Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Here’s a delicious recipe for Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce:

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh or canned salmon, skinless and boneless
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

For the Salmon Meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. In a food processor, pulse the salmon until it is finely chopped but not pureed.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Lightly drizzle or spray the meatballs with olive oil.
6. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check doneness by inserting a thermometer into the center of a meatball (it should read 145°F or 63°C).

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

1. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or more lime juice to reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat, if desired.

To Serve:

• Serve the baked salmon meatballs hot with a generous drizzle of creamy avocado sauce over the top. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or over quinoa or rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your healthy and tasty salmon meatballs with creamy avocado sauce!