Go Back
Cajun salmon avocado lime plated with creamy topping and fresh cilantro garnish

Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime

Flaky, flavorful Cajun salmon topped with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. Perfect for bowls, tacos, or served alongside your favorite sides.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 2 salmon fillets 6-ounce each, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for pan
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for crema
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2-3 tablespoons water to thin crema

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Small bowl
  • Food processor or blender
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a paste, then rub evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
  3. Optional: Let the seasoned salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers.
  5. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if you left the skin on. Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and the salmon releases easily from the pan.
  6. Flip the salmon gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  7. While the salmon cooks, prepare the avocado lime crema. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to the crema until it reaches your desired drizzle consistency.
  9. Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for a minute. Serve with a generous drizzle of avocado lime crema over rice, in tacos, or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Store leftover salmon and crema separately in airtight containers. Salmon keeps for up to 2 days refrigerated. For best results, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein. Make the crema fresh for optimal color and flavor.