Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Lemon-Dill Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, keto-friendly salmon dish featuring creamy avocado and a tangy lemon-dill sauce that complements the tender, pan-seared fish perfectly. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends 6 oz each salmon fillets, medium, diced avocado, olive oil 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 480 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, in a small bowl, combine 1 diced medium avocado, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tbsp heavy cream, mixing gently to create a creamy lemon-dill avocado sauce.
  4. Step 4: Plate the salmon fillets and spoon the avocado sauce over the top. Serve immediately while warm with extra dill garnish if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Lemon-Dill 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-Dill 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-Dill 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-Dill 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-Dill 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.

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