Here’s a full recipe for Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce—healthy, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon, skin removed and finely chopped (or use canned salmon, drained)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot or 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a small handful of fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped salmon, panko, egg, garlic, shallot, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
- Prepare avocado sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and cilantro if using.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with a little water if needed.
- Serve:
- Drizzle or serve the creamy avocado sauce alongside baked salmon meatballs.
- Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lime.
💡 Tips:
- Use fresh salmon for the best texture, but canned salmon works in a pinch.
- Panko gives a lighter, fluffier meatball than regular breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs also work as a protein-packed topping for salads, grain bowls, or tacos.
If you want, I can also give a low-carb/keto version that skips the breadcrumbs and keeps the meatballs extra tender. Do you want me to do that?
