Introduction

This baked Cajun salmon recipe brings bold, spicy flavors balanced with a cool, creamy avocado lime sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The salmon stays tender and flaky while the sauce adds a refreshing twist.

A piece of grilled salmon with a dark, crispy, reddish-brown skin is placed on a light green creamy sauce with herbs spread beneath it on a white marbled surface. On top of the salmon, there are dollops of the same creamy sauce, sprinkled with chopped green herbs, and a few slices of fresh lime with a sprinkle of seasoning. In the background, several lime wedges and a partly visible avocado half add fresh green and yellow colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Step 4: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides of the salmon with the Cajun oil mixture.
Step 5: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: While the salmon is baking, prepare the avocado lime sauce. In a mixing bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.
Step 7: Add the lime juice, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Whisk until well combined and creamy.
Step 8: Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Step 9: Serve the salmon with a generous drizzle of the avocado lime sauce on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use smoked paprika instead.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado sauce for extra heat.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer sauce or substitute with sour cream if preferred.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado lime sauce separate to prevent browning and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

How to Serve

A large piece of grilled salmon with a dark, crispy reddish-brown crust is topped with a thick, light green creamy sauce sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley, resting on a white marbled surface lined with white parchment paper; next to the salmon are multiple lime wedges showing a bright green and juicy interior, and slices of pale green avocado in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before applying the seasoning for best results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh lime?

Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but you can use bottled lime juice or a splash of lemon juice as an alternative.

Baked Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 65 reviews

A flavorful and healthy baked Cajun salmon fillet served with a creamy and zesty avocado lime sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (Adjust to spice preference)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Avocado Lime Sauce

1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (Or sour cream)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
Make Cajun Oil Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended to coat the salmon evenly.
Season Salmon: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides with the Cajun oil mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Prepare Avocado Lime Sauce: While the salmon is baking, mash the ripe avocado in a bowl until smooth. Add lime juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then whisk together until creamy and well combined.
Rest Salmon: Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its moisture.
Serve: Plate the salmon fillets and drizzle generously with the avocado lime sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
The Greek yogurt in the sauce can be substituted with sour cream for a different flavor.
Make sure not to overbake the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
The sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld better.
Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in the sauce.

Keywords: Baked Cajun salmon, avocado lime sauce, healthy salmon recipe, easy baked fish, spicy salmon, creamy avocado sauce