Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce combine tender, flavorful salmon meatballs with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce, making a wholesome and delicious meal perfect for a healthy dinner. This recipe features simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method, offering a nutritious dish that’s quick to prepare and pairs well with grains or salad.
Ingredients
Salmon Meatballs
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or salad
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the salmon meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, making sure they hold together well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped meatballs evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and water in a blender or food processor.
- Blend Sauce: Blend the avocado mixture until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more water if necessary.
- Plate and Drizzle: Arrange the baked salmon meatballs on a serving plate and generously drizzle with the prepared avocado sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley and add lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs alongside cooked quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free avocado sauce.
- Ensure the salmon is finely chopped to help the meatballs hold their shape better.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and spices.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
