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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- 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.
- Using clean hands, carefully roll the salmon mixture into uniform compact meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Arrange the salmon meatballs evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between each ball.
- Delicately drizzle additional olive oil over the meatballs to enhance moisture and promote golden browning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove meatballs from oven once they appear golden and feel firm to touch.
- 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