Crispy on the outside and tender within, these baked Salmon Balls are a modern, refined take on seafood starters. Paired with a velvety avocado Greek yogurt sauce, each bite is clean, flavorful, and beautifully composed. Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a light main course, this dish offers a perfect balance of richness and simplicity—with no clutter, just crisp texture and smooth contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Clean and modern – no frying, no heavy breading—just crisp, golden edges and clean flavors.
High in protein – both the salmon and the Greek yogurt provide sustained nourishment.
Naturally elegant – ideal for minimalist plating and white dish presentation.
Baked, not fried – a healthier take on classic fish balls with no oil splatter or grease.
Velvety sauce pairing – the avocado yogurt dip adds richness without heaviness.
Fresh, herbaceous flavor – lemon and herbs brighten the overall profile.
Customizable portioning – serve as a canapé, a plated appetizer, or with sides as a main.
No artificial ingredients – made from whole, fresh foods.
Easy to make ahead – both the salmon balls and sauce hold well for meal prep or events.
Refined seafood option – suitable for dinner parties or light gourmet meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon Balls:

fresh skinless salmon fillets
plain breadcrumbs
large egg
fresh dill or parsley
lemon juice
garlic powder
salt
black pepper

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

ripe avocado
plain Greek yogurt
lemon juice
salt
black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, flake the salmon with a fork until finely broken down.
Add breadcrumbs, egg, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined and cohesive.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using clean hands. Place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. The exterior should be crisp and lightly browned.
While the salmon balls bake, prepare the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve the salmon balls warm, either drizzled with the sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Keep plating minimal and balanced.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 salmon balls
Calories per serving: 120 kcal

Variations

Herb swap: Use chives, basil, or tarragon in place of dill or parsley.
Add heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or a few chili flakes into the salmon mix or sauce.
Smoked option: Use hot smoked salmon for deeper flavor and a slightly firmer texture.
Lighter sauce: Replace half the avocado with extra yogurt for a tangier dip.
No breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or crushed oats for a gluten-free option.
Mini sliders: Flatten the balls into patties and serve on small buns with greens.
Lemon zest: Add zest to the sauce or salmon mixture for extra brightness.
Asian fusion: Replace dill with scallions and add a dash of sesame oil to the sauce.
Dairy-free sauce: Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Party style: Skewer each salmon ball with a toothpick and serve with dipping cups.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooled salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately.
Reheating: Reheat salmon balls in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked salmon balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag once firm. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time.
Sauce storage: Keep avocado yogurt sauce in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning. Consume within 2 days.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, though the texture will be softer and the flavor slightly different. Drain well and remove any bones or skin.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, almond flour, or oats as an alternative binder.

How do I keep the salmon balls from drying out?

Avoid overbaking. Check at the 20-minute mark to ensure they remain moist inside.

Is the avocado sauce supposed to be cold?

Yes, serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture and contrast with the warm salmon.

Can I pan-fry these instead?

Yes, though baking keeps the texture even and the process cleaner. If pan-frying, use light oil and cook over medium heat.

Is this dish suitable for children?

Yes, it’s mild in flavor and can be made without salt or herbs for very young palates.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Absolutely. Bake the salmon balls and prepare the sauce the day before. Reheat and assemble just before serving.

Do I need to remove bones from fresh salmon?

Yes, ensure the salmon is fully boneless and skinless before flaking.

What sides pair well with this?

Serve with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or lemon couscous for a light meal.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, they also taste great chilled or at room temperature, especially for picnics or lunchboxes.

Conclusion

Crispy Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Yogurt Sauce are a true showcase of minimalist seafood done right—elegant, satisfying, and clean in both preparation and presentation. Whether served as a sophisticated starter or a modern light entrée, they offer bold flavor with no unnecessary garnish. With their crisp exterior, fresh herbaceous notes, and silky avocado finish, these salmon balls elevate any menu with refined simplicity.

Crispy Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Yogurt Sauce

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Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these baked salmon balls pair perfectly with a smooth avocado Greek yogurt sauce. A light, elegant dish ideal for appetizers or minimalist main courses.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 salmon balls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, flake the salmon into small pieces using a fork.
Add breadcrumbs, egg, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until a uniform mixture forms.
Using clean hands, form mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the salmon balls are golden brown and cooked through.
While the salmon balls are baking, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve the salmon balls warm, drizzled with the avocado sauce or with sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use very fresh salmon for best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the salmon to maintain a flaky texture inside the balls.
Chill mixture briefly before forming balls if too soft to shape easily.
Greek yogurt adds tang and richness to the sauce without excess fat.
Serve as an appetizer or light main with a crisp salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon ball with sauce
Calories: 120
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg