Avocado-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles
A nutrient-dense meal rich in omega-3s and electrolytes to combat headaches and skin issues, featuring tender salmon and vibrant zucchini noodles. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, large avocado, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 large avocado
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh dill
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Scoop out 1/2 avocado flesh, mash with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Spread evenly over salmon, covering the top completely.
- Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in a parchment-lined baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil and roast for 12-14 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat, add zucchini noodles and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant green, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Garnish salmon with fresh dill and lemon zest. Serve immediately with zucchini noodles, sprinkled with remaining dill and a squeeze of lemon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Avocado-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Avocado-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Avocado-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.