Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection and topped with a smooth, zesty avocado sauce. Packed with omega-3s, fresh herbs, and vibrant seasonings, this versatile recipe works as an appetizer, main dish, or protein-packed snack, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Meatballs
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, finely chopped or pulsed
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for greasing)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt alternative)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Water as needed, for desired consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon mixture: Finely chop fresh salmon fillets or pulse briefly in a food processor for a smoother texture. In a large bowl, combine salmon with panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, diced onion, chopped parsley and dill, beaten egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the salmon mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch, locking in moisture without excess oil.
- Prepare the creamy avocado sauce: While meatballs bake, blend ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding water if needed for preferred consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer baked meatballs to a serving plate and generously drizzle with creamy avocado sauce. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Notes
- Choose fresh or well-thawed previously frozen salmon for best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overmixing the salmon mixture to keep meatballs tender and light.
- Use ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the creamiest sauce.
- Make meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Chill meatballs in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: salmon meatballs, baked salmon, avocado sauce, healthy seafood recipe, gluten-free appetizer, omega-3 rich, easy dinner, nutritious snack, creamy avocado dip
