There’s something magical about the combination of flaky, perfectly baked salmon and creamy avocado mash. Picture this: a golden fillet glistening in the oven, its aromas wafting through your kitchen, making you feel like a culinary genius. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you scoop some vibrant green avocado mash onto your plate. It’s a dish that looks fancy enough to impress anyone but is as easy as pie to whip up.
Remember that time you tried to impress friends with your cooking skills but ended up burning the pasta instead? Fear not! This Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is foolproof and guaranteed to leave everyone speechless—in a good way. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish will elevate any occasion and leave you basking in compliments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is incredibly simple to prepare without sacrificing flavor
- The fresh, vibrant ingredients create a stunning visual presentation on any dinner table
- The creamy avocado adds richness while balancing the salmon’s natural flavors
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home
I once made this dish for my family, and their reactions were priceless—my dad even asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon fillets are key; look for bright, firm flesh with no fishy smell for the best results.
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Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed; they will add creaminess to your mash.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps the avocado from browning too quickly.
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the salmon before baking; it enhances flavor and moisture.
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth without overwhelming the delicate taste of the salmon.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these basics to bring out all the flavors!
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Fresh Herbs (like dill or parsley): These add freshness and color, making your dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
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 step ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and beautifully.
Prepare the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper generously over each fillet.
Bake Until Flaky: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a lovely pinkish hue.
Make Your Avocado Mash: While the salmon cooks, scoop ripe avocados into a bowl. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Mash until creamy but still slightly chunky for texture.
Serve It Up!: Once everything is cooked to perfection, plate your baked salmon alongside a generous dollop of avocado mash. Garnish with extra herbs if you’re feeling fancy!
This Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash will not only satisfy your taste buds but also make you look like a superstar chef! Enjoy every bite as you relish in your culinary triumphs!
You Must Know
- Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is not just delicious; it’s also nutritious and quick to prepare
- The contrasting textures of flaky salmon and creamy avocado create a delightful experience that pleases both the eyes and the palate
- Don’t forget to savor the aroma while it cooks!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating, prepare your salmon and avocado mash. Bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes, ensuring it’s juicy yet flaky.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice up your avocado mash with lime juice or add chili flakes for a kick. For the salmon, try adding herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, avoiding dryness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily but remain moist; avoid overcooking for best results
- Use ripe avocados for a creamier texture, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal
- Fresh herbs can elevate flavors significantly, making your meal feel gourmet without extra effort
One time, I served this dish at a dinner party, and my friends couldn’t believe how easy it was to make! They thought I had been slaving away in the kitchen all day.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it completely before baking for even cooking.
What should I serve with baked salmon?
Pair it with a simple salad or quinoa for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is a culinary delight that combines the flaky richness of perfectly cooked salmon with a creamy avocado topping. This vibrant dish is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Serve it up at your next dinner party or enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal, and watch your guests rave about the flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon bakes, mash ripe avocados in a bowl and mix in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.
- Plate the baked salmon alongside a generous scoop of avocado mash and garnish with additional herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with avocado mash (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
