Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon, featuring a zesty marinade that infuses the fish with vibrant flavors. Topped with a refreshing avocado salsa, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for a healthy meal that impresses, it pairs beautifully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete culinary experience.
This Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon recipe is a delicious and healthy option for any weeknight dinner. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Discover the Flavor Profile
Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon is not your average seafood dish; it's a delightful combination of bright, fresh flavors that awaken your taste buds. The marinade infuses the salmon with zesty lime and aromatic cilantro, creating a mouthwatering profile that complements the rich, buttery texture of the fish. With every bite, you will experience a refreshing burst of citrus followed by the earthy notes of cilantro, making it a dish that's both invigorating and satisfying.
The addition of garlic in the marinade adds depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall experience. Garlic not only contributes to the delicious taste but also offers health benefits, including antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Pairing this dish with the avocado salsa amplifies the vibrancy, balancing the rich salmon with the creamy texture and mild flavor of ripe avocados.
Healthy and Nourishing Meal
This Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon is more than just a delightful dish; it is packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy option for any weeknight dinner. Salmon is renowned for being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health and brain function. These beneficial fats can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, making salmon a smart dietary choice.
Additionally, the avocado salsa adds a nutrient boost with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals. Combining salmon with avocados creates a meal that is not only enjoyable but supports overall health and wellness, providing a satisfying alternative to heavier, less nutritious options.
Perfect Pairings
When it comes to serving Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon, the options are endless. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa, which can soak up the flavorful juices from the salmon and salsa. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the dish, adding freshness and crunch to your meal. For those looking to keep things low-carb, steamed vegetables or a zesty cucumber salad can make delightful companions.
Consider incorporating traditional Mexican flavors into your meal by serving it with Mexican-style rice or black beans. This adds a cultural twist while enhancing the dish's overall presentation. The contrasts in color and texture not only make your plate visually appealing but also provide a complete culinary experience that your family and guests are sure to love.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Combine all the ingredients above in a mixing bowl.
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Bake the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Make the Avocado Salsa
While the salmon is baking, combine the avocados, tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and cilantro in a bowl. Gently mix to combine.
Serve
Once the salmon is done, top it with the avocado salsa and enjoy!
Serve with rice or a salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
To ensure perfectly baked salmon, choose fillets that are similar in size and thickness. This allows for even cooking throughout the dish. It's advisable to let your salmon come to room temperature before baking; this helps in achieving a more uniform cook. Also, consider cooking the salmon skin-side down to keep it moist, as the skin provides a barrier against heat.
For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices in your marinade. Dill, parsley, or even a hint of chili powder can elevate the dish in unique ways. Likewise, if you prefer a smoky flavor, placing the salmon on a cedar plank during baking may impart an irresistible aroma.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the salmon and avocado salsa separately to maintain their individual textures and flavors. Place the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the salsa, it's best consumed within 1-2 days to prevent the avocados from browning. You can also freeze cooked salmon for longer storage but reheat with care to avoid drying it out.
When reheating, reintroduce moisture by covering the fish with a damp paper towel or placing a small dish of water in the microwave. This helps steam the salmon and keeps it flaky and tender. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it in the oven, wrapped in foil, at a low temperature until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance the dining experience by pairing this salmon dish with a bright, citrusy cocktail or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The crisp, refreshing nature of these beverages complements the zesty flavors of the salmon and salsa beautifully. Additionally, offering a selection of toppings, like sliced jalapeños or a dollop of Greek yogurt, adds fun personalization to the meal.
For an easy yet sophisticated dessert, consider serving a light fruit salad or a sorbet, which can cleanse the palate after the rich dish. This helps round out your meal, creating a delightful balance of flavors from start to finish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
→ What sides go well with this dish?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon, featuring a zesty marinade that infuses the fish with vibrant flavors. Topped with a refreshing avocado salsa, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for a healthy meal that impresses, it pairs beautifully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete culinary experience.
Created by: Noah
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
While the salmon is baking, combine the avocados, tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and cilantro in a bowl. Gently mix to combine.
Once the salmon is done, top it with the avocado salsa and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g