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

Helpful Tips:

• For added flavor, try adding a dash of paprika or cayenne to the salmon mixture before shaping into meatballs.
• You can customize the avocado sauce by adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• To make the meatballs gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
• Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the salmon mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• These salmon meatballs can be served over a bed of greens, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
• Make a double batch of the meatballs and freeze the extras for a quick and convenient meal option later on.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.
• You can also grill the salmon meatballs for a smoky twist on this recipe.
• Serve the meatballs on skewers as an appetizer or party snack for a fun twist.
• Drizzle the avocado sauce over grilled chicken or veggies for a versatile and delicious condiment.

Expert Secrets:

• Ensure that the salmon fillet is fresh and of high quality for the best flavor and texture in the meatballs.
• Let the meatball mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the meatballs evenly for uniform cooking.
• To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking dish, lightly grease the parchment paper with olive oil.
• Test the doneness of the meatballs by inserting a thermometer into the center – they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
• Adjust the seasoning of the avocado sauce to your taste preferences by adding more lemon juice or salt as needed.
• To make the sauce creamier, blend in a tablespoon of olive oil or sour cream for added richness.
• Garnish the meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for a beautiful presentation.
• Leftover avocado sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days – perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on sandwiches.