If you are craving a dish that is vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor, the Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe perfectly balances the rich, tender salmon with a creamy, zesty avocado and feta topping that adds a delightful contrast in both texture and taste. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a versatile favorite. The marriage of lemony brightness, fresh herbs, and savory feta creates a harmonious plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe means gathering just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s bursting with bright, savory, and creamy notes.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh, skinless salmon is the star, providing rich omega-3s and a tender texture that bakes beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and helps keep the salmon moist during baking.
- Lemon juice and zest: Infuse a refreshing citrus tang that cuts through the richness of the fish and avocado.
- Fresh dill: Offers an herbaceous, slightly tangy flavor that complements both salmon and feta wonderfully.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a mild smoky warmth and lovely color to the salmon.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Avocado: Creamy and smooth, it forms the base of the topping, lending richness without heaviness.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds briny sharpness and a crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with avocado.
- Fresh chives: Bright and mild onion flavor that adds freshness and a pop of green color.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray to ensure the salmon doesn’t stick. This initial setup sets the stage for perfectly cooked salmon that will flake beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Avocado-Feta Topping
While your oven is warming, mix the diced avocado, crumbled feta, chopped dill, sliced chives, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. This topping combines creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes, and refrigerating it keeps it fresh and vibrant until serving.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick. Brush each fillet generously with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh chopped dill. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over the fillets to enhance their flavor and add a subtle smoky depth.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish and bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the salmon to be perfectly flaky when you test it with a fork but still moist and tender inside. The timing might vary slightly depending on your oven or the thickness of the fillets.
Step 5: Serve with the Topping
Once baked, spoon the chilled avocado-feta topping generously over each salmon fillet. Garnish with a little extra dill or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, appealing finish. This final touch makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few thin lemon slices can brighten the plate and add a lovely aroma right when serving. A crack of black pepper on top also enhances the overall look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Since this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe is rich and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad, quinoa, or roasted asparagus. Steamed or roasted vegetables also complement this dish without overpowering the delicate salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the salmon fillets on a large platter with the avocado-feta topping arranged artistically. Alternatively, plate individually with colorful side dishes and fresh herb sprigs for an elegant dinner party presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the avocado-feta topping fresh, store it separately and add it when ready to serve to prevent browning.
Freezing
While cooked salmon can be frozen, the avocado-feta topping does not freeze well due to its creamy and fresh ingredients. If needed, freeze salmon portions wrapped tightly, but plan to make a fresh topping when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover salmon gently in a low-temperature oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Add the avocado-feta topping fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly if your fillets are thicker and consider crisping the skin beforehand if you enjoy it.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the salmon cooks quickly and the topping can be made in advance. Keep the components separate until serving for the freshest taste.
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Feta really shines here with its tangy saltiness, but goat cheese or queso fresco can work as alternatives, keeping a similar creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the salmon seasoning or avocado topping will give it a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Can this be cooked on a grill instead of baking?
Definitely! Just oil the grill grates well and cook the salmon skin-side down if using skin-on. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness, then top with the avocado-feta mixture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a dish that is both nutritious and incredibly tasty, the Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fresh flavors, and versatile enough for any occasion. Give it a try and savor each bite of this delicious and wholesome meal!
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Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with a fresh and creamy avocado-feta topping. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful balance of bright citrus, herbaceous dill, and rich feta cheese, making it a healthy and satisfying meal that comes together in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh dill (chopped)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Avocado-Feta Topping:
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- â…“ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (sliced)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish to ensure the salmon doesn’t stick during cooking.
- Make the Avocado-Feta Topping: In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, sliced chives, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep it fresh and cool.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest and chopped dill on top. Season with salt, black pepper, and optionally paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
- Bake: Place the prepared salmon fillets into the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon the chilled avocado-feta topping generously over each fillet. Garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overbake the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- The avocado-feta topping can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Skin-on salmon can be used; if so, place skin-side down in the baking dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, as feta cheese is naturally salty.
