Lime-Cilantro Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Flaky salmon fillets topped with a zesty avocado salsa, ready in 10 minutes with zero added sugars. This pacific-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 17 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium avocado, diced red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque and flaky.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, dice 1 medium avocado and mix with 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl. Serve salmon topped with avocado salsa immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime-Cilantro Salmon with Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (8 min prep + 9 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Lime-Cilantro Salmon with Avocado Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Cilantro Salmon with Avocado Salsa?
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 Salmon with Avocado Salsa 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.
Is Lime-Cilantro Salmon with Avocado Salsa low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Easy and flavorful, my wife and I both had seconds.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this salmon! The avocado salsa was a hit and made it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
The salmon was delicious, but the lime-cilantro sauce was a bit too mild for my taste. Next time I'll add more lime.
