Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe combines bold, spicy flavors with creamy avocado lime crema for a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether served in bowls, tacos, or on plates, it’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Chopped red onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Lime wedges
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Step 3: (Optional) Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes for best flavor.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
5. Step 5: Place the salmon fillets carefully in the skillet, skin-side down if the skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and salmon releases easily.
6. Step 6: Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Step 7: Alternatively, you can bake (400°F/200°C for 12-15 minutes), grill (4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat), or air fry (400°F/200°C for 8-10 minutes) the salmon fillets until cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest a few minutes before serving.
9. Step 9: Prepare the avocado lime crema by scooping avocado flesh into a blender or food processor.
10. Step 10: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
11. Step 11: Blend until smooth, adding water tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
12. Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if time allows.
13. Step 13: While the salmon rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, or warm tortillas depending on your preferred serving style.
14. Step 14: Gently flake the cooked salmon with a fork.
15. Step 15: Assemble your dish: for bowls, layer rice, beans, corn, salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. For plates, serve salmon beside rice and beans with crema on the side.
16. Step 16: Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the crema for a lighter, protein-packed option.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the crema to control heat level based on your preference.
• For a smoky flavor, try grilling the salmon and char the corn slightly before adding to bowls or tacos.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon and avocado lime crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in a skillet or microwave until warm but not overcooked. Avocado crema is best served cold and may need stirring before serving if water separates.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.

Is the avocado lime crema suitable for freezing?

Avocado-based sauces generally do not freeze well as they can become watery and change texture. It’s best to prepare the crema fresh or store it refrigerated and use within a couple of days.

Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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4.5 from 92 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe is a vibrant and healthy dish combining perfectly seasoned, pan-seared salmon with a creamy avocado lime crema. Whether served in bowls with rice and beans, wrapped in tortillas as tacos, or plated simply with sides, this meal delivers bold Cajun flavors balanced by the refreshing citrus and creaminess of the avocado sauce. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and versatile, ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American, Cajun
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon

• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Avocado Lime Crema

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency

For Serving

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Chopped red onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Lime wedges
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and seasoning adherence.
2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix into a paste and rub evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil, heating until shimmering.
5. Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the salmon releases easily from the pan.
6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon fillets and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through and flaky, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Alternative Cooking Methods: You can also bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the salmon is cooked through.
8. Rest: Remove salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
9. Prepare Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a food processor or blender.
10. Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to the processor.
11. Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
12. Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and adjust salt or cayenne pepper as needed.
13. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the crema for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
14. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if using.
15. Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces.
16. Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, salmon, onions, tomatoes, and crema. For plates, serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and crema.
17. Garnish and Serve: Add lime wedges and extra cilantro on the side for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Cajun salmon creation!

Notes

• Marinating the salmon is optional but enhances flavor.
• You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt in the crema for a lighter option.
• Adjust cayenne pepper in crema to control spice level.
• Salmon can be cooked by pan-searing, baking, grilling, or air frying depending on preference.
• Serve with your choice of base such as rice, beans, corn, or tortillas for versatile meal options.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, healthy salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, Cajun seasoning, fish tacos, salmon bowls