Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and downright delicious dinner idea, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe. Seriously, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and baked to perfection, while the creamy avocado sauce adds a bright, zesty kick that totally brings the dish to life. Once you try this recipe, it might just become a staple in your kitchen too!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how these ingredients balance nutrition with flavor — each plays an essential role to keep the meatballs light, but satisfying. Plus, you’ll notice I add whole wheat panko breadcrumbs that add a gentle crunch without any heaviness. When shopping, fresh salmon and ripe California avocado are key to nailing the texture and taste.

• Skinless salmon: This is the star of the dish; fresh, high-quality salmon gives you that tender, flavorful base.
• Onion (grated): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture without overpowering.
• Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: I like these for a lighter crunch and added fiber.
• Minced cilantro: Brings fresh herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with fish.
• Egg white: Acts as the binder to hold the meatballs together without extra fat.
• Garlic: Provides a punch of savory depth both in the meatballs and sauce.
• Salt, pepper, paprika, oregano: These spices give warmth and complexity to the meatballs.
• California avocado: Silky and creamy, this smooths out the sauce and adds healthy fats.
• Fat-free plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the sauce creamy with less fat and adds a subtle tang.
• Lime juice: Brightens and lifts the whole dish with a little zing.
• Chipotle chili powder: Offers smoky heat—start light and adjust to taste!

Make It Your Way

This recipe is super flexible, which I love. Over the years, I’ve played around with the spices and herbs to suit my mood and what’s in my kitchen. Feel free to tweak it—you can easily add a bit of heat or keep it mild, or experiment with different herbs. Trust me, I always encourage making the recipe your own!

• Variation: Sometimes I swap cilantro for fresh dill or parsley when I want a different herbal note; it still tastes incredible.
• Spicy Twist: If you like more heat, add a pinch more chipotle or even a little cayenne to the meatballs or sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts instead of panko for a grain-free option.
• Make It Vegan: I haven’t tried vegan versions myself, but you could experiment with mashed chickpeas plus a flax egg and vegan yogurt for the sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pulse the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a baking sheet with cooking spray. Then pop the skinless salmon chunks into your food processor and pulse until they’re finely chopped—but not mushy. I like to scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything is evenly minced. This step is crucial because it makes the meatballs tender and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Transfer the chopped salmon to a large bowl, then add the grated onion, whole wheat panko, minced cilantro, egg white, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything gently until combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep your meatballs light and fluffy. If the mixture feels too wet, add a touch more panko.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball, roll them gently between your palms to form balls. Place them spaced apart on your baking sheet. Then pop them into the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and cooked through. I always test one by cutting it open to check — no one likes undercooked salmon!

Step 4: Blend the Avocado Sauce

While the meatballs bake, toss all the sauce ingredients—avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, lime juice, water, cilantro, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper—into a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a silky smooth sauce. I like adding water little by little to dial in my preferred consistency; sometimes, I want it thick and spoonable, other times thinner for drizzling.

How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and a tiny squeeze of lime on top before serving—these simple touches brighten the whole plate. Sometimes, I add thinly sliced radishes or a dusting of smoked paprika to boost the color and flavor dimension. Little garnishes like these make it feel special.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair perfectly with light sides like a crisp mixed green salad, quinoa, or roasted veggies. My go-to is roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The freshness balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving the meatballs on skewers with small cups of avocado sauce on the side for dipping—it’s fun and interactive. Another winner? Placing them over a bed of cauliflower rice and garnishing with edible flowers for a stunning, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salmon meatballs keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always store the avocado sauce separately to keep it fresh and prevent browning. When you’re ready to eat, it’s just a quick reheat away.

Freezing

Freezing these meatballs works great! Just arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They keep up to 2 months. Pro tip: Don’t freeze the sauce — it changes texture when frozen, so make a fresh batch when you thaw your meatballs.

Reheating

I reheat leftover meatballs in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to keep them from drying out. You could also gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water covered with a lid—this method keeps them moist. Serve immediately with fresh avocado sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is actually good for you, and it comes together with minimal fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you make it, I bet it’ll sneak into your regular rotation just like it did mine. Go on, give it a whirl and enjoy every bite!

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