Baked Salmon with Avocado Salsa
A vibrant and healthy dinner featuring perfectly baked salmon topped with a fresh, zesty avocado salsa, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 2 servings
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place them skin-side down (if applicable) on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper.
Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your fillets.
While the salmon bakes, prepare the avocado salsa. Halve and pit the avocado, then scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl. Dice it into small, even cubes.
Add the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the avocado. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the fresh juice of one lime. Season with the remaining 0.25 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper.
Gently toss the salsa ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice or salt to your preference.
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Serve each fillet immediately, topped with a generous spoonful of the fresh avocado salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro or a lime wedge if desired, and pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcook Salmon: Salmon can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness, or check for flakiness with a fork.
- 2Ripe Avocado is Key: For the best salsa texture and flavor, ensure your avocado is ripe but still firm enough to dice without turning mushy.
- 3Pat Dry for Crispier Skin: If you're baking skin-on salmon, patting the skin very dry before seasoning helps it crisp up nicely in the oven.
- 4Adjust Spice to Taste: For a milder salsa, omit the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cooking Method
Instead of baking, grill the salmon fillets for 3-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat for a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
Tropical SalsaTropical Salsa
Add diced mango or pineapple to the avocado salsa for a sweeter, more tropical twist that complements the rich salmon.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Replace cilantro with fresh parsley or dill in the salsa for a different aromatic profile, or add a touch of fresh mint for extra brightness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart Health
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from salmon, which reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support overall cardiovascular health.
Digestive Wellness
High in dietary fiber from avocado and other vegetables, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and contributing to a healthy gut microbiome.
Lean Protein Power
Salmon provides a complete source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, satiety, and maintaining overall body function.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to prepare the avocado salsa just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning. However, you can chop the other ingredients (red onion, cilantro, jalapeño) in advance and combine them with the avocado and lime juice right before serving.
