1-First step: Prep the oven and pan Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you want a little extra browning, lightly brush the parchment with oil or use a wire rack set on top of the sheet pan. This is a great moment to set out your ingredients so the salmon mixture comes together smoothly.

2-Second step: Make the avocado cream sauce In a blender or food processor, combine 3/4 avocado, 3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, juice from 1/2 lime, 5 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce looks too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.

3-Third step: Mix the salmon meatball base Place the skinless salmon chunks in a food processor and pulse just until chopped, not pureed. You want a mixture that still has a little texture. Transfer it to a bowl, then add the grated onion, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg white, minced garlic, salt, ground pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed. Overmixing can make the salmon balls dense, so stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.

4-Fourth step: Shape the salmon balls Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into even balls, about 1 1/2 inches wide. You should get around 12 to 14 meatballs, depending on size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one so the heat can move around them.

5-Fifth step: Bake until cooked through Bake the salmon balls for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on their size and your oven. They should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. For food safety, salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If you like a little more color, you can broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch closely so they do not dry out.

6-Sixth step: Serve with the sauce Spoon the avocado cream sauce over the baked salmon meatballs or serve it on the side as a dip. Add extra cilantro on top if you like a fresh finish. These salmon meatballs taste great with rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, cucumber salad, or tucked into warm tortillas for a fun twist.