Salmon Cheese Ball

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, savory salmon cheese ball perfect for spreading or rolling into logs, featuring hints of onion, horseradish, and smoky flavors, ideal for parties or appetizers.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 can pink salmon
  • 2 Tbsp. grated onion or onion flakes
  • 1 tsp. horseradish
  • 1/4 tsp. liquid smoke
  • a sprinkle of garlic powder or garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Chill the mixture until firm.
  3. Shape the mixture into a ball or two logs.
  4. Roll the shaped mixture in crushed pecans and dried parsley before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the pink salmon with canned tuna or shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. Adjust the horseradish to taste if you prefer less heat. To add an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or chives, which pair beautifully with seafood recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon cheese ball makes an excellent appetizer when paired with crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or a spread of dips for a delightful party platter. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or a light beer, making it a great addition to any gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salmon cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, allow it to come to room temperature first, then serve chilled again. Avoid freezing as it may change the texture of the cream cheese and salmon mixture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Salmon Cheese Ball contains roughly 77 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

77 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 14.4g 5% DV
Fiber 3.5g 13% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 461.2mg 20% DV
Potassium 259mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 1.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4mcg
Vitamin C 25mg 28% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 60.4mg 5% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Fish

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 make this salmon cheese ball in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salmon cheese ball a day ahead of time. Simply shape it and roll it in the pecans and parsley just before serving to keep the coating fresh and crunchy.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you prefer, you can substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor. You can also skip the nuts entirely if you have nut allergies or want a lighter option.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

To make a low-calorie salmon spread, consider using low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of added ingredients like horseradish. You can also serve it with fresh vegetable sticks instead of crackers to keep it lighter.

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).

American recipes → Seafood recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →