Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

Tender pan-seared salmon topped with a refreshing avocado salsa inspired by California flavors. This american-inspired seafood (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 22 minutes blends each, skin on salmon fillets, olive oil, large, diced California avocado 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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

• 4, 6 oz each, skin on salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large, diced California avocado
• 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tsp divided sea salt
• 1/2 tsp divided black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden; carefully flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, combine 1 large diced California avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and the remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl; gently toss to combine.
4. Step 4: Remove salmon from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve each fillet topped generously with the fresh avocado salsa for a bright, flavorful dish.