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 to ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

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Introduction

These baked salmon meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Paired with a creamy avocado sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or light meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

The image shows a white curved rectangular plate filled with small round golden brown fried balls arranged in rows. Each ball is topped with a thick drizzle of light green creamy sauce that runs unevenly over the top. Finely chopped dark green herbs are sprinkled all over the balls and the plate, adding color contrast. The balls have a slightly bumpy texture, showing bits of ingredients inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Place the salmon chunks in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as necessary. Transfer the chopped salmon to a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the grated onion, panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano to the salmon. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each, roll the salmon mixture between your palms to form meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and cooked through.
Step 6: While the meatballs bake, prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice, water, minced cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 7: Serve the baked salmon meatballs warm, accompanied by the creamy avocado sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier sauce, increase the chipotle chili powder gradually to suit your taste.
Substitute plain panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be added for an extra flavor boost.
Use fresh lime juice to keep the avocado sauce bright and tangy.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs gently in the oven at 300 degrees F until warmed through. The avocado sauce is best served fresh but can be stirred and chilled before serving if stored.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with about twenty small, round meatballs arranged in neat rows. Each meatball is golden-brown with small green herb bits visible inside, giving a textured look. On top of every meatball, there is a thick drizzle of light green creamy sauce running diagonally from one side to the other. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled all over the plate and meatballs, adding a fresh touch. The background is a white marbled surface that brightens the dish, making the colors stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before processing to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

How can I make the meatballs crispy?

For a crispier texture, you can lightly spray the meatballs with oil before baking or finish them with a quick sauté in a hot pan after baking.