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Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce offer a quick, healthy, and delicious meal featuring tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection and paired with a smooth, fresh avocado sauce. Packed with omega-3s and simple ingredients, this gluten-free dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon Meatballs

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless fresh salmon fillets
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: splash of water or olive oil to adjust consistency

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Finely chop or pulse the fresh salmon fillets in a food processor until coarsely ground to ensure the meatballs remain tender and juicy.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground salmon, breadcrumbs or almond flour, chopped green onions, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
  5. Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce: While baking, blend the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt or alternative, fresh lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the creamy avocado sauce over the baked salmon meatballs or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender rather than dense.
  • Uniform Size Matters: Make meatballs of equal size to ensure even cooking.
  • Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate shaped meatballs for 10-15 minutes to help them hold together during baking.
  • Use Ripe but Firm Avocado: This achieves a creamy texture without bitterness in the sauce.
  • Watch the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking to prevent drying out the meatballs; start checking after 15 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: baked salmon meatballs, creamy avocado sauce, healthy seafood recipe, gluten free salmon meatballs, omega-3 rich meal, easy dinner, party appetizers