Description
These Baked Salmon Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs! Packed with nutritious salmon, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, they are tender and flavorful. Paired with a creamy avocado sauce, this dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillets in a large bowl. Use a fork to mash the salmon into small pieces, removing any bones if needed.
- Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12-14 meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
- Drizzle the meatballs with a little olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
Step 3: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the meatballs with the creamy avocado sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle the sauce over the meatballs.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the ingredients for the meatballs to keep them tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Add Herbs: Feel free to add more fresh herbs like dill or chives to the meatballs or sauce for extra flavor.