Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines spicy, tender salmon with a cool, creamy avocado sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends, it’s both flavorful and healthy. Whether served in bowls, tacos, or on a plate, this recipe is sure to impress.

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)
• 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin crema as needed
• Optional for serving: cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, tortillas, shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
2. Step 2: (Optional) Marinate the seasoned salmon in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden.
4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking.
5. Step 5: Remove salmon from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado lime crema by blending avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth. Add water gradually to reach desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Taste the crema and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for 30 minutes if desired.
8. Step 8: Assemble your dish: flake the salmon and serve over rice, beans, and corn in bowls or use as a filling for tacos with lettuce, red onion, and tomatoes. Drizzle generously with avocado lime crema and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier crema, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat in the crema.
• Marinating the salmon enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
• Try baking, grilling, or air-frying the salmon as alternative cooking methods.
• Serve with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad for variety.
• For a sweeter touch, add mango salsa as a topping.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado lime crema can also be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir well before serving, adding a splash of water if too thick. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking for the best results.

What if I don’t like avocado?

You can replace the avocado lime crema with Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice and cilantro or sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a different creamy element.

Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

Flaky, flavorful Cajun salmon topped with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. This versatile and healthy recipe is perfect for bowls, tacos, or served alongside your favorite sides, combining bold Cajun spices with fresh, tangy avocado-lime sauce for a deliciously balanced meal.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cajun 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 (Optional):

• 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 help the seasoning adhere better and ensure a nice sear. You can leave the skin on or remove it, depending on preference.
2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets for rich flavor.
3. Marinate (Optional): Refrigerate the salmon for 15 to 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption; this step can be skipped if short on time.
4. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering to ensure a hot surface for searing.
5. Sear the Salmon: Place fillets skin-side down if skin is on. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden and salmon lifts easily from the pan.
6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Rest the Salmon: Remove from heat and let the salmon rest a few minutes to redistribute juices for optimum tenderness.
8. Make Avocado Lime Crema: Scoop avocados into a blender or food processor with sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Blend until smooth. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon to reach a pourable consistency.
9. Adjust Seasoning and Chill (Optional): Taste the crema and tweak seasoning if needed. Chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavors if time allows.
10. Assemble and Serve: Flake the salmon gently with a fork. For bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, then salmon, red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill tortillas with lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier avocado lime crema.
• Adjust cayenne pepper in the crema to control spice level to your preference.
• Marinating the salmon even briefly boosts flavor.
• Do not overcook the salmon to prevent dryness.
• Avocado lime crema can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days.
• Customize serving sides and toppings to your liking for variety.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, healthy salmon recipe, quick dinner, flavorful seafood, easy salmon recipe, Cajun seasoning, avocado sauce