If you’re looking for a super easy way to turn leftover rice and canned salmon into a baby- and toddler-approved meal, you’re going to love these easy salmon rice balls!
I’ll be for real, this stemmed from me having leftover rice in the fridge and me seeing a can of salmon in the pantry that needed to be used. A quick mash-up later, and I had easy salmon rice balls that my toddler actually tried and my baby loved (plus an easy lunch for myself)!
What You'll Love About These Salmon Rice Balls
- uses leftover rice (yay for zero food waste!)
- literally takes 5 minutes
- canned salmon is budget-friendly and easy
- soft and mushable—perfect for BLW if you're feeding a baby + toddler
- just 5 whole food ingredients—no egg, no dairy, no added salt
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for these easy salmon rice balls:
- cooked rice – soft, sticky, and perfect for little hands
- canned salmon – packed with protein + omega-3s
- avocado – creamy, healthy fats + helps it all stick
- grated carrot – mild veggie boost + natural sweetness
- lemon juice – cuts the fishiness + brightens the flavor
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Mash the rice, salmon, avocado, grated/shredded carrot, and lemon juice together in a bowl until combined.
- Step 2: Form into small, toddler-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each) either with your hands or rice ball roller.
- Step 3: Optional to top with everything but the bagel seasoning or sesame seeds as "sprinkles."
- Step 4: Serve with a side of fruit!
Hint
You can totally use baked salmon instead of canned if you have leftovers on hand! It adds extra flavor (without the "fishy" taste like canned) and it’s a great way to repurpose dinner into a toddler-friendly lunch the next day. Just make sure it’s boneless and flake it well before mixing.
Perfect for a busy mom lunch too! I paired mine with cucumber "chips" and sweet potato crackers to scoop up the mixture with instead of forming into balls.
Substitutions
These easy salmon rice balls are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free! Here are some ways you can substitute items out:
- avocado → Greek yogurt or mashed sweet potato, still creamy and helps bind everything together
- lemon juice → orange juice or omit, adds a little brightness but totally optional
- canned salmon → flaked baked salmon or canned tuna or shredded chicken, use what you have on hand
- grated carrot → grated zucchini, just squeeze out the moisture first
- rice → quinoa, works in a pinch but doesn’t hold together as well for littles
Variations
Feel free to customize these easy salmon rice balls with different flavor profiles!
- cheesy broccoli salmon balls – add a couple tablespoons of shredded cheddar and finely chopped steamed broccoli for extra flavor and veggie goodness
- sweet potato salmon balls – swap the avocado for mashed sweet potato and use cooked rice or quinoa—great for littles who love a softer texture
- mini salmon cakes – flatten into little patties and pan-fry with a bit of avocado oil until golden on each side for a slightly crisp outside and soft center
If your toddler is a "ball lover," then be sure to try some of my meatballs! Like my Mongolian beef meatballs or my meatloaf meatballs.
How To Serve To Toddlers
- as little nuggets in lunchboxes or snack trays
- mashed into a bowl with veggies for younger eaters
- with a dip like yogurt + lemon or creamy avocado or cream cheese
- as a dip with cucumber coins or crackers
Equipment
You'll need a mixing bowl, grater for the veggie, fork for mashing, and if you want to avoid messy hands then try this rice ball roller!
Storage
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve cold, room temp, or warm gently in a skillet or steamer.
Freezer – Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat in the microwave, steamer, or skillet until warmed through.
Tiff's Tip
When picking a canned salmon for babies and toddlers, I love Wild Planet and Safe Catch. Both brands offer wild-caught options that are naturally low in mercury and packed with omega-3s. Safe Catch even tests every single batch for mercury, which is amazing peace of mind when serving littles! Look for boneless, skinless, and no salt added when you can.
FAQ
Short-grain or jasmine rice works best because it’s naturally sticky and holds everything together. Leftover rice is perfect here!
Yes! These are soft, mashable, and made with whole, nutrient-dense ingredient perfect for baby-led weaning. Just make sure the carrot is steamed and everything is mashed well.
Absolutely! These freeze really well. Just shape, freeze flat, and reheat in a skillet, microwave, or steamer when you're ready to serve.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe] for a little sweet treat:
Easy Salmon Rice Balls (5-Ingredients)
Equipment
- grater
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice short-grain or jasmine works best
- 1 5 oz can boneless, skinless salmon drained
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 small carrot finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 lemon juiced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash the rice, salmon, avocado, grated carrot, and lemon juice together.
- Mix well until the mixture sticks together.
- Roll into small, toddler-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Serve room temp or warm slightly in a skillet, microwave, or steamer.
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