Name: Golden Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (chopped): The star ingredient, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal.; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together, adding texture and aiding in achieving a crispy exterior.; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: This cheese adds depth of flavor and a savory note that complements the salmon.; 1/4 cup parsley (chopped): Fresh herbs contribute brightness and help cut through the richness of the salmon.; 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds a pungent kick that enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.; 1 egg: This acts as a binding agent to help hold the meatballs together during cooking.; 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess, enhancing the flavor profile of the meatballs.; 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.; Olive oil (for drizzling): A simple drizzle helps achieve that golden, crispy finish in the oven.; 1 ripe avocado: Packed with healthy fats, it will form the creamy base of your sauce.; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a healthy dose of protein.; 1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides freshness and helps prevent the avocado from browning.; 1 clove garlic (minced): Enhances flavor in the sauce just like in the meatballs.; Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.; Water (to thin, as needed): Adjusts the consistency of the sauce to your preference.

Description

Savor Golden Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce—flavorful, moist salmon meatballs paired with a rich, creamy avocado dip.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh salmon fillet (chopped): The star ingredient, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together, adding texture and aiding in achieving a crispy exterior.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan: This cheese adds depth of flavor and a savory note that complements the salmon.
1/4 cup parsley (chopped): Fresh herbs contribute brightness and help cut through the richness of the salmon.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds a pungent kick that enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
1 egg: This acts as a binding agent to help hold the meatballs together during cooking.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess, enhancing the flavor profile of the meatballs.
1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Olive oil (for drizzling): A simple drizzle helps achieve that golden, crispy finish in the oven.

For the creamy avocado sauce, you’ll need:

1 ripe avocado: Packed with healthy fats, it will form the creamy base of your sauce.
1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a healthy dose of protein.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides freshness and helps prevent the avocado from browning.
1 clove garlic (minced): Enhances flavor in the sauce just like in the meatballs.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Water (to thin, as needed): Adjusts the consistency of the sauce to your preference.

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a food processor, combine 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (chopped), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 egg, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pulse until the mixture is chunky but well combined, taking care not to over-process it.
Form the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for even cooking.
Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Prepare the creamy avocado sauce: While the meatballs are baking, in a bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado and mix in 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced clove of garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Once the meatballs are golden and cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve the meatballs topped with the creamy avocado sauce, garnished with additional parsley if desired.