Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash Recipe

Introduction

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. The tender, flavorful salmon pairs beautifully with a fresh, zesty avocado topping that adds creaminess and brightness to every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime (zested)
• Fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in a baking dish. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and drizzle olive oil over the top.
2. Step 2: Prepare the avocado mash by scooping out the avocado flesh into a bowl. Mash it until smooth, then grate in the lime zest. Add salt and chopped dill, then stir gently to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover the avocado mash and refrigerate to keep it fresh while the salmon marinates.
4. Step 4: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salmon fillets to plates. Spoon the avocado mash generously over each fillet. Top with chopped red onion and a little extra dill for added crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor or sweet paprika for mildness.
• Swap dill with tarragon, thyme, or rosemary if preferred or not available.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the avocado mash for extra tanginess and to prevent browning.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and avocado mash separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep for up to 2 days, while the avocado mash is best consumed within 24 hours to maintain its color and freshness. Reheat the salmon gently in the oven or microwave, but avoid reheating the avocado mash to preserve its texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking.

How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque throughout.

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash Recipe

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4.7 from 82 reviews

This Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash recipe combines tender, perfectly seasoned salmon fillets with a creamy, zesty avocado mash topped with fresh dill and red onion for a bright and flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Avocado Mash

• 2 ripe avocados
• Zest of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped

Garnish

• Extra chopped dill
• Extra chopped red onion

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking dish. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade.
2. Make the Avocado Mash: Scoop the flesh of the ripe avocados into a bowl and mash until smooth. Add the zest of one lime, a pinch of salt, and chopped fresh dill. Mix gently to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
3. Chill Avocado Mash: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the avocado mash to keep it fresh and vibrant while the salmon marinates and cooks.
4. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish with the marinated salmon fillets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Plate and Garnish: Transfer the baked salmon fillets to serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the chilled avocado mash over each fillet. Top with freshly chopped red onion and extra dill for added crunch and freshness.

Notes

• Use ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best mash texture.
• If fresh dill is unavailable, substitute with tarragon, thyme, or rosemary.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred heat level.
• Make sure not to overbake the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
• To keep the avocado mash from browning, use fresh lime zest and a small amount of lime juice if desired.

Keywords: baked salmon, avocado mash, healthy salmon recipe, easy fish dinner, citrus avocado sauce, dill salmon, quick salmon meal