This Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. The perfectly seasoned salmon pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy sauce that balances the bold Cajun spices with fresh, zesty notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce combines the best of both worlds: bold, smoky Cajun flavors and a refreshing, creamy sauce that cools the palate. The recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy yet satisfying. The salmon bakes to flaky perfection while you prepare the simple avocado sauce, making it an efficient one-pan meal. Plus, it’s packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and heart-healthy fats from the avocado, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
How to Make Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and lime juice, ensuring both sides are coated.
- In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to help the seasonings adhere.
Bake the Salmon: 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). 7. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
Make the Avocado Lime Sauce: 8. While the salmon bakes, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. 9. Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil to the bowl with the avocado. 10. Mash and stir until smooth and creamy, or use a food processor for an ultra-smooth texture. 11. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in chopped cilantro if using.
Serve: 12. Plate the salmon fillets and generously spoon the creamy avocado lime sauce over the top or serve alongside.
Helpful Tips
Choose salmon fillets that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. If your fillets vary significantly in size, adjust cooking time accordingly. The avocado should be ripe but not overly soft for the best sauce texture. To prevent the avocado sauce from browning, add the lime juice immediately after mashing the avocado. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning blend. If you prefer a thinner sauce consistency, add a tablespoon of water or additional lime juice.
Details
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 25 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of active preparation time. The Cajun seasoning creates a beautiful crust on the salmon while keeping the interior moist and flaky. The creamy avocado lime sauce provides a cooling contrast that complements the spiced salmon perfectly. This dish works well with various side dishes including roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.
Notes
For the best results, use wild-caught salmon when possible, as it tends to have better flavor and texture. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The avocado sauce is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with cashew cream or additional avocado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Frozen salmon may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? You can make your own by combining 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking? Absolutely! Grill the seasoned salmon over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily.
Is the avocado sauce supposed to be chunky or smooth? This is a matter of preference. Mash by hand for a slightly chunky texture, or use a food processor for a completely smooth sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The salmon is best served fresh, but you can prepare the spice rub and avocado sauce up to 4 hours in advance. Store the sauce covered in the refrigerator.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The avocado lime sauce should be stored separately and consumed within 2 days for the best quality and color. To reheat the salmon, place it in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon tough. The avocado sauce is best served cold and should not be reheated.
Conclusion
This Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. The combination of bold spices and cool, creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining. With its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh flavors, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The versatility of both the seasoned salmon and the avocado sauce means you can adapt this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious appeal.
