Baked Cajun Salmon With Avocado Lime Sauce

Cajun salmon with avocado citrus salsa is a bold, zesty, and refreshing dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. The spicy Cajun seasoning perfectly complements the rich, flaky salmon, while the creamy avocado salsa with lime and orange juice adds a bright, tangy finish. It’s a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed recipe you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy, smoky, creamy, and fresh. The salmon is seared until crisp and then finished in the oven, ensuring a tender, juicy interior. The avocado salsa is light yet satisfying, with citrus juice giving it a sweet and tangy twist. It’s a versatile recipe—equally great for a weeknight family meal or an elegant dinner for guests. Plus, it uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillet (about 1.5 lbs)

• Cooking oil

• Cajun or blackened seasoning

• Avocados

• Fresh lime juice (plus one lime wedge)

• Fresh orange juice

• Red onion, diced

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Season All (or your preferred seasoning blend)

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Heat a skillet over high heat and add cooking oil. Place salmon skin side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until the edges are nearly cooked through.

3. Squeeze a lime wedge over the salmon and let the juice cook down until the smoke settles.

4. Transfer salmon to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.

5. While the salmon bakes, prepare the salsa. Cube the avocado into a medium bowl. Add diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, Season All, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and adjust seasonings to taste.

6. Plate the salmon skin side down and top generously with the avocado citrus salsa. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Grill it: Instead of pan-searing and baking, grill the salmon for a smoky flavor.

• Make it spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Cajun seasoning.

• Try different citrus: Swap orange juice with grapefruit or blood orange for a unique twist.

• Add veggies to the salsa: Mix in diced tomatoes, cucumber, or mango for extra color and freshness.

• Use another protein: The avocado citrus salsa pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheat salmon gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

• The salsa is best eaten fresh but can be stored for 1 day in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.

FAQs

What kind of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh Atlantic or Pacific salmon fillets work best. You can also use frozen salmon—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, but check the salt content, as some blends can be very salty. Adjust added salt accordingly.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

It’s best made just before serving, but you can prepare it 1–2 hours ahead. Keep covered tightly with plastic wrap to minimize browning.

What if I don’t have orange juice?

You can substitute with grapefruit or even pineapple juice for a different citrusy note.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat from the Cajun seasoning, but you can reduce or increase it depending on your spice preference.

Can I make this with salmon with skin on?

Yes! Keeping the skin on helps the salmon stay moist and flavorful.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Can I use another fish instead of salmon?

Yes, trout, snapper, or cod also work well with this recipe.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with omega-3s from the salmon, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh citrus for added vitamins.

Conclusion

Cajun salmon with avocado citrus salsa is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together bold Cajun spice and refreshing citrusy creaminess. With its short cooking time and simple preparation, it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Once you try it, this vibrant salmon recipe is sure to become a favorite.