Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a delicious seafood dish that effortlessly combines fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, the Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe is just what you need. This vibrant and satisfying meal features tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection, paired with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce that adds a fresh twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this dish is a lovely way to enjoy salmon in a whole new, exciting form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients for the Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe makes all the difference, as each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, and color that come together in harmony.
- Salmon fillet (1 pound, skinless): The star of the show providing a rich, tender base full of protein and omega-3s.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle crunch and lightness to the meatballs, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping all the ingredients in the meatballs firmly combined with a tender texture.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the meatballs and sauce with aromatic depth and a touch of warmth.
- Green onions (2, finely chopped): Adds freshness and a gentle onion bite that brightens the salmon.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings an earthy, herbal note that lightens the dish beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers a subtle tang and complexity inside the meatballs.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for a light coating that helps the meatballs brown perfectly in the oven.
- Avocado (1 ripe): Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that complements the salmon’s richness.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds tang and creaminess to the avocado sauce while keeping it light.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Gives a fresh citrus punch, brightening both the sauce and meatballs.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Offers a fragrant, slightly citrusy note that balances the sauce beautifully.
- Water (2-4 tablespoons): Used sparingly to adjust the sauce to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Start by finely chopping the skinless salmon fillet to create the perfect texture for your meatballs—it should be small enough to bind easily but still maintaining some bite. In a large bowl, combine the salmon with panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, green onions, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until everything is incorporated without overworking the salmon, preserving tender juiciness.
Step 2: Forming the Meatballs
Shape the salmon mixture into small, uniform meatballs around 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Having consistent sizes ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they cook evenly without sticking.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Lightly brush or drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to help them develop a gorgeous golden crust in the oven. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs feel firm to the touch and are cooked through, with a beautiful pink interior that promises moistness and flavor.
Step 4: Preparing the Avocado Sauce
While the meatballs bake, blend the peeled and pitted ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired, creamy consistency. This luscious sauce will perfectly complement the salmon with its cool, herbaceous zing.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salmon meatballs with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of vibrant green. A little extra lime zest or a few thinly sliced green onions can add an appealing freshness and subtle texture that highlights the sauce and meatballs beautifully.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad, steamed asparagus, or a quinoa salad tossed with lemon and herbs. For a heartier meal, fluffy rice or warm roasted vegetables work like a charm to round out the flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the meatballs in lettuce wraps or small pita pockets for a fun handheld option. Alternatively, plate them atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree, drizzled generously with avocado sauce to create a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your salmon meatballs and avocado sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the meatballs flavorful and prevents the sauce from turning bitter, letting you enjoy a fresh-tasting meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked salmon meatballs before adding the avocado sauce by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The avocado sauce is best made fresh, though you can store any unused sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to keep their texture tender and avoid drying them out. Avoid microwaving avocado sauce to maintain its creamy texture; instead, bring it to room temperature and stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon to make these meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon as long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the meatball texture. Fresh salmon is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be gluten-free by choosing gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The other ingredients naturally contain no gluten, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I make the avocado sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or a splash of olive oil to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful without dairy.
How long do the salmon meatballs last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the meatballs will keep well for up to 3 days. For the freshest taste, enjoy them within this time frame.
Can I bake the meatballs in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying works well and can give a nice crisp exterior; cook them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe — it’s a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors wrapped in tender bites. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner idea or a recipe to impress friends with minimal fuss and maximum taste, these salmon meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
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Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce offer a healthy, flavorful main course that is quick to prepare and perfect for a nutritious dinner. Moist salmon meatballs baked to perfection are paired with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce that adds freshness and richness, making this dish both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Meatballs
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing or drizzling)
For the Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon fillet, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle or brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown evenly and stay moist while baking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the salmon meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, place the peeled and pitted avocado, plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic clove, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve warm with a generous drizzle of the creamy avocado sauce. Enjoy as is, or pair with rice, lettuce wraps, or grain bowls.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt or use a splash of olive oil in the avocado sauce.
- These meatballs also work well served in lettuce wraps, over rice, or as part of a grain bowl for variety.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
