Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels both fresh and satisfying, my Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce will absolutely steal the spotlight. These tender, perfectly seasoned salmon meatballs are baked to juicy perfection and paired with a silky, zesty avocado sauce that brings a luscious creaminess without weighing you down. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines healthful ingredients with incredible taste, making it a fancy yet fuss-free meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its wonderfully simple ingredients, each playing an important role. From the rich omega-3 salmon to the fragrant cilantro and the creamy avocado sauce, these elements come together in harmony to create a mouthwatering experience filled with balanced textures and bold flavors.
- 1 pound skinless salmon (cut into chunks): The star protein, bringing moistness and a subtle natural sweetness to the meatballs.
- ½ medium onion (grated): Adds gentle sweetness and moisture that keeps the meatballs tender.
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy texture while keeping the mixture together.
- 3 tablespoons minced cilantro: Brings a fresh, aromatic lift that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 egg white: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything perfectly in place.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a fragrant warmth that complements the salmon beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle spice kick for depth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Lends a mild smoky note and lovely color to the meatballs.
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano: Offers an earthy herbal nuance to balance the seafood.
- ¾ California avocado (skin & seed removed): Creates the creamy base for the sauce, lending richness and velvety texture.
- 3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness to the avocado sauce for a perfect contrast.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Gives the sauce a punch of savory depth.
- ½ lime (juiced): Brings a refreshing citrus brightness that elevates the creamy sauce.
- 5 tablespoons water: Adjusts the sauce to the perfect consistency—smooth and drinkable without being runny.
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro: Continues the fresh herbal note in the sauce, complementing the meatballs.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Adds a smoky, gentle heat to the sauce that makes it irresistible.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances the richness of the avocado sauce and enhances overall flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper: A light peppery finish to round out the taste.
How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, grab your salmon chunks and pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped—this will help create those tender, cohesive meatballs everyone will love. Transfer the salmon to a large bowl, and add grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, freshly minced cilantro, egg white, garlic, and all your perfectly measured seasonings. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the mixture is uniform and ready to be shaped.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part. Using a 2-tablespoon scoop or just your hands, roll the salmon mixture into neat little balls. Being consistent in size helps them cook evenly, so aim for uniformity. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet, giving each meatball enough room to bake perfectly without sticking together. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they feel firm to the touch and are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will have you eagerly waiting to dig in.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce
While the meatballs bake, let’s summon the delicious sauce that will bring this dish to the next level. In a blender or food processor, combine creamy avocado, tangy Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, water to loosen the blend, minced cilantro, smoky chipotle chili powder, and seasoning salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and velvety, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. This luscious sauce not only complements the salmon meatballs’ flavors but adds a cool, creamy dimension that makes every bite truly special.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate any dish, and here, a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or finely chopped green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and herbal fragrance. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a zesty squeeze if they prefer. For a subtle crunch, consider toasted pumpkin seeds or a light dusting of smoked paprika, which brings out the smoky notes already present in the meatballs and sauce.
Side Dishes
To build a well-rounded meal around your Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce, try pairing them with fluffy quinoa or a bed of lightly dressed mixed greens. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or sweet potatoes complement the richness while maintaining the meal’s wholesome vibe. Simple garlic bread or a crisp cucumber salad can also bring welcome texture contrasts and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering or casual dinner, stack the meatballs tapas-style on skewers, drizzling extra avocado sauce as a dip. Alternatively, serve the meatballs over whole grain rice bowls topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of hot sauce for a modern twist. Don’t hesitate to plate them atop warm tortillas with fresh salsa and slaws to create a fun salmon meatball taco that’s sure to get rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and you might), store the cooked salmon meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the creamy avocado sauce in a separate container to maintain its fresh texture and vibrant color.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatballs before baking if you want to batch prepare. Simply shape them, place them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen with a slightly longer cooking time. The avocado sauce, however, is best made fresh and not frozen to maintain its creamy consistency.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the meatballs in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can alter texture slightly. Serve alongside freshly blended avocado sauce or gently stir it before drizzling to restore its creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
While fresh salmon is ideal for texture and flavor, you can use canned salmon in a pinch. Drain thoroughly and mash well before combining with other ingredients. The meatballs may be denser but still delicious with the creamy avocado sauce.
Is the avocado sauce spicy?
The chipotle chili powder adds just a gentle smoky heat to the sauce, which can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer no spice, simply omit or reduce it. The sauce remains rich and flavorful without the kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the fat-free Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative such as coconut or almond-based yogurt. This keeps the sauce creamy and tangy without any dairy.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The seasonings are mild, and the creamy avocado sauce is a hit with kids who enjoy smooth textures. Just reduce or omit the chipotle powder to keep things mild and approachable for little palates.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serving the meatballs skewered with small dipping bowls of avocado sauce on the side makes for easy, crowd-pleasing finger food. They’re elegant yet casual and perfect for sharing, making them a party favorite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of salmon’s delicate richness and the fresh creaminess of avocado that makes these Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce a standout in any recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish offers comfort, nutrition, and bright flavors all in one bite. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough — it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and healthy baked salmon meatballs served with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce. These salmon meatballs are flavored with fresh herbs and spices, baked to perfection for a light yet satisfying meal. The creamy avocado sauce adds a refreshing and tangy touch, making it a perfect low-fat, high-protein dish suitable for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound skinless salmon (cut into chunks)
- ½ medium onion (grated)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1 egg white
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- ¾ California avocado (skin & seed removed)
- 3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ lime (juiced)
- 5 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon chunks in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the finely chopped salmon to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: Add grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, ground pepper, paprika, and oregano to the bowl with the salmon. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Form Meatballs: Using about 2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture, roll portions between your palms to form evenly sized meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure proper cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they are firm to the touch and cooked through.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: Meanwhile, combine avocado, fat-free plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice, water, minced cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and ground pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the baked salmon meatballs warm, accompanied by the creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for a healthier fiber boost; if unavailable, regular panko can be substituted.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder in the avocado sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Egg white is used to bind the meatballs while keeping them lean and low fat.
- Make sure salmon is fresh or properly thawed if using frozen for best texture and flavor.
- The avocado sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with 2 tablespoons avocado sauce
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: salmon meatballs, baked salmon, avocado sauce, healthy dinner, low-fat recipes, gluten-free alternative, seafood meatballs
