Citrus-Cured Salmon & Avocado Salad
A vibrant, anti-inflammatory salad featuring bright citrus-cured salmon, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables to support skin health and reduce inflammation during your Whole30 journey. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 45 minutes pairs salmon fillet, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 6 oz salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp red onion
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Place the 6 oz salmon fillet in the dish, skin-side down if applicable, and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cure.
- Step 2: After curing, remove the salmon, pat dry with paper towels, and slice into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the diced 1/2 avocado, diced 1/2 cucumber, halved 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chopped 2 tbsp red onion, and chopped 1 tbsp cilantro.
- Step 3: Add the sliced cured salmon to the bowl, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp black pepper. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated and the avocado is just softened.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Cured Salmon & Avocado Salad take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (45 min prep + 0 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 Citrus-Cured Salmon & Avocado Salad?
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 salmon fillet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Cured Salmon & Avocado Salad?
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 Citrus-Cured Salmon & Avocado Salad 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.
What goes well with Citrus-Cured Salmon & Avocado Salad?
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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
