Description
These baked salmon meatballs are a delicious and healthy entree featuring tender salmon blended with aromatic herbs and spices, baked to perfection and served with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce. Perfect for a nutritious dinner that’s both satisfying and clean-eating friendly.
Ingredients
The Meatballs:
- 1 pound skinless salmon, cut into chunks
- ½ medium onion, grated
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1 egg white
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
The Sauce:
- ¾ California avocado, skin & seed removed
- 3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ lime, juiced
- 5 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the salmon chunks into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the chopped salmon to a large mixing bowl. Add grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a 2-tablespoon measure, scoop the salmon mixture and roll it between your palms to form evenly sized meatballs. Arrange the meatballs spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and fully cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine avocado, fat-free plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice, water, minced cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are baked, serve them hot topped with a generous dollop of the creamy avocado sauce for a flavorful and healthy meal.
Notes
- Weight Watchers Points: 3 (Freestyle SmartPoints).
- Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for added fiber and healthier texture.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder in the sauce according to your spice preference, starting with ¼ teaspoon and increasing up to ½ teaspoon.
- For best results, use fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice for maximum flavor.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the salmon by hand and blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly with a blender or immersion blender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Entrees
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
