Zesty Cajun Salmon with Avocado & Lime Recipe

Introduction

This Zesty Cajun Salmon with Avocado & Lime is a vibrant dish full of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Perfectly seasoned salmon pairs beautifully with a creamy, tangy avocado-lime salsa for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1½-2 limes (approx. 3-4 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Extra fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse salmon fillets and pat them thoroughly dry. Remove any pin bones. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon white pepper to make the Cajun seasoning. Whisk well. Lightly brush each salmon fillet with ½ teaspoon olive oil, then generously rub the Cajun seasoning over all sides. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Dice the avocados into ¼-½ inch cubes and place in a bowl. Finely dice the red onion, chop the cilantro, mince the seeded jalapeño and garlic, then add all to the avocados. Zest ½ teaspoon of lime zest into the bowl, then add the juice from 1½ to 2 limes (about 3-4 tablespoons). Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Gently fold the salsa ingredients together until just combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set salsa aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets, skin-side down (or one side down if skinless), into the pan. Sear for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the fish reaches your desired doneness (135-145°F / 57-63°C internal temperature). Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for 3-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Place each cooked Cajun salmon fillet on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh avocado-lime salsa over the top. Garnish with extra cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder salsa, omit the jalapeño or use only half. For extra heat, leave the seeds in.
• If you prefer baked salmon, you can cook the fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-searing.
• Substitute fresh lime juice with lemon juice if desired, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil in place of cilantro if you prefer a different herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and avocado-lime salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out. Because avocado can brown quickly, prepare the salsa fresh if possible or add a little extra lime juice before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon fillets can be used. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the Cajun seasoning?

You can use a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend for convenience. If you don’t have that, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can still give good flavor. Adjust amounts to suit your taste.

Zesty Cajun Salmon with Avocado & Lime Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Zesty Cajun Salmon with Avocado & Lime recipe featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, topped with a fresh, tangy avocado-lime salsa. This healthy and colorful dish combines smoky, spicy, and citrusy notes, making it a perfect main course for a quick dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon & Cajun Seasoning

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper

Avocado-Lime Salsa

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1½–2 limes (approx. 3–4 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Extra fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Salmon & Seasoning: Rinse salmon fillets and pat thoroughly dry to ensure a good sear. Remove any pin bones carefully. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to create the Cajun seasoning blend. Lightly brush each salmon fillet with ½ teaspoon olive oil, then generously rub the Cajun seasoning over all sides. Set the seasoned fillets aside.
2. Prepare Avocado-Lime Salsa: Dice ripe avocados into ¼-½ inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Finely dice the red onion, chop fresh cilantro, mince the jalapeño (seeded to reduce heat), and mince the garlic clove. Add all these ingredients to the bowl with the avocados. Next, zest ½ teaspoon of lime zest directly into the bowl, followed by the juice of 1½ to 2 limes (about 3-4 tablespoons). Season the salsa with ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Gently fold all ingredients together until combined, being careful not to mash the avocados. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
3. Cook Salmon: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until hot. Add the remaining olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Carefully lay the seasoned salmon fillets into the pan skin-side down (or one side down if skinless). Allow the salmon to sear undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets gently using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C). Remove the fillets from the pan and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
4. Assemble & Serve: Place each cooked Cajun-seasoned salmon fillet on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh avocado-lime salsa over the top of each fillet. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

• For spicier salsa, leave jalapeño seeds in or add extra jalapeño.
• Skin-on salmon fillets provide extra crispiness when seared.
• You can prepare the Cajun seasoning blend in advance and store it for future use.
• Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure nice chunky salsa texture.
• Letting the salmon rest after cooking helps retain juices for moistness.
• Adjust lime juice according to your desired level of tanginess.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado salsa, lime salsa, seared salmon, spicy salmon recipe, healthy seafood dish, fresh avocado topping