Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Salmon
Light, zesty zucchini noodles tossed with creamy avocado and lime, topped with pan-seared salmon for a refreshing low-carb meal. This keto-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs medium Zucchini, Salmon fillets, Avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 5 oz Salmon fillets
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Lime zest
- 1 tbsp finely chopped Chives
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a spiralizer, slice 2 medium zucchinis into noodles. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook zucchini noodles for 2 minutes until tender but still crisp, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Season 5 oz salmon fillets with 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tsp oil, then sear salmon for 4 minutes per side until edges are crispy and flesh flakes easily.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mash 1/2 avocado with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp lime zest until smooth. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped chives and 1/8 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Toss cooked zucchini noodles with half of the avocado mixture until evenly coated, then top with salmon and drizzle with remaining avocado sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Salmon take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (12 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-Lime Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Salmon?
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 medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Salmon?
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-Lime Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Salmon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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.
Is Avocado-Lime Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Salmon keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
