Smoked Salmon Ball
A delightful smoked salmon ball combines creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors with crunchy pecans and fresh parsley, making it perfect for appetizers or parties. Its rich texture and vibrant taste appeal to seafood lovers and those seeking an elegant, easy-to-prepare dish that pairs well with crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer set at medium-high speed until smooth.
- Add dried minced onion, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, horseradish, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and salt; mix well.
- Flake the drained salmon and stir into the cream cheese mixture.
- Shape the salmon mixture into one large ball or two smaller balls.
- Combine the remaining chopped parsley and chopped pecans in a small bowl.
- Coat the salmon ball with the pecan mixture.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- Serve with wheat crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smoother texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or swapping the horseradish for a spicy mustard. For a nut-free option, you can skip the pecans or use crushed crackers instead. This dish also works well as a spread for sandwiches or a dip alongside wheat crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This smoked salmon ball pairs beautifully with wheat crackers, but you can also serve it with fresh vegetable sticks, pita chips, or as part of a charcuterie board. For a festive touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley or lemon wedges. It makes a great appetizer for gatherings, complementing other seafood recipes like Scallop Bisque or Aunt Annie'S Shrimp Mold.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salmon ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the salmon ball for up to a month; just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. To refresh its flavor, you might consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs upon serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Salmon Ball contains roughly 161 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1114mg per serving (48% 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?
Yes, you can use cooked and flaked fresh salmon instead of canned. Just make sure to season it well, as canned salmon is already seasoned. This will give your smoked salmon ball a fresher taste and is a great option if you have leftover salmon from another meal.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan smoked salmon product. You can also create a similar flavor profile by adding smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke to a blended cashew cream. Adjust seasonings to taste for best results.
What can I serve alongside the salmon ball?
The smoked salmon ball is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, or even mini toast points. It also goes well with dips like tzatziki or a light yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.
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).