Zesty Baked Salmon Meatballs With Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

Crafting delectable baked salmon meatballs with creamy avocado sauce brings unexpected magic to your dinner table.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each tender morsel, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender fish transforms into juicy, herb-infused spheres that melt in your mouth.

Silky avocado sauce adds a luxurious, tangy complement to the rich salmon base.

Fresh ingredients create a protein-packed meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Minimal prep and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients That Make the Difference

• Salmon: A flavorful fish that provides the primary protein and rich taste for the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds a light, crispy texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatball mixture together.

• Parsley, Garlic Powder, Paprika: These herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the meatball's overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the salmon.

• Avocado, Sour Cream: Create a creamy, smooth base for the sauce with rich, tangy flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the avocado and sour cream.
• Garlic: Provides an extra layer of aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used to add moisture and help the meatballs brown nicely during baking.

How to Prepare These Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and grab a baking sheet ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Create Salmon Magic

• Fresh salmon chunks
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• One beaten egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Sweet paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture hugs itself perfectly.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Salmon Bites

Roll the mixture into adorable bite-sized spheres, placing them gently on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a loving olive oil drizzle for extra golden charm.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the salmon meatballs dance and transform for 12-15 minutes. They’re ready when they feel firm and cooked through.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Green Goodness

• Ripe avocado
• Tangy sour cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Blend until silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Transfer your golden salmon spheres to a serving plate and crown them with a generous cascade of creamy avocado sauce.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips to Get Creamy Avocado Sauce Just Right

• Refrigerate the salmon mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping meatballs to help them hold together better and prevent crumbling during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meatballs without drying out the protein.
• Add a splash of water or extra sour cream if avocado sauce seems too thick, ensuring a silky and drizzleable consistency for perfect coating.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to make meatball removal easier and prevent potential burning.

Flavor Variations to Explore

• Mediterranean Salmon Meatballs: Replace parsley with fresh mint and oregano, add crumbled feta cheese to the mixture, and serve with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Asian Salmon Meatballs: Mix in sriracha, ginger, and green onions into the salmon mixture, then top with a sweet chili sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon Meatballs: Roll the meatballs in a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dill before baking, and pair with a light lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

Pairing Suggestions That Shine

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the salmon's delicate flavor with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of the avocado sauce and complementing the fish's natural taste.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Salad: Create a light, refreshing side dish that mirrors the meatballs' herbs, using fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a light vinaigrette to brighten the entire meal.
• Match with Zesty Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a crunchy, tangy side that provides textural contrast to the creamy avocado sauce, using thinly sliced cucumbers, dill, and a light yogurt dressing to cool and balance the dish.

Storing Salmon Meatballs Without Sacrificing Taste

Store leftover salmon meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the meatballs and avocado sauce to prevent sogginess.

Wrap individual meatballs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep avocado sauce separate to maintain its creamy texture.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.

Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for these meatballs?

Fresh wild-caught salmon is ideal, but you can also use canned salmon or even leftover cooked salmon. Ensure the fish is boneless and skinless for the best texture.

• Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This will keep the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 145F. Alternatively, cut one meatball in half to ensure it’s opaque and firm throughout.

Baked Salmon Meatballs That Impress Every Time

• Boost Protein Intake: Pack a powerful nutritional punch with salmon meatballs that deliver high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids in every delicious bite.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Create a one-pan wonder that requires minimal kitchen tools and cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenience without compromising flavor.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Transform traditional meatballs with a seafood twist that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinner exciting and nutritionally balanced.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching herbs, adjusting spices, or experimenting with different sauce variations to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Baked Salmon Meatballs With Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering baked salmon meatballs with creamy avocado sauce bring Mediterranean coastal flavors directly to kitchen tables. Delicate salmon combines with herbal notes and smooth avocado cream, creating a protein-packed meal perfect for health-conscious diners seeking bold, refreshing cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)

Avocado Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine finely chopped salmon with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly integrated.
3. Using clean hands, carefully roll the salmon mixture into uniform compact meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
4. Arrange the salmon meatballs evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between each ball.
5. Delicately drizzle additional olive oil over the meatballs to enhance moisture and promote golden browning.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent cooking and checking that internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. While meatballs are baking, create the avocado sauce by blending ripe avocado, tangy sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and seasonings until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
8. Remove meatballs from oven once they appear golden and feel firm to touch.
9. Transfer meatballs to serving platter and generously cascade the creamy avocado sauce over the top, garnishing with optional fresh herbs.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the most flavorful and tender meatballs, ensuring the fish is boneless and skinless before chopping.
• Avoid overmixing the salmon mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs; gently combine ingredients just until they hold together.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the meatballs’ texture and binding.
• Chill the salmon mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help the meatballs hold their form and prevent crumbling during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 318 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg