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Healthy Baked Salmon Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce

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These healthy baked salmon meatballs are quick, easy, and packed with fresh, bright flavors, paired perfectly with a creamy lemon-dill sauce for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed and finely chopped or ground
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tsp grated lemon zest
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (for sauce)
  • ½ clove minced garlic (for sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. If using whole fillets, finely chop the salmon into small pieces or pulse lightly in a food processor until coarsely ground.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
  4. Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra color.
  7. While baking, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the lemon-dill sauce.
  8. Serve the meatballs warm with a drizzle or dollop of the creamy lemon-dill sauce. Garnish with extra dill or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

If the salmon mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add a splash of olive oil or extra egg white. The lemon-dill sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid overprocessing salmon to prevent rubbery texture. Brushing olive oil before baking improves browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon meatballs, baked salmon, healthy dinner, lemon dill sauce, easy salmon recipe, omega-3, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/healthy-baked-salmon-meatballs-recipe-with-creamy-lemon-dill-sauce-easy-and-perfect-dinner-idea/