Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Lime Cream

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

Buttery salmon fillets topped with a vibrant avocado sauce that complements the fish's richness without overpowering it. This seafood (low-carb) ready in about 23 minutes pairs salmon fillets, avocado, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3 minutes more until just opaque in the center.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, scoop flesh from avocado into a small bowl. Add 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding 1 tsp water if too thick.
  4. Step 4: Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with avocado-lime cream, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Lime Cream take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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-Lime Cream?

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-Lime Cream?

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-Lime Cream 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-Lime Cream 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.

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