Description
Delicious and healthy baked salmon meatballs served with a creamy and tangy avocado sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. This recipe combines fresh salmon with flavorful herbs and spices, baked to perfection and paired with a smooth avocado yogurt sauce for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the salmon meatballs:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet (chopped or flaked)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
For the avocado sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons water (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, egg, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chopped dill or parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Shape the salmon mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, making about 16–18 meatballs in total. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly and develop a lightly golden crust.
- Prepare avocado sauce: While the meatballs bake, add the ripe avocado, plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic clove, and water to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and add additional water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve the warm salmon meatballs with the creamy avocado sauce either on the side for dipping or drizzled over the meatballs for added flavor.
Notes
- These salmon meatballs work great in bowls, wraps, or served over fresh greens for a light and healthy meal.
- If fresh salmon isn’t available, canned salmon can be used as a substitute—just be sure to drain it well before combining.
- For gluten-free options, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
