Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Fresh Herbs
Perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a creamy avocado mixture and fresh herbs, ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. This seafood-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, large (100g) avocado, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 470 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
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 large (100g) avocado
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and golden, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, combine diced avocado, lemon juice, 1/2 tbsp dill, 1/2 tbsp parsley, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Mash lightly until creamy.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet, place on plates, and top each fillet with 1/4 of the avocado mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tbsp dill and 1/2 tbsp parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Fresh Herbs?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Fresh Herbs?
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 Fresh Herbs 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Fresh Herbs 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better seafood dishes though.
