Smoked Salmon Party Balls
Creamy smoked salmon balls coated with crunchy pecans and fresh parsley make an elegant appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings, offering rich flavors with a smoky, nutty twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain, bone, remove skin, and flake the salmon.
- Combine salmon, cream cheese, grated onion, horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and liquid smoke. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for several hours.
- Shape the mixture into balls or logs.
- Combine chopped pecans and chopped parsley.
- Roll each salmon ball in the pecan and parsley mixture.
- Chill for at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or using wasabi instead of horseradish. Make sure to refrigerate the mixture to allow the flavors to meld before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
These smoked salmon party balls are perfect as an appetizer at gatherings or as part of a seafood platter. Pair them with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables. They also complement a light salad or a chilled soup. For a delightful contrast, serve with a side of lemon wedges or a tangy dipping sauce, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, serve them chilled. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese can change texture upon thawing. If you want to reheat them, gently warm them in the microwave for just a few seconds, but they are best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Salmon Party Balls contains roughly 63 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% 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 make these party balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day or two ahead of your event. Just keep them well-covered in the refrigerator. Rolling them in the pecan and parsley mixture just before serving will keep them looking fresh and appetizing.
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).