Description
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce is a healthy and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection and paired with a rich, smooth avocado sauce. This vibrant meal combines omega-3 packed salmon with fresh herbs and zesty lime, creating a nutritious and indulgent experience perfect for quick weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Meatballs
- 1 lb skinless, boneless fresh salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating)
Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water (optional, to thin sauce as desired)
Optional Variations
- Chopped jalapeño or pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
- Cilantro or basil instead of dill and parsley
- Orange zest for added citrus note
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Finely chop the salmon or pulse it briefly in a food processor until minced. In a bowl, gently combine the salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped dill and parsley, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn opaque and are firm on the outside but still juicy inside.
- Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: While meatballs bake, blend the ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add a teaspoon or two of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the warm salmon meatballs and drizzle or serve with the creamy avocado sauce. Garnish with additional herbs or lime wedges for extra freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid toughness in meatballs.
- Baking at a higher temperature seals moisture inside the meatballs.
- If mixture feels too wet, add extra breadcrumbs; if too dry, add lime juice or water.
- Serve the avocado sauce immediately for optimal creaminess and freshness.
- Store leftover meatballs separately from sauce to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: baked salmon meatballs, creamy avocado sauce, healthy seafood recipe, omega-3 salmon, gluten-free meatballs, easy dinner, family-friendly seafood, nutritious appetizers
