Salmon Meatball Delight

Looking for a fun and healthy twist on traditional meatballs? Look no further than this Salmon Meatball Delight recipe! Packed with flavors and paired with a creamy avocado sauce, this dish is sure to impress both your family and your taste buds. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful dish in just about 38 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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 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, depending on your heat preference
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions to Delight

Preparing the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Finely chop the salmon using a food processor. Be sure to scrape down the sides to ensure even chopping. Transfer the chopped salmon to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add flavor and texture by mixing in the grated onion, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano with the salmon.
4. Form the meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture for each. Roll them between the palms of your hands and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
5. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the meatballs are firm to the touch and cooked thoroughly.

Creating the Sauce:

1. Blend the sauce ingredients together using a food processor or blender until smooth. The avocado should give it a creamy texture, while the lime juice adds a nice zesty kick.
2. Adjust the seasoning and thickness by adding more chipotle chili powder for heat or water for a thinner consistency.

Serving:

• Plate the baked salmon meatballs and drizzle generously with the creamy avocado sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber, and the avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or cheese.

Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just want to spice up your weeknight meal routine, these Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce are a perfect choice. Easy to prepare and delightfully different, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So, preheat your oven and get ready for a tasty adventure that’s as good for you as it is for your palate!