Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce offer a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make seafood dish. Tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection are paired with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce, making it a perfect main course for a nutritious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet (fresh or canned, flaked)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray for baking
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water to thin
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped red onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, shape the salmon mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown and stay moist during baking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. The meatballs should be golden and cooked through when done.
- Make the Avocado Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill or cilantro, garlic clove, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, adding 2–3 tablespoons of water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the warm salmon meatballs with the creamy avocado sauce either on the side or drizzled on top. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- These meatballs are excellent served over rice, quinoa, or mixed greens to make a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and safety.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the Greek yogurt in the avocado sauce with a plant-based yogurt option.
