Ingredients
For 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
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- ¾ California avocado, skin and 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 oven and baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Chop the salmon: Place the chunks of skinless salmon into a food processor. Pulse several times until finely chopped and almost ground, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the chopped salmon to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: To the bowl with salmon, add the grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, minced cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, ground pepper, paprika, and ground oregano. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form the meatballs: Take about 2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture and roll it between your palms to form a meatball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the salmon meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and cooked through.
- Make the creamy avocado sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the avocado, fat-free Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, water, minced cilantro, chipotle chili powder, salt, and ground pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend everything until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them warm alongside the creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious meal!
Notes
- Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for added fiber and a healthier texture.
- The chipotle chili powder in the sauce adds a subtle smoky heat; adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Make sure to use skinless salmon chunks to avoid chewy texture in the meatballs.
- For a firmer meatball, do not skip the egg white which acts as a binder.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; check for firmness rather than relying solely on time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
