Lime-Cilantro Baked Salmon with Avocado Slices

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

Salmon fillets baked with zested lime, fresh cilantro, and garlic, served with creamy avocado for a nutrient-rich, easy dinner. This American-inspired Whole30 recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, avocado oil, 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 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) on the baking sheet, then brush both sides evenly with 2 tbsp avocado oil.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Spread the lime-cilantro mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with 1 ripe avocado (sliced) on the side.

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?

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 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 compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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