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Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection and a smooth, zesty avocado sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or packed lunches, this recipe offers a nutritious meal rich in omega-3s, fresh herbs, and balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, finely chopped or pulsed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or cilantro), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Creamy Avocado Sauce

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Finely chop or pulse fresh salmon fillets in a food processor until you achieve a coarse but uniform texture, ensuring the meatballs hold together well with consistent flavor.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir carefully until evenly mixed but avoid overworking to keep the texture light.
  3. Form and Bake the Meatballs: Shape the salmon mixture into bite-sized meatballs about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Place on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and slightly golden.
  4. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: While the meatballs bake, blend ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the baked salmon meatballs and generously drizzle or dollop the creamy avocado sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough texture.
  • Use fresh salmon fillets, not canned or frozen, for best flavor and moistness.
  • Refrigerate the meatball mixture for 10-15 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
  • Watch the meatballs closely during baking to prevent drying out.
  • Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for a silky sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon meatballs, baked salmon, avocado sauce, healthy recipe, gluten free, omega 3, easy dinner, seafood appetizers