Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce

This hearty baked salmon meatballs recipe delivers a perfect blend of savory seafood flavors complemented by a creamy avocado sauce. Each meatball packs the rich omega-3 benefits of salmon while remaining light and satisfying.

I first created these salmon meatballs during a health kick when I was craving something more exciting than plain baked fish. My family now requests them regularly, especially my teenager who typically avoids seafood but devours these without complaint.

Ingredients

• Skinless salmon: Chunks forming the protein-rich base that keeps the meatballs moist and tender
• Grated onion: Adding natural sweetness and moisture without noticeable texture
• Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Providing structure while keeping meatballs light
• Minced cilantro: Bringing fresh herbaceous notes that complement the salmon
• Egg white: Acting as the binding agent that helps meatballs hold their shape
• Garlic cloves: Adding aromatic depth that enhances the savory profile
• Spices: Including paprika and oregano creating complexity without overwhelming
• California avocado: Forming the creamy base of the sauce with its buttery texture
• Greek yogurt: Adding tanginess while keeping the sauce light and protein-rich
• Chipotle chili powder: Bringing smoky heat that balances the rich avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Salmon Mixture:

Process fresh salmon in a food processor until finely chopped but still maintaining some texture. This creates the perfect consistency for meatballs that hold together without becoming tough. Scrape down sides as needed to ensure even processing.

Combine Ingredients:

Mix processed salmon with grated onion, breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl. The grated onion adds moisture while the breadcrumbs and egg white help bind everything together. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the mixture.

Form Meatballs:

Shape mixture into uniform 2-tablespoon portions rolling between palms to create smooth balls. Apply gentle pressure to ensure they hold together without compacting too tightly. The mixture will be slightly wet but should hold its shape.

Bake to Perfection:

Place meatballs on a prepared baking sheet with enough space between each for even cooking. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until they develop a slight crust on the outside while remaining moist inside. They should feel firm to the touch when done.

Create Avocado Sauce:

Blend avocado, yogurt, garlic, lime juice, water, cilantro, chipotle powder, salt and pepper until completely smooth. Add water gradually to achieve your preferred consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to dollop but smooth enough to spread slightly.

Save

The chipotle powder in the avocado sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of regular chili powder and the smoky heat created such a perfect balance with the rich avocado that I never went back. Start with just a quarter teaspoon if you prefer milder heat.

Make-Ahead Options

These salmon meatballs actually benefit from being made a day ahead. The flavors meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator, and they reheat wonderfully in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The avocado sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance with a simple trick: press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before refrigerating to prevent browning.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these meatballs transform into a complete meal when served over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. For a more substantial meal, pair them with quinoa or brown rice pilaf. I often create a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and these meatballs drizzled with the avocado sauce.

Smart Substitutions

No salmon available? Substitute with firm white fish like cod or halibut, though cooking time may need slight adjustment. For those avoiding seafood entirely, ground turkey works surprisingly well with the same seasoning profile. The avocado sauce is adaptable too – if avocados aren't ripe, substitute with prepared hummus blended with the remaining sauce ingredients for a different but equally delicious topping.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these salmon meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salmon meatballs up to a day in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the shaped uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. The avocado sauce is best made fresh, but can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

→ What can I substitute for whole wheat panko breadcrumbs?

Regular panko breadcrumbs work perfectly as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed rice crackers, or cooked and cooled quinoa. Almond flour can also work as a low-carb alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.

→ How can I tell when the salmon meatballs are fully cooked?

The salmon meatballs are done when they're firm to the touch and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). They should be opaque throughout and will flake easily with a fork. The cooking time of 15-18 minutes at 350°F is typically sufficient, but cooking times may vary depending on the size of your meatballs.

→ What can I serve with these salmon meatballs?

These salmon meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try them with cilantro lime rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. They also work well in a wrap with the avocado sauce, some shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. For a heartier meal, serve them over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

→ Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned salmon in this recipe. Drain it well and remove any skin and bones. You'll need about 2 standard cans (7-8 oz each) to equal one pound of fresh salmon. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. This substitution makes the recipe even more convenient and budget-friendly.

→ How spicy is the avocado sauce?

The spice level is adjustable based on your preference. Using ¼ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder provides a mild heat that most people enjoy, while ½ teaspoon gives a more noticeable kick. You can always start with less and add more to taste. If you prefer no heat at all, you can omit the chipotle powder entirely and still have a delicious, creamy avocado sauce.