Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce are a healthy, flavorful dish combining tender salmon meatballs infused with herbs and spices, baked to perfection, and served with a smooth, zesty avocado yogurt sauce. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
Avocado Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Process salmon: Place the salmon chunks into the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides as needed. Transfer the finely chopped salmon to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix meatball ingredients: Add the grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, ground pepper, paprika, and oregano to the salmon in the bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form meatballs: Using about a 2-tablespoon portion of the salmon mixture, roll the mixture between your palms to form meatballs. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Bake the salmon meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and cooked through.
- Prepare avocado sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the avocado, fat-free plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice, water, minced cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and ground pepper in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them hot alongside the creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs add a nice texture and whole-grain nutrition, but regular panko can also be used.
- Adjust chipotle chili powder according to your preferred spice level for the avocado sauce.
- Egg white acts as a binder to help the meatballs hold their shape; be careful not to over-process the salmon to retain texture.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or main course paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
