Creamy Garlic Salmon with Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky salmon fillets baked with garlic and lemon, topped with a rich avocado cream sauce that melts into a velvety finish. This mediterranean-inspired keto (gluten-free) ready in about 29 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium avocado, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 385 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Rub 1 tbsp olive oil over each fillet, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Scatter 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 of the lemon slices over the salmon. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are crisp and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While salmon bakes, blend 1/2 avocado, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth in a small bowl. Stir in 1 tbsp dill and 1 tbsp melted butter until creamy.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from oven. Spoon the avocado sauce evenly over each fillet, then top with remaining lemon slices and 1 tbsp fresh dill. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Garlic Salmon with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Creamy Garlic Salmon with Lemon?

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 Creamy Garlic Salmon with Lemon?

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 Creamy Garlic Salmon with Lemon 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 Creamy Garlic Salmon with Lemon gluten-free?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes