Herbed Lemon Baked Salmon with Avocado Crema

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

A succulent salmon fillet topped with a creamy avocado herb sauce, finished with a bright lemon zest. Perfect for a quick, nutrient-dense dinner that supports muscle recovery. This mediterranean-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs salmon fillets, medium avocado, finely chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 345 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque at the thickest part.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, mash 1/2 medium avocado with 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped dill and 1 minced garlic clove until creamy.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from heat, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest and top with avocado crema. Serve immediately while the salmon is still warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Lemon Baked Salmon with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Herbed Lemon Baked Salmon with Avocado Crema?

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 Herbed Lemon Baked Salmon with Avocado Crema?

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 Herbed Lemon Baked Salmon with Avocado Crema 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 Herbed Lemon Baked Salmon with Avocado Crema high protein?

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

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