Looking for a fresh and fun dinner idea? These baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce are perfect. Light, tasty, and super easy!
You get juicy salmon meatballs baked to golden perfection. Then dip them in creamy, dreamy avocado sauce. Every bite is pure yum.
Perfect for healthy dinners, snacks, or meal prep. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and no frying needed.
Let’s grab some salmon and get rolling. Fresh, cozy meatball magic is just a few steps away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Flavorful: Fresh salmon gives these meatballs a soft, tender bite without feeling heavy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, heart-healthy fats, and fresh herbs, this is a meal you can feel good about.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, with no messy frying required.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store beautifully and reheat without drying out.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, bright flavors make these meatballs a hit with adults and kids alike.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings:
Makes about 18 meatballs, enough for 4–6 servings depending on how you serve them.
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate. Basic kitchen skills are all you need.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Food processor (optional, for chopping salmon)
- Microplane or fine grater (for lemon zest)
- Knife and cutting board
- Small blender or food processor (for avocado sauce)
Ingredients for Baked Salmon Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact amounts will be listed again in the recipe card):
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- Fresh Salmon (skin removed and finely chopped)
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Egg (lightly beaten)
- Fresh Garlic (minced)
- Dijon Mustard
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- Lemon Zest
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil Spray or Cooking Spray (for baking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- Ripe Avocado (peeled and pitted)
- Greek Yogurt
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Water (optional, for thinning the sauce)
Variations for Baked Salmon Meatballs
- Swap the Herbs: Try fresh dill or cilantro instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Leave out the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the meatball mixture.
- Different Sauce: Serve with a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy tzatziki instead of avocado sauce.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the meatballs in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for extra crispness.
How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Start by removing the skin from your salmon if it isn’t already done. Chop the salmon finely with a sharp knife or pulse it in a food processor until it’s minced but not pureed. You want small pieces, not mush.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the minced salmon, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together until just combined. Try not to overmix — that keeps the meatballs tender.
3. Form the Meatballs
Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. You should get about 18 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Tip: If the mixture feels too sticky, lightly wet your hands with water before shaping.
4. Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil spray. This helps them brown nicely.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and lightly golden on top.
You don’t need to flip them — they’ll cook evenly on their own.
5. Make the Avocado Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce:
In a small blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve
Transfer the baked salmon meatballs to a serving plate.
Drizzle with the creamy avocado sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs
These meatballs are super versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- As an Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks and a side of avocado sauce for dipping.
- In a Bowl: Serve over quinoa, rice, or couscous with a side of roasted vegetables.
- With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or cucumber tomato salad for a light meal.
- In a Wrap: Tuck into a pita or tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of sauce.
How to Store Baked Salmon Meatballs
- Refrigerator: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or gently microwave in 30-second bursts.
Tip: It’s best to make the avocado sauce fresh, as avocado can brown if stored too long.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Chop Salmon Evenly: Uniform pieces mean even cooking.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overworking the mixture makes dense meatballs.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon zest, herbs, and garlic make a big difference in flavor.
- Spray for Browning: A light mist of olive oil spray helps the meatballs bake up golden without needing to fry.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add water a little at a time if the avocado sauce feels too thick.
Nutrition Information (per serving, about 4-5 meatballs)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
Course: Uncategorized18
meatballs20
minutes18
minutes280
kcalIngredients
- For the Meatballs:
1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed and finely chopped
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray for baking
- For the Avocado Sauce:
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Water, as needed to thin
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon: Chop or pulse the salmon until finely minced.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Dijon, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Shape: Roll into 1½ tablespoon-sized meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth, thinning with water if needed.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over meatballs or serve on the side.
Baked Salmon Meatballs FAQs
Can I use canned salmon?
Yes, but fresh salmon gives better texture. Drain canned salmon well and remove any bones.
What can I substitute for panko?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even ground oats.
Can I make them ahead?
You can shape the meatballs a few hours ahead and bake just before serving. The sauce is best made fresh.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce are a refreshing, healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they fit perfectly into busy weeknights or special gatherings. Try them once, and they just might become a new favorite on your menu.
