Looking for something easy, healthy, and incredibly satisfying for dinner tonight? Let me introduce you to baked salmon meatballs with creamy avocado sauce—a simple twist on comfort food that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

These salmon meatballs are tender, flavorful, and baked instead of fried, which keeps things light without sacrificing any of the taste. And the creamy avocado sauce? It’s the perfect cool, zesty companion that brings everything together.

Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, cook more seafood at home, or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this recipe fits the bill. Let’s dig in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s a lot to love here. First, these meatballs are made with fresh salmon, giving them a rich, clean flavor that pairs beautifully with bright herbs and citrus. Since they’re baked, you don’t need to fuss with hot oil or worry about frying. That means less mess and fewer calories.

They come together quickly—perfect for weeknights—but they’re elegant enough for entertaining. And if you’re into meal prep, they store well and reheat beautifully. The creamy avocado sauce isn’t just a dip; it’s a flavorful, tangy, and creamy topping that elevates the dish into something special.

Suitable For

This recipe is great for anyone trying to make smarter food choices without giving up flavor. It works for:

• Weeknight family dinners

• Gluten-free or low-carb diets (with a simple swap)

• Picky eaters who might not love fish (these meatballs might change their minds)

• Meal preppers looking for a protein-packed option

Ingredients for Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Let’s break down what you’ll need. You probably have a lot of this on hand already, and if not, there are plenty of options for substitutions.

Core Ingredients

For the Salmon Meatballs:

• Fresh salmon – Skinless and boneless is ideal. You’ll finely chop or pulse it to form the meatball base.

• Egg – Acts as the binder to hold the mixture together.

• Green onions – Adds mild sharpness and freshness.

• Garlic – A must for flavor.

• Breadcrumbs or almond flour – For structure. Go with almond flour if you want a lower-carb version.

• Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy bite and a little depth.

• Lemon zest – Brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with fish.

• Parsley – Fresh herbs make a big difference here.

• Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning, but important.

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• Avocado – Ripe and creamy, the star of the sauce.

• Greek yogurt or sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess.

• Lime juice – Balances the richness and keeps the avocado vibrant.

• Garlic – Adds a punch of flavor.

• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.

• Optional splash of water – Helps thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have breadcrumbs? Use almond flour, oat flour, or even crushed crackers. Prefer cod or tuna over salmon? Go for it. This recipe is wonderfully flexible.

Want to make it dairy-free? Use coconut yogurt in the sauce. Trying to keep things extra lean? Use less oil and skip the optional drizzle.

The sauce can also be adjusted to your taste—add fresh cilantro, jalapeño for heat, or even a dash of cumin for a smoky twist.

Best Salmon for Salmon Meatballs

Choosing the right salmon can really elevate the dish. If you’re buying fresh, look for skinless, boneless fillets. Wild-caught tends to have a deeper flavor, while farm-raised is milder and often more affordable.

You can also use frozen salmon—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before chopping. And yes, canned salmon works in a pinch! Just remove any large bones and skin, and be sure to drain it well.

Pro tip: Don’t over-process the salmon. A few pulses in the food processor is all you need. You want a bit of texture to make the meatballs tender and satisfying, not mushy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment to pull this off—just a few basics.

Must-Have Tools

• Baking sheet – A rimmed one works best to keep everything contained.

• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Mixing bowls – One for the salmon mixture, one for the sauce.

• Knife and cutting board – For prepping your ingredients.

• Blender or food processor – Optional but helpful for both the meatball mix and the sauce.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Cookie scoop – Helps portion the meatballs evenly.

• Microplane – For zesting the lemon and lime easily.

• Air fryer – If you want to try a crispier version of the meatballs.

How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Let’s walk through this step by step—no stress, no fancy tricks, just real, flavorful food made right in your kitchen. These salmon meatballs come together quickly, and once you’ve made them once, you’ll probably find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. The avocado sauce takes just minutes and adds that creamy, zesty finishing touch.

Here’s exactly how to bring it all together.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and help the meatballs brown nicely without sticking.

If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispness.

Step 2: Make the Salmon Mixture

In a food processor, pulse your salmon just a few times until it’s finely chopped. You’re not making a puree here—think small chunks that will hold together well but still give the meatballs some texture. If you don’t have a food processor, just use a sharp knife and chop it by hand.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon with:

• One beaten egg

• Finely chopped green onions

• One clove garlic, minced

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Mix it all together until just combined. Don’t overmix—it can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16–18 meatballs, depending on the size.

Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Give them a quick spray or light brush with olive oil. This helps them brown in the oven.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. The exact time may vary based on size, so check one at the 12-minute mark.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up the sauce. In a blender or small food processor, combine:

• 1 ripe avocado

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 garlic clove

• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy and spoonable—not runny, but not so thick it won’t drizzle.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. A bit more lime juice or salt can brighten it up beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your meatballs are out of the oven, serve them warm with a generous drizzle or dollop of the creamy avocado sauce. Garnish with a bit of extra parsley or lime wedges if you like.

You can serve them on their own as a starter, or make it a full meal with rice, salad, or roasted veggies.

Tips for Success

These meatballs are pretty forgiving, but a few extra tips can help make sure they turn out just right:

• Don’t over-process the salmon. You want a fine chop, not a paste.

• Let the mixture chill for 10–15 minutes before forming if it feels too soft—this helps with shaping.

• Keep your hands damp when forming the meatballs. It makes the process smoother and prevents sticking.

• Try them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes if you want a crispier exterior.

How to Store Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Got leftovers? Great—these keep really well and make for easy lunches or snacks the next day.

At Room Temperature

Once cooked, they’re fine sitting out for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be stored in the fridge.

In the Refrigerator

Place the meatballs in an airtight container and store for up to 3–4 days. Store the avocado sauce separately in a container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning.

Freezing Tips

The meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake at 350°F or warm in a skillet. You can also use an air fryer to crisp them up again.

Don’t freeze the avocado sauce—it won’t hold up well in the freezer and will lose its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, canned salmon works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained and remove any bones or skin. The texture will be softer, but still delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can form the meatballs and store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep even easier.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Sour cream works great, or you can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

They should be firm to the touch and lightly golden on the outside. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check—it should be opaque and fully cooked through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these baked salmon meatballs with creamy avocado sauce, you might also love:

• Avocado Mozzarella and Tomato Grilled Cheese – A flavorful vegetarian grilled sandwich featuring creamy avocado.

• Marry Me Salmon Recipe – A creamy, romantic twist on salmon that’s perfect for special dinners.

• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Another meatball-style favorite with creamy comfort-food vibes.

• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A healthy, balanced bowl option with bold garlic flavor.

• Creamy Avocado Egg Salad Recipe – A great use for ripe avocados in another creamy, protein-rich meal.

Conclusion

These baked salmon meatballs with creamy avocado sauce are one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—healthy, flavorful, easy to make, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish brings just the right mix of comfort and freshness

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