Skillet-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa and Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to a crisp finish, topped with a refreshing avocado-cilantro salsa and served over light zucchini noodles for a satisfying Whole30 seafood dish. This seafood recipe (whole30, gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, avocado, fresh cilantro 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 15 min Serves 4 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently and set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon and tent with foil to keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and 1/2 tsp sea salt, tossing and cooking for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Serve each salmon fillet atop a bed of zucchini noodles and generously spoon the avocado-cilantro salsa over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa and Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa and Zucchini Noodles?

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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa and Zucchini Noodles?

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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa and Zucchini Noodles 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa and Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes