Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Ingredients:
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Salmon Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown.
Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on top.
Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- In a food processor, blend the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- If needed, add a tablespoon of water for a smoother consistency.
Serve:
- Arrange the salmon meatballs on a platter and drizzle with the creamy avocado sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of color.
Variations:
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb version.
