Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

These Baked Salmon Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and packed with protein. Paired with a creamy avocado sauce, they make a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or as an elegant appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & Light – Baked, not fried, and loaded with omega-3s.
• Deliciously Moist – Salmon and fresh herbs keep these meatballs juicy.
• Easy Avocado Sauce – Creamy, tangy, and just a touch spicy!
• Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and store for easy meals.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound skinless salmon – Cut into chunks for easy processing.
• ½ medium onion, grated – Adds moisture and flavor.
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat panko breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs.
• 3 tablespoons minced cilantro – Adds a fresh, herby kick.
• 1 egg white – Lightens the texture and helps bind.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Essential for bold flavor.
• ¾ teaspoon salt – Enhances the taste.
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper – For a slight kick.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ teaspoon ground oregano – Brings an earthy note.

For the Avocado Sauce:

• ¾ ripe avocado – Creamy and nutrient-rich.
• 3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt – Adds tang and protein.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – For a punch of flavor.
• ½ lime, juiced – Brightens the sauce.
• 5 tablespoons water – Adjusts consistency.
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro – Infuses fresh, herbaceous notes.
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder – Adjust for spice preference.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper – Adds a little heat.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Process the Salmon – Add salmon chunks to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Mix the Meatball Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the salmon, onion, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg white, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir well until evenly combined.
4. Form the Meatballs – Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to shape the mixture into small meatballs, rolling between your palms.
5. Bake – Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until firm and cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Sauce

1. Blend Everything – In a food processor or blender, add avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, lime juice, water, cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend Until Smooth – Scrape down the sides as needed and adjust consistency by adding more water if desired.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

• Drizzle the avocado sauce over the salmon meatballs or serve it as a dip.
• Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh touch.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or fresh greens for a balanced meal.

this Recipe

Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Meatballs

• Don’t over-process – The salmon should be finely chopped, but not pureed.
• Use a scoop – This ensures evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.
• Adjust spice levels – Add more chipotle powder for extra heat.
• Let them rest – Allow meatballs to cool slightly before serving to help flavors settle.

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish – With rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.
• In a Wrap – Stuff into warm pitas with fresh veggies and extra sauce.
• On a Salad – Add to a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad.
• As an Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and avocado dip for an elegant starter.

Make Ahead & Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze uncooked or baked meatballs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Oven – Warm at 325°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead?
Yes! Use 1 (14-ounce) can of drained, flaked salmon. Adjust breadcrumbs if needed.

Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce are light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a meal, in wraps, or as a snack, they’ll quickly become a new favorite!

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