Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Cream
A perfectly seared salmon fillet topped with a vibrant avocado cream sauce, bursting with fresh dill and lemon flavor. This keto-friendly dish cooks in under 20 minutes and requires just five ingredients. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, high-protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, extra virgin olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 fillets
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F and the flesh is just opaque.
- Step 3: Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the cooked salmon and remove from heat. While salmon rests, mash 1/2 avocado with 1 tbsp fresh dill and 1 tsp unsalted butter in a small bowl until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of lemon juice to thin if needed.
- Step 4: Drizzle the avocado cream sauce over the salmon, ensuring each piece is coated, and garnish with additional dill sprigs. Serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Cream take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Cream?
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 fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Cream?
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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Cream 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Cream keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.