Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Elevate your dinner with this Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon, bursting with zesty flavors and complemented by a creamy avocado salsa. This healthy, easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, offering a delicious way to enjoy salmon packed with nutrients. Serve it alongside rice or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
This baked cilantro lime salmon is a perfect blend of flavors that will make your meal memorable. With its zesty profile and creamy avocado salsa, it's both refreshing and fulfilling.
A Flavorful Experience
Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon is an explosion of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. The zesty combination of cilantro and lime creates a bright, refreshing sauce that penetrates the salmon, keeping it moist and flavorful. Cooking salmon this way accentuates its natural richness while providing a twist that elevates standard dinner fare. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of zest and healthy fat, making it an indulgent yet guilt-free option for seafood lovers.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet and looks stunning on the plate. The salmon, with its vibrant hue, paired with the creamy avocado salsa, results in a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s an impressive dish to serve guests but equally satisfying for a cozy family dinner at home.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is often referred to as a superfood for a reason. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it is not only delicious but also essential for heart health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and can even decrease the risk of heart disease. Regularly incorporating salmon into your diet can boost your overall health while providing a delicious way to enjoy these important nutrients.
In addition to omega-3s, salmon is packed with high-quality protein that helps fuel your body. Adequate protein intake is vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall energy. Plus, salmon is a great source of important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium, making it an all-around nutritious choice. Pairing it with the fresh ingredients in the avocado salsa further enhances its health benefits.
Customizing Your Meal
One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the marinade and salsa to suit your personal taste preferences. For example, if you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding more jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce to the avocado salsa. Additionally, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or dill in the marinade for a different flavor profile.
Serving suggestions are abundant too. While rice and fresh salads are excellent companions for this dish, try pairing the salmon with quinoa for a nutty twist or roasted vegetables for an even healthier option. You can also use the leftover salmon in wraps or salads the next day, making it a practical choice for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt to taste
Combine these ingredients to elevate your salmon dish!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Avocado Salsa
While the salmon is baking, combine diced avocados, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Serve
Once the salmon is done, serve it topped with avocado salsa.
Enjoy your meal!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon
To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, pay attention to cooking times. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, your baking time may vary. A general rule of thumb is to bake salmon for about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. The key to moist salmon is to remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. This ensures that it remains tender and juicy.
Another tip is to allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking. This resting period helps to redistribute the juices, enhancing the flavor and texture. And remember, if you're unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) when it’s fully cooked.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is essential for maintaining freshness. To keep your Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon and avocado salsa, place the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
The avocado salsa is best consumed fresh, but if you have leftover salsa, store it in a separate container. To prevent browning, consider adding a bit more lime juice on top or covering it tightly with plastic wrap. This way, you can enjoy the fresh flavors of your meal for a couple more days.
Pairing Wine with Salmon
Finding the right wine to complement your Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon can elevate your dining experience. A good choice would be a Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty acidity and citrus notes that harmonize beautifully with the lime and cilantro flavors. Alternatively, if you prefer a red wine, consider a Pinot Noir, which has a delicate structure that won't overwhelm the salmon's rich taste.
For those who enjoy sparkling wine, a dry prosecco can provide a refreshing contrast, perfect for enjoying with the creamy texture of the avocado salsa. Make sure to serve your wine chilled, as this enhances the overall experience of the dish and balances the meal's flavors beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
→ What can I substitute for cilantro?
You can use parsley if you're not a fan of cilantro.
Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your dinner with this Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon, bursting with zesty flavors and complemented by a creamy avocado salsa. This healthy, easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, offering a delicious way to enjoy salmon packed with nutrients. Serve it alongside rice or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Created by: Lucy Price
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon is baking, combine diced avocados, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Once the salmon is done, serve it topped with avocado salsa.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g