Healthy meals can be such a delight, right? They don’t have to be boring or bland! One of my absolute favorites is these baked salmon meatballs with a tangy avocado sauce. Trust me, they’re not just good for you; they pack a punch of flavor that keeps me coming back for more! I remember the first time I made salmon meatballs; I was a little skeptical but so pleasantly surprised by how tender and delicious they turned out. Plus, they’re super simple to whip up, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With fresh salmon, aromatic herbs, and a creamy avocado sauce, you get a meal that’s not only nutritious but also bursting with goodness. You’re going to love how easy and satisfying this dish is!
Ingredients for Baked Salmon Meatballs with a Tangy Avocado Sauce
Let’s dive into the vibrant ingredients that make these baked salmon meatballs shine! First and foremost, you’ll need 1 pound of fresh salmon, skin removed. Using fresh salmon is key here; it really elevates the flavor and texture of the meatballs. Next, grab 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to bind everything together and add a lovely crunch. You’ll also want 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that savory kick. Don’t forget 1 egg—this helps to hold our meatballs together. For flavor, we’ll use 2 cloves of minced garlic, a tablespoon of fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the tangy avocado sauce, you’ll need 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, plus a little salt to bring it all together. Trust me, this combination is simply delicious!
How to Prepare Baked Salmon Meatballs with a Tangy Avocado Sauce
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the preparation! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden color. Next, take your fresh salmon and chop it into smaller pieces—this makes it easier to mix. In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together gently but thoroughly; you want everything to blend nicely without overworking the salmon, which keeps the texture tender. Once it’s well mixed, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. I like to wet my hands a bit to prevent sticking. Place them on a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one for even cooking.
Prepping the Salmon and Mixture
For the best results, I recommend using a food processor to blend the salmon mixture. Just toss the chopped salmon in there and pulse a few times until it’s finely minced but not pureed. This gives your meatballs a wonderful, cohesive texture. Then, transfer the salmon to a large mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Combining everything by hand allows you to monitor the texture better, so don’t rush it! Just mix until you see a uniform consistency, and you’re ready to shape those meatballs!
Baking the Meatballs
Now it’s time to bake those beauties! Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a meat thermometer; they’re perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C). Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for a minute or two before serving—this helps them hold together better when you plate them.
Making the Tangy Avocado Sauce
While your meatballs are baking, let’s whip up that creamy tangy avocado sauce! In a blender, combine the ripe avocado, plain yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy—voilà! If you find the sauce is too thick, just add a splash of water or more lime juice until you reach your desired consistency. Feel free to get creative! You can add a bit of cilantro for a fresh twist or some chopped jalapeños if you like a kick. This sauce is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to elevate those salmon meatballs!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers! These baked salmon meatballs with a tangy avocado sauce are not only delicious but also pack a nutritious punch. For each meatball served with the sauce, you can expect approximately 220 calories. They contain about 12g of fat, including healthy unsaturated fats, and a solid 18g of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you full and satisfied. You’ll also get around 10g of carbohydrates with 3g of fiber, making this a well-rounded meal option. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, as individual ingredients can vary. But trust me, you’re making a smart choice with this recipe—healthy can be tasty, too!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your baked salmon meatballs turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t hesitate to experiment with the herbs. If you’re not a fan of dill, fresh parsley or chives work beautifully too! You can even try using different types of fish like trout or cod if you want to switch things up—just remember to keep the texture in mind. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Also, when shaping your meatballs, try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not add some chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the mix for extra veggies? Lastly, make sure to taste your mixture before baking—this way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Happy cooking!
Variations of the Recipe
One of the best things about these baked salmon meatballs is how versatile they can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the herbs? Instead of dill, try adding fresh basil or cilantro for a completely different flavor profile. You could even toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist! If you want to add a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños can really spice things up.
As for the sauce, the possibilities are endless! Consider mixing in some fresh lime zest for an extra zing or a splash of hot sauce if you like a kick. You could also swap out the yogurt for sour cream or even a dollop of hummus to change the creaminess factor. Want to add some crunch? A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on top of the sauce can add a delightful texture. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got those delicious baked salmon meatballs ready to go, let’s talk sides! I love serving them alongside a refreshing salad—think a crisp mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness really balances out the richness of the meatballs and the creamy avocado sauce. You could also pair them with some roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, which bring a lovely caramelization that complements the flavors beautifully.
If you’re feeling a bit heartier, consider whipping up some quinoa or brown rice on the side. They soak up the tangy sauce wonderfully and make the meal super filling. And for a fun twist, serve them in lettuce wraps with some sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots for a crunchy, fresh bite. Trust me, any of these options will make your meal absolutely delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious baked salmon meatballs fresh for later! To store any leftovers, make sure to place them in an airtight container. This is super important to maintain their flavor and moisture. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner again soon!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to keep them nice and crispy. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the meatballs on a baking sheet, and heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop them in for 30 seconds to a minute, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can dry out. Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first time!
Imprimer
Baked Salmon Meatballs with a Tangy Avocado Sauce Delight
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for baked salmon meatballs served with a tangy avocado sauce.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound fresh salmon, skin removed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- For the sauce, blend avocado, yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Serve meatballs warm with the tangy avocado sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: baked salmon meatballs, avocado sauce, healthy recipe
