Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices
Salmon fillets baked with zested lime, fresh cilantro, and garlic, served with creamy avocado for a nutrient-rich, easy dinner. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, avocado oil, zested and juiced lime for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1, zested and juiced lime
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 ripe, sliced avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Place 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) on the baking sheet, then brush both sides evenly with 2 tbsp avocado oil.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1 lime (zested and juiced), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (finely chopped), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Spread the lime-cilantro mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with 1 ripe avocado (sliced) on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices 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 Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices?
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 Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices?
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 Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices?
American 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
