Looking for a dinner recipe that’s both impressive and doable on busy nights? I’ve got just the thing – salmon meatballs with avocado sauce. This dish completely transforms ordinary salmon into something special, with tender meatballs that practically melt in your mouth and a creamy avocado sauce that adds the perfect balance. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats. Want to know my secret to getting these meatballs perfectly tender every time?
Why You’ll Love these Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
If you’re looking for a fresh twist on dinner that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, these salmon meatballs with avocado sauce will absolutely hit the spot. I’m obsessed with how these little protein powerhouses combine the omega-rich goodness of salmon with the creamy decadence of avocado sauce.
What’s not to love? They’re ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without the fuss. The meatballs stay remarkably tender thanks to minimal handling, and that avocado sauce? It’s basically heaven in a bowl—tangy, creamy, and just begging to be spooned over everything. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free if you swap in GF breadcrumbs. Fancy enough for guests but simple enough for Monday dinner.
What Ingredients are in Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce?
For these delicious salmon meatballs with avocado sauce, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
- 1 pound of skinless salmon
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Remember that the quality of your salmon matters quite a bit here, so try to find the freshest piece you can—wild-caught is wonderful if it’s available, but whatever looks best at your market will work perfectly.
How to Make these Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
Step 1: Process the salmon
Take 1 pound of skinless salmon and pulse it in a food processor until it’s ground to a consistency that will hold together when shaped.
You want it minced but not turned into paste—think slightly chunky but well combined.
Using a premium food processor will give you much more control over the texture of your salmon, ensuring perfectly consistent results every time.
Step 2: Mix the meatball ingredients
Transfer your ground salmon to a mixing bowl and add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently mix everything together until just combined.
Step 3: Form the meatballs
With clean hands, form the salmon mixture into approximately 1-inch balls.
The mixture might feel a bit sticky, but resist the urge to add more breadcrumbs as this could dry out your meatballs.
Step 4: Chill the meatballs
Place your formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate them for about 20 minutes.
This resting time helps the meatballs firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
Step 5: Bake the meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the chilled meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.
Step 6: Prepare the avocado sauce
While the meatballs are baking, make your sauce by blending 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a food processor or blender.
Season with salt and pepper, then blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Arrange the warm salmon meatballs on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the creamy avocado sauce.
For an extra touch of freshness, you might want to garnish with additional chopped dill or a squeeze of lime.
What to Serve with Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
These zesty salmon meatballs make a perfect dinner centerpiece, but what should accompany them?
I love serving them over a bed of lemon-infused quinoa or brown rice to soak up that creamy avocado sauce. For something lighter, try a crisp cucumber and radish salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Roasted asparagus spears or sautéed zucchini ribbons add a veggie component that pairs beautifully with the salmon’s richness.
Need a drink pairing? A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with cucumber slices complements these flavors wonderfully.
For a heartier meal, warm pita bread or crusty sourdough on the side lets you scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce Substitutions and Variations
- Spice It Up: Add minced jalapeño to the meatballs or a dash of hot sauce to the avocado sauce for heat lovers.
- Texture Boosters: Mix in finely chopped red bell pepper or grated zucchini to the meatball mixture for extra veggies.
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, microgreens, or crispy fried shallots before serving.
- Zesty Twist: Add lemon zest to the meatballs and garnish with extra citrus wedges for brightness.
Leftovers and Storage for these Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
These delicious meatballs deserve proper storage to maintain their fresh flavor! Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The avocado sauce, though? That’s a bit trickier – it’s best used within 24 hours before oxidation turns it brown (nobody wants that).
For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 1 month. The texture holds up surprisingly well!
When reheating:
- Microwave: 30-second bursts until just warmed through
- Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain that lovely exterior
Pro tip: Make a fresh batch of avocado sauce for your leftovers – it takes just minutes and tastes worlds better than stored sauce.
The meatballs themselves actually develop deeper flavor overnight, making day-two lunch something to look forward to!
Final Thoughts
These salmon meatballs strike that perfect balance between sophistication and comfort food. The bright dill complements the rich salmon while the creamy avocado sauce adds a velvety contrast that elevates the entire dish.
They’re perfect for those evenings when you want something nutritious but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of omega-rich salmon and heart-healthy avocado makes this not just delicious but nourishing too.
Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a family-friendly main course with a side of greens, these meatballs offer a revitalizing twist on seafood that will become a welcome addition to your recipe collection. If you enjoy salmon dishes, try making a creamy salmon pasta with garlic and parmesan for another quick yet elegant dinner option.
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