Name: Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and just a little unexpected, this Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort dish. Imagine tender salmon meatballs baked to perfection, bursting with herbs and spices, paired with a luscious, silky avocado sauce that adds a cool, creamy zing with a hint of chipotle heat. It’s light, wholesome, and utterly crave-worthy, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a healthy weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side close-up views inside a clear food processor bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the food processor bowl is filled with fresh, bright orange salmon chunks with visible white stripes and some darker skin patches around the edges. On the right side, the food processor bowl now contains finely chopped salmon with a soft, slightly moist texture and a uniform orange color that fills the bowl more evenly. The white central blade of the food processor is visible in both bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the tender salmon to the bright cilantro, and the creamy avocado sauce with a subtle smoky kick.

Skinless salmon (1 pound): Fresh salmon is the star, providing meaty texture and rich omega-3 goodness.
Grated onion (½ medium): Adds moisture and a mellow sweetness that keeps the meatballs tender.
Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Bind everything together while adding a light, airy texture.
Minced cilantro (3 tbsp): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the flavors.
Egg white (1): Acts as a natural binder to hold the meatballs together.
Minced garlic cloves (2 for meatballs, 1 for sauce): Imparts a fragrant punch of savoriness.
Salt (¾ tsp for meatballs, ¼ tsp for sauce): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Ground pepper (½ tsp for meatballs, ¼ tsp for sauce): Adds a gentle spice and warmth.
Paprika (½ tsp): A subtle smokiness that deepens the taste profile.
Ground oregano (½ tsp): Offers a touch of earthiness and herbaceous depth.
California avocado (¾ fruit): The base of your creamy sauce, rich and buttery in flavor.
Fat-free plain Greek yogurt (3 tbsp): Gives the sauce a smooth tang and light texture.
Lime juice (½ lime): Adds vibrant acidity to cut through the richness.
Water (5 tbsp): Helps blend the sauce to a perfectly silky consistency.
Chipotle chili powder (¼ to ½ tsp): Provides a smoky, spicy kick that makes the sauce unforgettable.

How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and prepping a baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure your meatballs don’t stick. Then, pulse the chunks of salmon in a food processor until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed for an even texture. This fine chopping makes the meatballs dense but tender.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients

Transfer the minced salmon to a large bowl where you’ll add the grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, so each meatball is bursting with flavor and perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Forming the Meatballs

Using about 2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture for each meatball, roll them gently between the palms of your hands. The size is just right to hold together yet cook evenly. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the baking sheet—you want them to have room to bake ideally without steaming.

Step 4: Baking

Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done once they’re firm to the touch and cooked through, with a beautiful tender texture inside and a slight golden crust outside.

Step 5: Making the Creamy Avocado Sauce

While the meatballs bake, combine the avocado, fat-free plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, water, minced cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend these until perfectly smooth and creamy, the kind of sauce that makes you want to dip everything into it.

How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with evenly spaced round orange balls that look crispy on the outside and mixed with green herbs. Each ball has a smooth, light green sauce drizzled diagonally from the top left to bottom right. Around the balls, small bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra minced cilantro or some finely chopped green onions on top of your baked salmon meatballs for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A small wedge of lime on the side also allows guests to add a splash of zing just before digging in.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad or steamed vegetables. For a more hearty option, consider serving them with brown rice or quinoa to soak up that luscious avocado sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn these into an impressive appetizer by plating the meatballs on mini skewers with dollops of the creamy avocado sauce on the side? Or serve them nestled in whole wheat pita pockets with crunchy slaw for a fresh, handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover baked salmon meatballs or avocado sauce, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado sauce separate to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. The avocado sauce doesn’t freeze well, so prepare fresh if possible.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them briefly, but baking preserves the texture best. Serve with freshly made avocado sauce for the ultimate experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before processing to avoid excess moisture that can affect the texture of the meatballs.

Is it necessary to use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs?

Not necessarily, but whole wheat panko adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Regular panko or even finely crushed crackers can work as substitutes.

Can the avocado sauce be made dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the fat-free plain Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or a bit of coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free version.

How spicy is the avocado sauce with chipotle chili powder?

The chipotle adds a smoky warmth rather than intense heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder sauce.

Can these meatballs be cooked on a grill instead of baked?

For sure! Just be mindful to oil the grill grates well and cook over medium heat until they’re cooked through, turning carefully to prevent them from falling apart.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about preparing and sharing this Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce Recipe. It brings together wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors in a way that feels both comforting and fresh. I can’t wait for you to try making these—once you do, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite for your family and friends, just like they are for me!