Name: Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed and finely chopped; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb); 1 egg; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 ripe avocado; ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for dairy-free); 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency); Fresh cilantro or parsley; Lemon wedges; Cooked quinoa, rice, or salad

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce are a healthy, flavorful dish featuring tender, protein-packed salmon meatballs paired with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce. This easy, oven-baked recipe is perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or a nutritious dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and nutrient-rich – Packed with omega-3s and protein.
Oven-baked, not fried – A lighter alternative to traditional meatballs.
Deliciously creamy sauce – The avocado sauce adds a fresh and tangy touch.
Easy and quick – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile – Serve over rice, in a wrap, or as an appetizer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon Meatballs:

Fresh salmon (skin removed, finely chopped)
Panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
Egg
Garlic (minced)
Green onions (chopped)
Dijon mustard
Lemon zest
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Avocado Sauce:

Avocado (ripe)
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Lime juice
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Salt and black pepper

Directions

Make the Salmon Meatballs:

Preheat oven – Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the mixture – In a bowl, combine finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Form the meatballs – Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls, placing them on the baking sheet.
Bake – Cook for 12-15 minutes, until golden and firm.

Make the Avocado Sauce:

Blend the sauce – In a blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Blend until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy:

Plate the meatballs – Serve with avocado sauce on the side or drizzle over the top.
Pair with sides – Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or in a lettuce wrap.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy version – Add Sriracha or jalapeños to the avocado sauce.
Low-carb option – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Dairy-free alternative – Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt.
Extra crispy – Broil for the last 2 minutes for a golden crust.
Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes! Drain well and remove bones before mixing.

What sides go well with this dish?

Try quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Can I air fry the meatballs?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I make the sauce thinner?

Add extra lime juice or a splash of water until desired consistency.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Store raw meatballs in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is well-combined and don’t overwork the meat.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Use sour cream, coconut yogurt, or blended avocado with olive oil.

Can I make mini meatballs for appetizers?

Yes! Just reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Blend in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or extra Greek yogurt.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! Use almond flour and full-fat Greek yogurt for a keto-approved meal.

Conclusion

Baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce are a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. With a crispy outside, tender inside, and creamy avocado sauce, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite. Try them today for a delicious, nutritious meal!