Salmon Meatballs with Green Herb Sauce

These tender, flavorful salmon meatballs are made with fresh salmon, herbs, garlic, and simple seasonings, then served with a fresh green herb sauce. They are high in protein, naturally low in carbohydrates, and make a delicious lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Meatballs:
500 g fresh salmon fillets, skin and bones removed
1 large egg
1/3 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp finely chopped green onion
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

For the Green Herb Sauce:
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh dill
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 small garlic clove
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
2–3 tbsp water, as needed
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Cut them into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse several times until the salmon is finely chopped but not completely smooth.
Make the Meatball Mixture:
Transfer the chopped salmon to a large bowl. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, garlic, green onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Shape the Meatballs:
Using slightly wet hands, scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into small meatballs. You should get approximately 18–20 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon meatballs in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, gently turning them until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Make the Green Herb Sauce:
Add parsley, dill, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Serve:
Arrange the warm salmon meatballs on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the green herb sauce. Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, and a little lemon zest.

Nutrition Information:
Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings:
Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 23 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Total Recipe:
Calories: approximately 1,560 kcal
Protein: approximately 136 g
Carbohydrates: approximately 48 g
Fat: approximately 92 g
Fiber: approximately 4 g

Q/S (Quantity & Serving):
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 18–20 salmon meatballs

Useful Tips:
Use fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor. Do not over-process the salmon, or the meatballs can become too soft. If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra breadcrumbs. For a lower-carb version, replace the breadcrumbs with finely ground pork rinds. The meatballs can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through.

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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.