Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Fennel Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh salmon fillets marinated in bright citrus and herbs, pan-seared and served with a crisp avocado and fennel salad for a refreshing Whole30 seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, orange juice, 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 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 4 salmon fillets and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While salmon marinates, combine 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb, 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp chopped dill in a bowl. Toss gently and refrigerate.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade, pat dry lightly, and sear skin-side down with 1 tbsp olive oil for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through but moist. Serve each fillet topped with a generous scoop of the avocado and fennel salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Fennel Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Fennel Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Fennel 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-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Fennel Salad 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.

Is Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Fennel Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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