These baked salmon meatballs are not only tasty but also packed with healthy goodness. They’re made from fresh salmon and come with a zesty avocado sauce that adds a fun twist!
Who knew meatballs could be so healthy? I love how easy they are to whip up, and that avocado sauce is a game-changer. Serve them with a salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s refreshing and light!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Salmon: The star of this dish! You can use skinless fillets or even canned salmon in a pinch. If you prefer a different fish, try using trout or cod for a unique twist.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a great crunch. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs work fine. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free panko or crushed nuts.
Greek Yogurt: This adds a nice creamy texture to the avocado sauce. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt for a similar creaminess.
Fresh Herbs (Dill & Parsley): These give great flavor! You can use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available, but use about one-third of the amount. If you’re not a fan of dill, cilantro or chives also work well!
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Salmon Mixture?
To keep your meatballs tender, it’s crucial not to overmix the ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Mix the salmon and the other ingredients just until they’re combined.
- Use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring vigorously.
- Don’t worry about getting everything super uniform—some texture is good!
This method ensures your meatballs are light and not dense, giving you a delicious bite every time!
What’s the Best Way to Cook These Meatballs for Extra Crispiness?
If you want meatballs that are crispy on the outside, here’s a great technique:
- After baking them for about 10-12 minutes, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully add the baked meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice, golden brown crust.
- This adds texture and enhances the overall flavor!
These tips will help you serve up some fantastic salmon meatballs with a delicious twist that everyone will enjoy! Serve them warm with that zesty avocado sauce for the perfect meal.
Baked Salmon Meatballs With A Tangy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and chopped finely or ground
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet or skillet)
For the Tangy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water or milk to thin the sauce if needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare, with around 15-18 minutes for baking. While the meatballs are in the oven, you can whip up the tangy avocado sauce in just a few minutes—so overall, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the meatballs. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Salmon Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely chopped or ground salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, parsley, dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix—this will help keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
3. Form the Meatballs:
With your hands or using a scoop, shape the mixture into small balls about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Place each meatball onto your prepared baking sheet. You should end up with about 12 delicious meatballs!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. They should be cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. If you want an extra crispy texture, you can pan-fry them in a little olive oil over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side after baking.
5. Prepare the Tangy Avocado Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up that zesty avocado sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth; if it’s too thick, add water or milk a tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
6. Serve:
Once the meatballs are baked to perfection, arrange them on a serving plate. Drizzle the tangy avocado sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. For a nice finishing touch, garnish with extra fresh dill and a wedge of lemon if desired.
Enjoy these flavorful salmon meatballs combined with the cool, creamy avocado sauce that perfectly complements each bite!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for the Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to completely thaw the frozen salmon beforehand. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour.
How to Store Leftover Salmon Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them until heated through. Just be careful not to overheat, as that can make them dry.
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the avocado sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to consume it fresh, as the avocado can brown. If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to minimize air exposure before sealing it in an airtight container. Consume it within 1-2 days for the best flavor.
What Can I Serve with These Salmon Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, steamed vegetables, or quinoa for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve them in lettuce wraps with the avocado sauce drizzled on top for a tasty twist!