Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa
Oven-baked salmon fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with a refreshing citrus avocado salsa that balances spice with creaminess. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, cajun seasoning into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 large, diced avocado
- 1 medium, peeled and chopped orange
- 1/2 medium, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the fillets and rub evenly. Sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning over each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 2: Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While salmon bakes, combine 1 diced large avocado, 1 peeled and chopped medium orange, 1/2 finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Serve baked Cajun salmon topped with a generous scoop of citrus avocado salsa for a bright, creamy contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
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 Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa 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 Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
American seafood 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.
