Baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce offer a unique twist on a classic dish. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are made from fresh salmon, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then baked to perfection. Paired with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce, this meal is light, fresh, and packed with nutrients. The combination of heart-healthy omega-3s from the salmon and the creamy, tangy avocado sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these salmon meatballs are sure to impress.
The avocado sauce adds a rich and smooth texture to the meatballs while balancing the natural flavors of the fish. It’s easy to prepare and provides a healthy alternative to heavier, creamy sauces. The baked salmon meatballs themselves are moist and flavorful, with the perfect combination of Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and spices. Together, these elements create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also light, refreshing, and full of nutrients. This recipe is great for anyone looking for a healthy, yet indulgent, meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the goodness of fresh salmon with a creamy avocado sauce that’s both healthy and delicious. These meatballs are baked rather than fried, making them a lighter option that still packs in loads of flavor. The blend of fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika adds depth to the salmon, while the avocado sauce brings a creamy tang that perfectly complements the dish. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is simple to prepare and offers a fresh, healthy alternative to traditional meatball dishes. Plus, it’s gluten-free (if you use almond flour) and can easily be adapted for a low-carb or dairy-free diet.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- Fresh salmon, skin removed and finely chopped
- Panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- Egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
For the Avocado Sauce:
- Ripe avocado
- Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for dairy-free)
- Lime juice
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Water (adjust for consistency)
For Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or salad
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs for a low-carb version of these salmon meatballs.
- Spicy Version: Add a bit of chopped jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the avocado sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Swap out the parsley for fresh dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free mayonnaise or coconut yogurt in the avocado sauce for a dairy-free version.
- Add Veggies: Mix in finely grated zucchini or carrots into the salmon meatballs for added nutrition and flavor.
How to Make the Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the chopped fresh salmon, panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the meatballs are shaped, bake them for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pressing on the meatballs—if they’re firm and no longer soft, they’re ready.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the water for desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with the avocado sauce drizzled over the top or as a dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Pair with cooked quinoa, rice, or a salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the meatball ingredients to avoid overworking the salmon, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Test for Moisture: If the meatball mixture feels too dry, add a little more lemon juice or a teaspoon of water to help bind the ingredients together.
- Bake Evenly: Ensure the meatballs are spaced evenly on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: The avocado sauce can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Avoid Overcooking: Salmon cooks quickly, so be sure to check the meatballs early to prevent them from drying out.
How to Serve
These baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce can be served in a variety of ways. Serve them over a bed of cooked quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced, wholesome meal. For a more casual option, enjoy them as an appetizer with the avocado sauce on the side for dipping. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon meatballs and avocado sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The meatballs will keep for up to 3 days, and the sauce will last about 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked salmon meatballs for up to 3 months. To freeze, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon, but be sure to drain it well and remove any bones before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry the meatballs in a pan with some olive oil over medium heat until golden brown on all sides. Baking them is a healthier option, but frying adds extra crispness.
3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead, refrigerate them, and bake them when ready to serve.
4. Can I freeze the avocado sauce?
It’s best to make the avocado sauce fresh, as it can brown when frozen. However, you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day or two.
5. How can I make the avocado sauce spicier?
Add some chopped jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado sauce for a spicy kick.
6. Can I bake the meatballs on a higher temperature for a quicker cook time?
You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, but be sure to watch them closely to prevent overcooking.
7. Can I use a different type of fish for these meatballs?
Yes, you can use other fish like tuna, cod, or trout, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
8. Can I use a different type of breading for the meatballs?
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
9. How do I make the meatballs firmer?
If your meatball mixture is too soft, add a little extra breadcrumbs or almond flour to help firm them up.
10. Can I serve the meatballs with a different sauce?
Yes, you can serve the meatballs with a variety of sauces such as marinara, tzatziki, or a simple garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
Baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce are a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your cravings while keeping things light. With the perfect balance of savory salmon meatballs and a creamy avocado sauce, this meal is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a fun party food, these meatballs are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a fresh twist on a classic dish!
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Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired with a creamy avocado sauce. A healthy and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. Serve them with quinoa, rice, or a salad for a complete dish.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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)
For Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or salad
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Mix well and shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lime juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and water.
- Blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
- Serve:
- Arrange the baked salmon meatballs on a serving plate and drizzle with the avocado sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Pair with cooked quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a dairy-free version of the sauce.
- These meatballs can also be served as appetizers or added to pasta for a flavorful twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American