These baked salmon meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with healthy goodness. Paired with a zesty avocado sauce, they make a tasty meal or snack!
Honestly, who knew salmon could be so fun? I love making extra sauce to dip veggies in too—because let’s face it, you can never have too much good sauce! 😂
Making these meatballs is a breeze! Just mix, shape, and bake. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, and they’re so easy to enjoy any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star here! If fresh isn’t available, canned salmon works too; just be sure to drain it well. I love using wild-caught salmon for flavor and sustainability, but farmed will do in a pinch.
Breadcrumbs: I opt for panko breadcrumbs as they make the meatballs extra light and crispy. If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead!
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you’re vegan or allergic, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can work well without altering the meatball texture much.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the sauce. You could use sour cream or even silken tofu for a dairy-free alternative, which keeps it smooth.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro add so much flavor! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap it with fresh dill or basil. They both work beautifully in this sauce!
How Do You Get Perfectly Shaped Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but here’s a simple trick: Wet your hands before handling the mixture. This helps prevent sticking. Aim for about 1.5-inch balls for even cooking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Gently roll between your palms to maintain fluffiness.
And remember, less pressure is key! The meatballs should be light and tender, not dense.
What’s the Best Way to Bake Salmon Meatballs Without Drying Them Out?
Baking the meatballs is quick, but to keep them moist, follow these tips:
- Don’t Overbake: 12-15 minutes is usually perfect. Keep an eye on them!
- Use Olive Oil: Brushing them lightly with oil adds flavor and moisture.
- Check for Doneness: They should be firm to the touch and cooked through but still juicy inside.
If you’re uncertain, using a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) helps!
How Can You Make the Avocado Sauce Extra Creamy?
The key to a luscious avocado sauce is blending it until silky smooth. Here’s how:
- Ensure your avocado is ripe for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Add a bit of lime juice to help keep the color vibrant and enhance flavor.
- Water is your friend! Add it as needed to adjust the thickness. Blend it all until perfectly creamy.
This sauce not only pairs perfectly with the meatballs but is also fantastic with veggies or chips!
Baked Salmon Meatballs With A Tangy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped or ground
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)
For the Tangy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, as needed)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 15 minutes for baking. So, in approximately 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture; just enough to hold together!
2. Form Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Using your hands or a scoop, shape the salmon mixture into small meatballs—about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake:
For nice browning, lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. If you like them a bit crispier, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them!
4. Make the Tangy Avocado Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up the sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and cayenne (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serve:
Once the meatballs are baked, it’s time to eat! Plate the warm salmon meatballs and drizzle them generously with the tangy avocado sauce. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch.
6. Enjoy!
These delicious baked salmon meatballs make a fantastic appetizer or main dish! Serve them over a bed of salad greens, alongside rice, or with roasted veggies for a wholesome meal that everyone will love.
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This recipe creates juicy, flavorful salmon meatballs paired with a vibrant, creamy avocado sauce that offers a fresh and tangy contrast—perfect for a healthy and elegant dish!
Can I Use Canned Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon instead of fresh! Just make sure to drain and flake it well, and adjust the amount of breadcrumbs slightly since canned salmon can be more moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover salmon meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through, but avoid overcooking to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
You can make the avocado sauce in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface before sealing.
What Can I Serve with These Salmon Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Serve them over a fresh salad, alongside quinoa or brown rice, or with roasted vegetables. They also make a great appetizer with veggie sticks and extra sauce for dipping!