If you’re craving a dish that feels fresh, vibrant, and completely satisfying, this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It combines tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, tangy avocado and feta topping that dances on your tongue with every bite. This recipe is a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients that come together effortlessly, bringing bright flavors and beautiful textures to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish balances indulgence with wholesome goodness like a charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and freshness without any fuss. These simple staples work together to create the perfect balance of richness, zest, and herbaceous notes, making your salmon irresistible.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skinless salmon for a tender, flaky base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps carry the lemon and herb flavors throughout the fish.
- Lemon juice: Brings lively brightness that cuts through the richness of the salmon and avocado.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma for a fresh pop without adding extra acidity.
- Fresh dill: Offers delicate herbal notes that pair perfectly with seafood.
- Paprika (optional): Adds subtle warmth and color, making the salmon look even more inviting.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- Avocado: Provides creamy texture and a mellow flavor that balances the tangy feta.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled to lend a salty, tangy punch with a crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth avocado.
- Fresh chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and fresh green color to the topping.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This simple prep step ensures your salmon won’t stick and will cook evenly to a juicy perfection. Having the oven ready upfront makes the cooking flow so much smoother.
Step 2: Make the Avocado-Feta Topping
While the oven heats, combine the diced avocado, crumbled feta, fresh dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir everything gently to keep the avocado chunks intact while mixing the flavors. Then set this delicious topping aside in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve. This keeps it fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry using paper towels; this step helps the seasoning stick better. Brush each fillet generously with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, and sprinkle over the chopped dill. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a dash of paprika if you like a little smoky depth. This marinade layer builds incredible flavor right into the fish.
Step 4: Bake
Lay the salmon fillets in the greased baking dish and slide them into the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is just flaky and tender. Avoid overcooking to keep every bite moist and luscious. The oven’s heat locks in all those citrus and herb notes beautifully.
Step 5: Serve with Avocado-Feta Topping
Once the salmon is perfectly baked, spoon the chilled avocado and feta topping generously over each fillet. Don’t be shy here; this topping is the star! Add a little extra dill or a touch of lemon zest as garnish for that professional finishing touch that makes the dish feel special.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A few herb sprigs like dill or chives are wonderful garnishes to brighten up your plate visually and aromatically. A thin lemon slice or a pinch of paprika dusted on top adds inviting color and a hint of extra zest.
Side Dishes
This savory dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. Think roasted asparagus, a light cucumber salad, or warm quinoa tossed with fresh herbs. These sides add complementary textures and ensure your meal feels balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve the salmon on a bed of mixed greens or alongside a colorful grain bowl featuring cherry tomatoes and olives. You can even turn this into a vibrant open-faced lunch sandwich on hearty, toasted bread, layered with leafy greens and a drizzle of extra olive oil. Presentation is your playground here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon and avocado-feta topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. This helps maintain the fresh taste and texture of each component without any sogginess.
Freezing
While salmon freezes well, freezing the avocado-feta topping is not recommended as the avocado texture will change upon thawing. If you want to freeze portions, wrap the cooked salmon tightly and freeze for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in a low oven (about 275°F or 135°C) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. Add the avocado-feta topping fresh after reheating to keep it cool and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with the skin on?
Absolutely! If you prefer salmon with the skin, just place the fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. The skin will help keep the fish moist while baking, and you can easily remove it before serving if you like.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe is fantastic for meal prep because the individual components store well separately, and it reheats nicely without losing flavor or texture.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
You can swap feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a creamy, tangy alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor might be milder or slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, but checking by flakiness usually works wonderfully.
Can I make the avocado-feta topping spicier?
Definitely! Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the avocado-feta mix for a gentle kick of heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy textures.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe that makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests, and its vibrant flavors bring a smile to the table. If you’re looking to elevate your dinner routine, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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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: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta recipe combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a creamy, tangy avocado and feta topping. Enhanced by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, it’s a quick, nutritious meal perfect for a healthy dinner.
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 the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the salmon fillets evenly without sticking.
- 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 until well combined, then refrigerate to let flavors meld while you prepare the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle with lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika for extra flavor and mild heat.
- Bake: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 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 over each fillet. Garnish with additional fresh dill or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant finish and enhanced freshness.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is fresh for the best taste and texture.
- The paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky flavor.
- The avocado-feta topping can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated to save time.
- Use skinless salmon fillets for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference before serving.
