Dinner

Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Name: Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking); 1 ripe avocado; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

ByHarper Ellington November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

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Introduction

These baked salmon meatballs offer a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Paired with a creamy avocado sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or light main dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re simple to prepare and sure to please.

The image shows a white square plate with about a dozen round, golden brown salmon meatballs that have green herbs mixed inside them. Each meatball has a creamy light green sauce dolloped on top, and small fresh green herb pieces are scattered around the plate. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more of the same light green sauce. The surface under the plate has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about a tablespoon in size. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, until firm and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: While the meatballs bake, blend the avocado, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy to make the avocado sauce.
Step 6: Serve the warm salmon meatballs with a generous drizzle of the avocado sauce. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for a lighter texture.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the meatball mix for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt in the avocado sauce for a tangier flavor and extra protein.
Serve meatballs over a bed of mixed greens or rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado sauce separate and refrigerated as well; it’s best used within 1-2 days due to avocado browning. Reheat meatballs gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

The image shows a white square plate with two layers of round salmon balls, about twelve in total. Each salmon ball is golden brown with green herb bits mixed throughout, giving a textured look. On top of many salmon balls, there is a dollop of pale green creamy sauce with small green herb specks. The salmon balls are also sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley leaves around the plate. At the back right corner, there is a white bowl filled with the same pale green sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used but make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the meatball mixture.

Can these meatballs be pan-fried instead of baked?

Absolutely. You can cook the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.