Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Introducing a must-try recipe for all salmon lovers out there!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the salmon fillet until finely chopped. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the salmon. Mix until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden.
6. While the meatballs are baking, make the avocado sauce. In a food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
7. Serve the baked salmon meatballs with the creamy avocado sauce on the side.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g

Popular Questions:

• Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
  While fresh salmon is recommended for this recipe for better flavor and texture, canned salmon can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to drain the canned salmon well before using.
• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
  Yes, you can shape the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This can be a time-saving step for meal prep.
• Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
  Fresh parsley is preferred for its flavor, but dried parsley can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon.
• How can I make the avocado sauce thinner?
  If you prefer a thinner consistency for the avocado sauce, you can add a splash of water or extra lemon juice while blending.
• Can I freeze the baked meatballs?
  Yes, you can freeze the baked meatballs for later use. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Helpful Tips:

• For added flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Serve the meatballs over a bed of leafy greens or with a side of quinoa for a complete meal.
• You can customize the avocado sauce by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado mixture.

Expert Secrets:

• Make sure to not over mix the salmon mixture to maintain a tender texture in the meatballs.
• Using a food processor can help speed up the chopping process for the salmon fillet, but be careful not to blend it too finely.
• To ensure even cooking, try to shape the meatballs in a uniform size for consistent baking.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the avocado sauce right before serving can enhance the overall freshness of the dish.