Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Avocado Salsa
A rich, keto-friendly salmon dish pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a fresh avocado salsa enhanced by garlic butter. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, low carb) ready in about 22 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 large, diced avocado
- 10, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine 1 diced large avocado, 10 halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Season with salt to taste and gently toss to make the salsa.
- Step 5: Plate the salmon fillets and spoon the garlic butter evenly over each. Top with the avocado salsa and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Garlic Butter and Avocado Salsa?
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 Garlic Butter and Avocado Salsa?
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 Garlic Butter and Avocado Salsa 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 Garlic Butter and Avocado Salsa 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.
