It’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re in the kitchen, dreaming about a dish that combines crispy, succulent baked salmon with creamy avocado mash. The aroma wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance with joy. You can almost hear the salmon sizzling as it bakes to perfection, its golden crust beckoning you closer.
Picture this: the moment you take that first bite, the flaky fish melts in your mouth while the avocado adds a rich, buttery finish. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends, this baked salmon with avocado mash is sure to steal the show and ignite conversations around the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked salmon with avocado mash is not just easy to prepare; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations
Everyone in my family raved about this dish during our last gathering; even my picky cousin went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Salmon Fillets: Choose fillets that are bright in color and have a fresh smell for the best flavor.
Ripe Avocado: Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed; they’ll be creamy and perfect for mashing.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the richness of the fish and avocado.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors while keeping the salmon moist during baking.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder elevates the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for optimal flavor enhancement.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and develops that beautiful golden color.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step helps achieve an effortless clean-up later on.
Season Your Salmon: Place your fresh salmon fillets in the baking dish. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Massage those seasonings into each fillet for maximum flavor!
Bake Until Flaky: Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the salmon flakes easily with a fork—this is your cue to dig in!
Mash Your Avocado Blissfully: While your salmon bakes, cut open your ripe avocados. Scoop them into a bowl, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then mash until creamy yet chunky—just how we like it!
Serve With Style: Once your salmon is perfectly baked, plate it alongside generous scoops of creamy avocado mash. A sprinkle of extra lemon juice on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Enjoy every bite of this delightful combination as each forkful transports you to seafood heaven! It’s quick enough for those busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress at dinner parties.
This recipe will surely become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
You Must Know
- This baked salmon with avocado mash is not only delicious but also a healthy option for dinner
- The creamy avocado complements the flaky salmon perfectly, while the vibrant colors make it visually appealing
- It’s a meal that feels fancy without requiring a culinary degree
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, prepare the avocado mash and season the salmon. Bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes for perfect flakiness.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding lime juice or chopped cilantro to your avocado mash for an extra zing. You can swap out salmon for another fish like trout or add spices that suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked salmon and avocado mash in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The key to perfectly baked salmon is not overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
- Letting the fish rest after baking enhances its moisture and flavor
- Don’t forget to use ripe avocados; they make all the difference in texture and taste
Sharing this recipe reminds me of my best friend’s dinner party where everyone raved about how easy yet elegant it was. They thought I was a gourmet chef, but really, it was all about this delightful dish!
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before baking for even cooking.
What can I serve with baked salmon and avocado mash?
Pair it with steamed veggies or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when my salmon is done?
Check that it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Baked Salmon with Creamy Avocado Mash
Baked salmon with creamy avocado mash is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of flaky fish and buttery avocado. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this meal is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy your taste buds with every bite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients
- 2 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Place salmon fillets in the dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon bakes, scoop avocado into a bowl, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mash until creamy yet chunky.
- Serve salmon alongside avocado mash, adding extra lemon juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with avocado mash (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
