palates.
You can also customize the baked salmon balls by adding your favorite herbs and spices or incorporating additional vegetables into the mixture. This adaptability allows you to cater to different dietary preferences and make this dish even more exciting, transforming it into a regular fixture in your meal rotation.
Perfect for Gatherings
Baked salmon balls are an excellent choice for gatherings, parties, or family meals. They are easy to prepare in larger batches, allowing you to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. Just pop them in the oven and you can focus on other aspects of your event, making entertaining simpler and more enjoyable.
These salmon balls are also perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easy to have a healthy and delicious option ready to go for lunches or quick dinners, ensuring you always have a nutritious meal on hand.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious baked salmon balls:
Ingredients for Salmon Balls
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create a delicious meal!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your baked salmon balls and creamy avocado sauce:
Prepare the Salmon Balls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, egg, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Salmon Balls
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Avocado Sauce
While the salmon balls are baking, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the salmon balls are done baking, serve them warm with the creamy avocado sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Now that you have your steps ready, it's time to cook!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these baked salmon balls with fresh veggies or a zesty salad for a complete meal. Consider serving them with a side of brown rice or quinoa to add extra fiber and nutrients. The creamy avocado sauce also makes for a great dip for crisp vegetables, turning this dish into a fantastic snack or appetizer for gatherings.
For those looking to add a bit of spice, consider garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a flavorful kick. The combination of flavors will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftover salmon balls, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to reheat them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor, ensuring you enjoy a delicious meal even after cooking ahead.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, make sure to thaw it completely and drain excess water before using.
→ What can I serve with these salmon balls?
They pair well with a fresh salad or as a filling for a sandwich.
Baked Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
These delightful baked salmon balls combine the luscious taste of fresh salmon with a creamy avocado sauce that's simply irresistible. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked for a healthier twist, they make an ideal appetizer or light meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. Serve up this crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering and watch them disappear!
Created by: Hayley Morton
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Salmon Balls
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, egg, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the salmon balls are baking, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Once the salmon balls are done baking, serve them warm with the creamy avocado sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g