Herbed Salmon Ball
A flavorful herbed salmon ball combines tender salmon, cream cheese, herbs, and walnuts, making a perfect appetizer or spread for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the salmon and remove skin if desired.
- Mash the bones of the salmon.
- Combine cream cheese, garlic, cottage cheese, minced onion, fines herbes, and thyme until well blended.
- Stir in the salmon to blend.
- Chill the mixture for 3 hours.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the ball in chopped parsley and crumbled walnuts.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the small curd cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of garlic. To enhance the herby flavor, consider adding fresh dill or chives, which work well in seafood recipes. If you want a bit of a kick, try mixing in some finely chopped jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This Herbed Salmon Ball pairs beautifully with a selection of crackers, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. It can also be served with fresh vegetable sticks for a healthier option. Consider adding a side of tangy dipping sauce or a light salad to complement the flavors. For a more substantial spread, include other seafood recipes like Weight Watchers Shrimp Spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid letting the salmon ball sit out at room temperature for extended periods. If you want to reheat it, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, but it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Salmon Ball contains roughly 727 calories, with 19g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon, but make sure to cook and cool it properly before mixing it into the recipe. You will need about 1 pound of cooked salmon. Just be cautious of bones and skin, ensuring everything is well-flaked before combining with other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and cottage cheese with non-dairy alternatives like cashew cream or tofu blended until smooth. There are also vegan cream cheese options available in stores that work well. Adjust seasoning to taste, as non-dairy substitutes may vary in flavor.
Can I freeze this salmon ball?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salmon ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it in parsley and walnuts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).