Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado Cream and Garlic Butter
A rich keto-friendly salmon dish featuring crispy pan-seared fillets paired with a silky avocado cream and garlic butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium, peeled and pitted avocado, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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 fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 medium, peeled and pitted avocado
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 medium peeled and pitted avocado, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt; blend until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges turn crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon fillets and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter along with 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet; baste the salmon with the melted garlic butter for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 4: Serve each salmon fillet topped with 2 tbsp of the avocado cream and a sprinkle of 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado Cream and Garlic Butter 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 Cream and Garlic Butter?
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 heavy cream from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado Cream and Garlic Butter?
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 Cream and Garlic Butter 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 Cream and Garlic Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
