This baked Cajun salmon with creamy avocado lime sauce is one of my favorite go-to dinners when want something flavorful, healthy, and quick. I love how the spicy Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with the cool, tangy avocado sauce, creating a balance of heat and freshness that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to make on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it hits all the marks—bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and minimal prep time. The salmon comes out tender and flaky, with a crisp layer of Cajun spice, while the avocado lime sauce adds a creamy, refreshing finish. I also love how versatile it is; I can serve it with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or even over rice for a more filling meal. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, especially when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the creamy avocado lime sauce:
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for even cooking.

  2. I pat the salmon fillets dry, drizzle them with olive oil, and rub in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  3. I place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

  4. While the salmon bakes, I blend the avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.

  5. Once the salmon is done, I plate it, spoon the avocado sauce generously over the top, and garnish with cilantro if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is 12–15 minutes, so I can have it ready in roughly 25 minutes.

Variations

  • I sometimes swap salmon for chicken breast or tofu, keeping the same Cajun spice for flavor.

  • For a lighter sauce, I use low-fat or dairy-free yogurt.

  • When I’m cooking for vegetarian friends, I use grilled portobello mushrooms with Cajun seasoning instead of salmon.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating the salmon, I prefer using the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8–10 minutes to keep it moist. The avocado sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if I need to store it, I press plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize browning.

FAQs

How can I tell when salmon is cooked perfectly?

I check if it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?

I can, but I make it within a few hours of serving to keep it vibrant and fresh-tasting.

What sides go well with Cajun salmon?

I like pairing it with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?

Yes, I often grill it over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, as long as the Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

I love how this baked Cajun salmon with creamy avocado lime sauce comes together so quickly without sacrificing flavor. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is full of wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or even a centerpiece for entertaining. With its bold spice and creamy freshness, it’s a recipe I always look forward to making.

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Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce

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Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Tender, flaky salmon coated in bold Cajun spices pairs perfectly with a cool, tangy avocado lime sauce for a restaurant-quality meal ready in just 25 minutes.

  • Author: Mayaa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place salmon on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  4. While salmon bakes, blend avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve salmon topped with avocado lime sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

  • Swap salmon for chicken breast, tofu, or portobello mushrooms for variation.
  • For a lighter sauce, use low-fat or dairy-free yogurt.
  • Store salmon and sauce separately. Salmon lasts up to 2 days in the fridge; sauce is best fresh.
  • Reheat salmon in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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