Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes! Just be sure to drain it well and remove any skin or bones. The texture will be softer, but still delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.

Can I make the meatballs in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Try a dairy-free yogurt, coconut cream, or just add a little more avocado and lime juice with a splash of water.

Can I meal prep these?

Definitely! These meatballs are great for meal prep—store them in the fridge and reheat as needed. Just keep the sauce separate until serving.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

They should feel firm to the touch and have a lightly golden color. You can also check for an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).

Can I add veggies to the meatballs?

Yes! Finely grated zucchini or carrot works well—just squeeze out extra moisture before mixing in.

Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb skinless salmon fillet (fresh or thawed)
1/2 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs if not gluten-free)
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a few cilantro leaves or a pinch of cumin for extra flavor

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Chop salmon into small chunks and pulse in a food processor until finely minced (or mince by hand).
In a large bowl, combine minced salmon, almond flour, egg, garlic, parsley, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form 1.5 tablespoon portions into meatballs (about 16–18 total).
Place on prepared sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until firm and golden.
While baking, blend all avocado sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add a splash of water to thin if needed.
Serve warm meatballs with the avocado sauce drizzled on top or as a dip.

Notes

Wet your hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking. Add more almond flour if the mixture feels too wet. Store meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for best freshness.

Author: Clara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: salmon meatballs, avocado sauce, healthy dinner, gluten-free, low-carb, meal prep