Salmon Balls with Luscious Avocado Cream Sauce

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that will impress at dinner or meal prep for the week? These Salmon Balls with creamy avocado sauce are your new go-to. They’re high in protein, low in carbs, and absolutely bursting with fresh flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, in a grain bowl, or as the star of your lunchbox, these little bites bring bold taste and satisfying texture to every plate.

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Balls

These aren’t your average fish cakes. These Salmon Balls are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and paired with a silky avocado sauce that adds a cool, zesty finish. Here’s why they stand out:

  • ✅ Packed with omega-3-rich wild salmon
  • ✅ Naturally gluten-free (thanks to almond flour)
  • ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
  • ✅ Perfect for meal prep, parties, or light dinners

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon Balls:

  • Two 5-ounce cans of wild-caught salmon, well-drained and gently broken apart
  • ⅓ cup almond flour (plus more if needed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or cilantro)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Water, as needed (to thin the sauce)

How to Make Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Baked salmon balls with herbs and breadcrumbs, ready to serve.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

Mix together the salmon, almond flour, eggs, fresh herbs, chopped green onion, minced garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.

If the mixture seems overly moist, stir in a little extra almond flour to help it bind.

Step 2: Shape the Salmon Balls

Scoop small amounts of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized 1-inch rounds. Arrange the salmon balls on a lined baking tray, making sure there’s space between each one.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them midway to ensure a golden, even cook on all sides. They should be firm, lightly crisp on the outside, and tender in the center.

Step 4: Blend the Creamy Avocado Sauce

As the salmon balls bake, blend together avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth.

If the sauce turns out too thick, thin it with a small splash of water until creamy.

Serving Ideas for Your Salmon Balls

These Salmon Balls are super versatile and can be enjoyed in lots of delicious ways:

  • Grain Bowl: Serve them over a hearty grain bowl filled with quinoa and your favorite vegetables.
  • Appetizer Platter: Plate them with toothpicks and a side of the creamy avocado sauce for dipping.
  • Wraps & Pitas: Tuck a few salmon balls into a warm pita with greens and drizzle with sauce.
  • Low-Carb Lunch: Pair with a fresh green salad and sliced cucumbers for a light and satisfying meal.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover salmon balls in a sealed container and enjoy within three days. The avocado sauce should be kept in a separate airtight container and consumed within 2 days for best freshness.

Tips for the Best Salmon Balls

  • Use quality salmon: Wild-caught canned salmon has a cleaner flavor and better texture.
  • Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh herbs brighten the flavor and complement the richness of the salmon.
  • Flip halfway: Turning the salmon balls during baking helps them brown evenly on all sides.
  • Customize your sauce: Add a little jalapeño or cilantro for a spicy twist!

Final Thoughts

These Salmon Balls with creamy avocado sauce are a perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and crave-worthy taste. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping, or just looking for a fresh take on fish, this recipe delivers. Light, filling, and ultra-flavorful—what more could you want?

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Salmon Balls with Luscious Avocado Cream Sauce

These Crispy Salmon Balls are savory, bite-sized snacks made with flaky salmon, herbs, and breadcrumbs—perfect as a party appetizer, protein-packed snack, or quick dinner side. Baked or pan-fried to golden perfection, they deliver flavor and crunch in every bite.

  • Author: Mirayam
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon Balls:

2 cans (5 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 large egg

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp lemon zest

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor

For Coating (Optional for Extra Crunch):

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tbsp olive oil (if pan-frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture:

In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until evenly incorporated.

Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 18–20 balls). If desired, roll each ball in extra panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Cooking Methods:

To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

To Pan-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry salmon balls in batches, turning occasionally, for 6–8 minutes or until crispy and heated through.

Serve:
Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dip—like lemon aioli, tartar sauce, or sriracha mayo.

Notes

Fresh Salmon Option: Substitute canned salmon with 1 1/2 cups of cooked, flaked fresh salmon.

Make-Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the uncooked balls up to 24 hours in advance.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.

Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Kid-Friendly: Skip red onion or use a milder shallot.

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the mix.

Keywords: Salmon Balls

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