Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Citrus Salsa

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

A vibrant paleo-friendly dish featuring tender salmon fillets paired with a fresh avocado and citrus salsa for a bright, zesty finish. This Mediterranean-inspired paleo recipe (gluten free, whole30), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: While the salmon cooks, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 chopped orange, 1 chopped grapefruit, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced jalapeño in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Step 6: Serve the salmon topped with the fresh citrus avocado salsa immediately for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Citrus Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Citrus Salsa?

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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Citrus 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Citrus Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Citrus Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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