Description
This Baked Cajun Salmon is bold, smoky, zesty, and topped with a creamy avocado sauce for the perfect balance of heat and coolness. Ready in under 30 minutes, naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and packed with protein, healthy fats, and flavor — it’s an ideal weeknight salmon dinner or meal prep option. With simple ingredients and big taste, this recipe works beautifully for lunch bowls, tacos, salads, or a wholesome fall-inspired entrée.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro or dill
Notes & Variations:
- Swap salmon with cod or trout.
- Use taco seasoning or harissa instead of Cajun spice.
- Make a yogurt-based sauce instead of avocado.
- Add jalapeño or chili flakes for extra heat.
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Season: Pat salmon dry. Drizzle with olive oil and coat with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Bake: Bake 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Make Sauce: Blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Serve: Plate salmon and top generously with avocado sauce. Add your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pat salmon dry for best browning.
- Remove salmon from oven as soon as it flakes to avoid dryness.
- Keep avocado sauce airtight with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent browning.
- Perfect for meal prep — store salmon and sauce separately.
- Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood, Keto, Clean Eating
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Baked Cajun Salmon, Cajun Salmon Recipe, Salmon with Avocado Sauce, Keto Salmon Dinner, Healthy Salmon Recipes, Meal Prep Salmon