Party Salmon Ball
This Party Salmon Ball is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. With the richness of cream cheese and the crunch of pecans, it's an impressive dish that pairs well with crackers, appealing to seafood lovers and party-goers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. canned Double Q pink salmon, drained and skin and bone discarded
- 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 tsp. grated onion
- 3 tsp. prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- several dashes of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. bottled liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Flake the salmon and reserve.
- In a small bowl, combine well all the ingredients except for the salmon, pecans, and parsley.
- Stir in the flaked salmon and chill for about 30 minutes.
- Roll the salmon mixture into 1 large ball or 2 small balls.
- Roll the ball or balls in a mixture of chopped pecans and parsley.
- Wrap in waxed paper and chill until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked salmon instead of canned salmon. You can also adjust the level of horseradish to suit your taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend the cream cheese with a bit of sour cream. For a twist, try adding chopped capers or dill. Always taste the mixture before chilling to ensure the seasoning is just right.
Serving Suggestions
This Party Salmon Ball is best served with an assortment of crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping. You can pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a light cream cheese dip. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional parsley or lemon wedges. It pairs beautifully with Corn Bread Salad for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salmon ball tightly wrapped in waxed paper, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, as it's best enjoyed chilled. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Salmon Ball contains roughly 29 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
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 salmon?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon! Just cook it first, flake it, and ensure it’s fully cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will give your salmon ball a fresher taste and a different texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the crackers you serve with the salmon ball are gluten-free. Additionally, check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. The salmon ball itself is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this salmon ball in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salmon ball a day in advance. Just follow the instructions up until the chilling step, then wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
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).