Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce are a healthy and flavorful dish perfect for an appetizer or main course. Made with fresh salmon and aromatic herbs, they are baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy, tangy avocado-yogurt sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare, gluten-free (when using gluten-free breadcrumbs), and packed with protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon mixture: Place the salmon fillet in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form meatballs: Shape the salmon mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15–18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden on top.
- Make the avocado sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic clove, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually to achieve a drizzle- or dipping-friendly consistency.
- Serve: Serve the baked salmon meatballs warm, drizzled with the avocado sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer or a main dish.
Notes
- These meatballs are delicious served cold over salads or tucked into pita bread with greens for a light meal.
- You can substitute dill with parsley or basil depending on your flavor preferences.
- Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
