Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce are a flavorful, healthy dish combining tender salmon seasoned with aromatic spices, baked to perfection, and served with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce. Perfect as a light dinner or an impressive appetizer, they are best paired with quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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)
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or salad
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is ready to cook the meatballs evenly and to the perfect doneness.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size allows them to cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally. The baking process cooks the salmon gently, keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and water in a blender or food processor.
- Blend Sauce: Blend the avocado mixture until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water as needed for desired thickness.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the baked salmon meatballs on a serving plate and drizzle with the prepared avocado sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an added fresh flavor and appealing presentation. Serve lemon wedges on the side for an optional citrus boost.
- Pair and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs alongside cooked quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad to create a complete, balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour to make the recipe low-carb.
- For a dairy-free avocado sauce, replace Greek yogurt with mayonnaise.
- Make sure to finely chop the salmon to help the meatballs hold together better.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- The avocado sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; keep it covered tightly to prevent browning.
