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
Scale
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
