Description
Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado Salsa is a fresh and flavorful dish featuring crispy-skinned salmon fillets topped with a bright and tangy avocado salsa. This healthy and easy-to-make meal takes under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Enjoy a delicious balance of tender salmon and creamy avocado with zesty lime and cilantro flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, ensuring the pan is hot enough to sear the salmon properly.
- Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down carefully in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Using a spatula, carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for moist and tender fillets.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, combine the diced avocados, finely diced red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine all flavors without mashing the avocado.
- Serve: Spoon the avocado salsa generously over each salmon fillet just before serving to add fresh, zesty contrast to the rich salmon.
Notes
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is properly cooked without dryness.
- For extra heat and flavor, add minced jalapeño to the avocado salsa.
- Best served immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and flavors.
- Pairs well with side dishes like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
