Name: Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ¾ California avocado, skin and 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

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful dinner that bursts with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, then these Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce will steal your heart. They are a perfect balance of tender, juicy salmon meatballs baked to perfection and paired with a luscious, smooth avocado sauce that adds just the right touch of zest and creaminess. This dish feels elegant enough for entertaining but simple and healthy enough for a cozy weeknight meal, making it an instant favorite around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in each bite. Every item plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, brightening the flavors, or enhancing the texture to keep things wonderfully light but hearty.

1 pound skinless salmon (cut into chunks): The main star providing rich flavor and tender meat.
½ medium onion (grated): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to keep the meatballs juicy.
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: For a light, crispy texture that holds the meatballs together without heaviness.
3 tablespoons minced cilantro: A fresh herb that brings brightness and a hint of earthiness.
1 egg white: Acts as a binder without adding extra fat.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Offers a wonderful aromatic base for the meatballs.
¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds just a touch of warming spice.
½ teaspoon paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and color.
½ teaspoon ground oregano: Gives a subtle herbal note.
¾ California avocado (skin & seed removed): The creamy foundation of the sauce to balance the fish’s richness.
3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and silkiness without heaviness.
1 clove garlic (minced): Brings savory depth to the avocado sauce.
½ lime (juiced): Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity.
5 tablespoons water: Helps blend the sauce to a smooth consistency.
2 tablespoons minced cilantro: Mirrors the freshness of the meatballs in the sauce.
¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Adds a smoky, mild kick to awaken the sauce.
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances the sauce’s flavors.
¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Provides a gentle heat to finish the sauce.

How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and greasing a large baking sheet with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your meatballs won’t stick and will cook evenly. While the oven warms, place the fresh salmon chunks into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, making it easier to bind into meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Transfer the finely chopped salmon to a large bowl and add the grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir until everything is combined evenly, creating a mixture that’s flavorful and holds together perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Using about two tablespoons of the salmon mixture at a time, roll the mixture between your palms to form uniform meatballs. This hands-on step is fun and lets you get familiar with the texture. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they cook through beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Put the meatballs in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and cooked through. You’ll love how the outside gets slightly golden while the inside remains tender and juicy, setting the stage for the creamy avocado sauce to shine alongside.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, it’s the perfect moment to whip up your sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, lime juice, water, cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until ultra-smooth and creamy. This sauce brings a vibrant, cooling contrast that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take your dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle some extra minced cilantro or finely chopped green onions atop the meatballs to add visual appeal and an herbal punch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

These baked salmon meatballs pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light quinoa pilaf. A simple bed of steamed rice or zesty cauliflower rice also works brilliantly, soaking up every bit of that luscious avocado sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs as an appetizer on skewers with small dollops of the avocado sauce alongside. You can also stuff pita pockets with meatballs, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of the sauce for an easy handheld meal packed with flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and avocado sauce store well in the refrigerator. Keep the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days and the sauce in a separate container to preserve its freshness and prevent discoloration.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked salmon meatballs by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The avocado sauce doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients, so it’s best made fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs gently in a warm oven set to 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain their texture. Serve with freshly made avocado sauce or chilled sauce from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before chopping and mixing. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents the meatballs from becoming too wet.

What can I substitute for the chipotle chili powder?

If you prefer a milder sauce, smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used instead. Both options add a touch of warmth without overpowering the creamy avocado flavor.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

The recipe uses whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can swap them out with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds to keep the texture just right.

Can I make the avocado sauce vegan?

To make the sauce vegan, simply replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt. It will still be creamy and tangy with just a slight variation in flavor.

What is the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover baked salmon meatballs are perfect tossed into salads, served over pasta, or enjoyed as protein-packed snacks with a side of the creamy avocado sauce for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The meltingly tender salmon meatballs combined with the vibrant, smooth avocado sauce make every bite feel like a celebration. Give this recipe a go soon—you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to serve up such a fresh, flavorful meal that everyone will love!