Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Made with fresh salmon, herbs, and a touch of lemon, these tender meatballs pair perfectly with a smooth and tangy avocado sauce. A delicious option for a light dinner, meal prep, or even an appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with omega-3s, protein, and healthy fats.
Baked, Not Fried – Less oil but still full of flavor.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Creamy Avocado Sauce – A refreshing, zesty pairing for the salmon.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Meatballs:

• 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. If using fresh salmon, chop it into small pieces or pulse in a food processor until finely minced.

Step 2: Make the Salmon Meatball Mixture

3. In a large bowl, combine the minced salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix until well incorporated.
4. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil to help with browning.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon Meatballs

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

7. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by blending avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cilantro (or parsley), salt, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

8. Drizzle or serve the avocado sauce alongside the baked salmon meatballs. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
• Enjoy as an appetizer with extra avocado sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Best Salmon Meatballs:

Use Fresh Salmon – For the best texture and flavor. If using canned salmon, drain well and remove bones.
Don’t Overmix – Gently mix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender.
Make it Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free yogurt in the sauce.
Want More Spice? – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Recipe Overview:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Cuisine: Healthy, Seafood

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 meatballs with sauce):

Calories: 320 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Omega-3s: High

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