Salmon is one of my go-to proteins for meal prep because it’s packed with nutrients, cooks quickly, and pairs well with so many flavors. These Baked Salmon Meatballs take all the benefits of salmon and turn them into bite-sized, flavor-packed perfection. They’re baked (not fried), super easy to make, and topped with a light avocado crema that brings everything together.
Whether you meal prep them for the week or serve them up fresh for dinner, these meatballs are a game-changer in any high-protein meal rotation. And if you’re short on time, you can even cook them in the air fryer for an even faster meal!
Let’s get cooking.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb skinless salmon, cut into chunks
- ½ medium onion, grated
- ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 cup watercress, finely chopped
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon water (adjust for desired consistency)
How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs
Oven Method (Best for Meal Prep)
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Salmon – Place the salmon chunks in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients – Add the grated onion, breadcrumbs, watercress, egg white, garlic, and seasonings. Mix everything until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs – Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through.
- Make the Avocado Crema – While the meatballs bake, blend all the crema ingredients until smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy – Drizzle with the avocado crema and serve over rice, salad, or roasted veggies.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Meatballs (Quick Method)
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Follow Steps 2-4 from the oven method to prepare the meatballs.
- Air Fry – Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Make the Crema – Blend all crema ingredients until smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy – Drizzle with the crema and serve as desired.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?
Yes! If using canned salmon, make sure it’s well-drained and flaked before mixing it with the other ingredients. You may need to reduce the breadcrumbs slightly since canned salmon is drier.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re gluten-free or low-carb, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
What should I serve these with?
These meatballs pair well with white or brown rice, quinoa, a fresh Greek salad, roasted veggies, or even in a wrap.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
These Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Crema are a perfect high-protein, easy-to-make meal that works for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. If you try them, let me know how they turn out!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb skinless salmon cut into chunks
- ½ onion grated
- ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 cup watercress finely chopped
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ea avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 ea garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon water adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
- Oven Method (Best for Meal Prep)
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Salmon – Place the salmon chunks in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients – Add the grated onion, breadcrumbs, watercress, egg white, garlic, and seasonings. Mix everything until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs – Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through.
- Make the Avocado Crema – While the meatballs bake, blend all the crema ingredients until smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy – Drizzle with the avocado crema and serve over rice, salad, or roasted veggies.
Video
Nutrition
Want more meal prep recipes? Sign up for my email list for weekly high-protein meal ideas straight to your inbox.
Leave a Reply