Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Lemon Butter Sauce
A rich, keto-friendly salmon dish served with creamy avocado and a zesty lemon butter sauce that enhances the natural flavors. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium, diced avocado, unsalted butter 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 550 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 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Step 4: Plate the salmon and top with 1 medium diced avocado. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the salmon and avocado, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Lemon Butter Sauce?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Lemon Butter Sauce?
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 Lemon Butter Sauce 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 Lemon Butter Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
