Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Sauce – A Fresh Seafood

If you’re looking to mix up your usual dinner routine with something light, flavorful, and surprisingly easy, these Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Sauce are the answer. They’re baked, not fried, made with clean ingredients, and pair beautifully with a creamy avocado-based topping that brings everything together.

These meatballs are packed with omega-3 rich salmon and fresh herbs. Topped with a zesty avocado crema or cream sauce, they become one of the most satisfying yet healthy snacks avocado fans will love. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Perfect for lunches, dinners, or even party appetizers, these unique salmon dishes stand out. Let’s explore how to make these soft, flavorful meatballs and that irresistible green sauce.

Save

Easy, Nutritious, and Perfect for Meal Prep or Entertaining

These meatballs check all the boxes. They’re quick to prepare, loaded with protein and healthy fats, and incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a main course with grains or greens, or as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks and a drizzle of sauce.

They’re also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, depending on your ingredients. That makes them ideal for those looking for healthy snacks with avocado or lighter salmon recipes for picky eaters.

Even better, these meatballs are baked—not fried. That makes them easier on the waistline and simpler to prepare with less mess in the kitchen.

A Delicious Alternative to Traditional Meatballs and a Hit with Picky Eaters

Unlike beef or pork meatballs, salmon meatballs with avocado crema offer a lighter texture and a more refreshing taste. The addition of lemon, dill, and green onion in the mix makes the flavor pop.

If your family is tired of the usual proteins or struggles with getting enough seafood in their diet, this dish is a smart and tasty solution. It’s especially useful when introducing kids or reluctant eaters to fish. These soft, herby meatballs are full of flavor but without the “fishy” taste that sometimes turns people off.

What You Need for Baked Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavorful meatballs and their creamy sauce.

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound fresh salmon (skinless) or use canned
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup almond flour or breadcrumbs
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the avocado sauce (avocado cream sauce or crema):

• 1 ripe avocado
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (use plant-based for dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of water to thin

This simple ingredient list creates a meal that feels special, even though it only takes about 35 minutes to make from start to finish.

Baking, Blending, and Assembling Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare the salmon
If using fresh salmon, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then flake into a bowl. Canned salmon works great too—just drain it well.

Step 2: Mix the meatball ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, egg, almond flour, green onions, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when shaped.

Step 3: Form the meatballs
Scoop out portions and roll into small balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and firm.

Step 5: Make the avocado sauce
While the meatballs bake, blend all avocado sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Adjust salt, lime, and water to taste and texture.

Step 6: Serve
Drizzle or dollop the sauce over the warm meatballs. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra lemon zest for a vibrant finish.

Save

Two Ways to Serve – Smooth, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor

There are two main styles of sauce you can use here—avocado cream sauce and avocado crema. The first uses Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy richness. The second can be lighter, sometimes blended with a splash of water and more lime juice.

Both work beautifully. For a thicker dip, go heavier on the avocado and yogurt. For a drizzle, thin it out and add a bit of olive oil. You can even add jalapeño for heat or cilantro for a bolder, Latin-inspired twist.

This flexibility makes the dish an exciting match for different meals and occasions.

Making Canned Salmon Meatballs the Right Way

Fresh salmon is amazing, but don’t overlook the convenience of canned salmon. In fact, these make excellent canned salmon meatballs that are fast and budget-friendly.

Just be sure to:

• Drain canned salmon thoroughly
• Remove any skin or large bones (many are soft and edible, but it’s optional)
• Add a bit more binder (almond flour or breadcrumbs) if the mixture feels too soft

This variation is perfect for quick lunches, last-minute dinners, or high-protein healthy snacks avocado lovers can enjoy without a fuss.

Creative Twists on Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Crema

Want to make it your own? Try these simple upgrades:

• Add cumin and chili powder for a Mexican-style flavor
• Mix in feta cheese and dill for a Greek-inspired bite
• Add spinach or kale for a veggie boost
• Replace Greek yogurt with tahini or hummus for a Middle Eastern variation

This recipe is highly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You can even flatten the meatballs into patties and serve them as sliders or in wraps.

Perfect Pairings, From Shrimp Avocado Toast to Light Side Salads

These baked salmon meatballs with avocado sauce are great as a standalone meal, but they also pair beautifully with other fresh, healthy sides.

Try serving with:

• Quinoa or wild rice
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• A side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Shrimp avocado toast as a fun appetizer combo

Whether plated elegantly for dinner guests or served in a lunchbox, these combinations help balance the meal while keeping it light.

How to Make This Dish Appealing for the Whole Family

These meatballs are naturally soft and flavorful, making them a great salmon recipe for picky eaters. Here’s how to boost the kid-friendliness:

• Skip strong herbs if kids are sensitive to flavor
• Use canned salmon for a milder taste
• Serve the sauce on the side as a dip
• Offer them in bite-sized portions or skewered with fruit and veggies

By adjusting the presentation and spice level, you can turn these meatballs into a meal that both kids and adults will look forward to.

Why These Meatballs Fit Into Healthy Snacks Avocado Lovers Crave

Need a quick snack that’s full of protein and healthy fats? These salmon meatballs with avocado cream sauce deliver. One or two meatballs with a scoop of sauce is enough to fuel you between meals without reaching for packaged snacks.

They’re especially great as part of a post-workout meal or mid-afternoon energy boost. You can prep a batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week.

Keeping Salmon Meatballs Fresh, Tasty, and Ready to Go

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce should be kept separate and consumed within 2–3 days for the best flavor.

To reheat, warm the meatballs in the oven or microwave. For a crisp finish, heat them in a skillet with a touch of oil. The avocado sauce is best served cold or at room temperature.

You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when needed—perfect for make-ahead meals.

What Not to Do When Cooking with Salmon and Avocado

To avoid common pitfalls:

• Don’t overbake the meatballs—they’ll dry out
• Don’t skip the acid in the sauce—it balances the richness
• Avoid using underripe avocados—they won’t blend smoothly
• Don’t forget seasoning—herbs and citrus make all the difference

A little care goes a long way in making this dish shine.

Everything to Prep, Bake, and Blend With Ease

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowls
• A food processor or blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Garlic press (optional)

These simple tools make prep quick and cleanup easy.

Save

Your Questions Answered About Baked Salmon and Avocado Pairings

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them in advance and reheat before serving.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Use sour cream, tahini, or a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Can I fry the meatballs instead?
Yes, but baking is cleaner and healthier.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, especially if you use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Do I need a food processor for the sauce?
No, but it helps. You can mash and mix by hand if needed.

Conclusion

These Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Sauce are flavorful, nourishing, and ready in under 40 minutes. They’re great for dinner, meal prep, or even a healthy snack. Whether you’re cooking with canned salmon or fresh fillets, the results are delicious.

Best of all, they’re versatile and customizable. With their creamy avocado topping and light texture, they offer a fresh new way to enjoy seafood. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked.

Print