Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s light yet satisfyingly rich, **Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce** will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. These tender, flavorful salmon meatballs baked to perfection and paired with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce create a combination that’s fresh, healthy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or a party appetizer, this dish effortlessly blends wholesome ingredients with bright, vibrant flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe, but don’t worry—it’s all simple, accessible, and straightforward. Each ingredient has a purpose, balancing texture, taste, and color perfectly.

• Salmon fillet: Use fresh, skinless salmon finely chopped to create moist and tender meatballs full of healthy omega-3s.
• Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, helping your meatballs hold their shape while adding a bit of texture.
• Egg: Adds moisture and holds the mixture together for perfect meatballs.
• Fresh parsley: Provides a pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a pretty rosy hue.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Olive oil: Used for baking to keep the meatballs moist and add a touch of richness.
• Ripe avocado: Creates a creamy base for the sauce, delivering smoothness and mild buttery flavor.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to balance the avocado’s richness.
• Lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with bright citrus notes for a refreshing finish.
• Fresh garlic: Minced to pack in bright and aromatic flavor for the sauce.
• Salt and pepper (for sauce): To taste, perfect for seasoning and balancing the avocado sauce’s flavors.

How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Tools

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or spray it with a nonstick cooking spray to make sure your meatballs bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped salmon with breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly but gently—you want the mixture to be well incorporated yet tender.

Step 3: Form and Bake Meatballs

Shape the salmon mixture into small meatballs roughly the size of a tablespoon. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Drizzle them with olive oil to help them brown beautifully in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they feel firm to the touch and the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). The aroma at this stage will be utterly inviting!

Step 4: Make the Avocado Sauce

While those meatballs are baking, whip up the luscious avocado sauce. Blend the ripe avocado with sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth and creamy sauce. The zing of the lemon and garlic beautifully complements the rich salmon, making for a sauce you’ll want to drizzle generously.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once the meatballs come out of the oven, serve them warm with a generous drizzle of that vibrant avocado sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top – it makes them look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add extra color and bursts of flavor that take the dish to the next level. These simple touches create an enticing presentation and complement the creamy avocado sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

These salmon meatballs shine alongside light, fresh sides like mixed greens, quinoa salad, or roasted vegetables. Their mild flavor pairs wonderfully with crisp textures and vibrant flavors, creating a well-balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your meal feel special by serving the Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce on skewers for a fun appetizer option or nestled atop whole wheat pita pockets with extra avocado sauce and crunchy slaw for a fresh twist on a handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatballs and avocado sauce maintain their flavors well, but the sauce might thicken—just give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked salmon meatballs (without the avocado sauce) by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the avocado sauce as it can separate.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven helps keep them tender and avoids sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?

While fresh salmon is best for texture and flavor, canned salmon can work in a pinch—just make sure to drain it well and mash it finely before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is the avocado sauce safe to prepare in advance?

Because avocado browns quickly, it’s best to prepare the sauce shortly before serving. If you do make it ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed to the surface to minimize browning, and keep it chilled.

Can I bake the meatballs in an air fryer instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Air frying at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes works great, giving you beautifully crisp edges while keeping the inside moist.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or using crushed nuts or oats as a binder.

How spicy are these salmon meatballs?

This recipe is mild and very family-friendly. If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mixture or the avocado sauce.

Final Thoughts

You simply cannot go wrong with these Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce. They’re easy to make, deliciously nutritious, and perfect for any occasion that calls for something fresh and flavorful. Once you try this recipe, I bet it will have a permanent place in your meal rotation—so grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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