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
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I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for even cooking.
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I pat the salmon fillets dry, drizzle them with olive oil, and rub in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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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).
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While the salmon bakes, I blend the avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.
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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
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I sometimes swap salmon for chicken breast or tofu, keeping the same Cajun spice for flavor.
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For a lighter sauce, I use low-fat or dairy-free yogurt.
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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.
PrintBaked 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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat salmon fillets dry. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 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).
- While salmon bakes, blend avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- 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