Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Lime Keto Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, buttery salmon fillet paired with a fresh, creamy avocado and lime salad perfect for a low-carb ketogenic meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

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 large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, then remove from heat and let rest.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently to combine and season with salt if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve the salmon fillets on plates alongside the avocado-lime salad for a fresh and satisfying keto meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Lime Keto Salad 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-Lime Keto Salad?

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-Lime Keto Salad?

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 Keto Salad 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-Lime Keto Salad 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.

Related recipes