Name: Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 ripe avocados; 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option); 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick); 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency; Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice); Black beans; Corn kernels; Chopped red onion; Diced tomatoes; Lime wedges; Tortillas (corn or flour); Shredded lettuce

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Introduction

This Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema is a flavorful and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. The spicy, smoky seasoning on the salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy avocado lime sauce. Serve it with rice or in tacos for a fresh and satisfying experience.

Two thick pieces of charred salmon fillets are placed side by side on a wooden board, each with a crispy dark brown crust on the outside and a rich orange-pink inside. The top of each piece is generously drizzled with a creamy green sauce, speckled with chopped herbs. Fresh chopped herbs are also sprinkled on top of the sauce. Next to the salmon, two halves of a lime with bright green skin and pale inner flesh rest on the board. In the blurry background, a half avocado with its green flesh and brown seed is partially visible, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
2-3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice), for serving
Black beans, for serving
Corn kernels, for serving
Chopped red onion, for serving
Diced tomatoes, for serving
Lime wedges, for garnish
Tortillas (corn or flour), optional
Shredded lettuce, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix to form a paste and rub evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Step 3: (Optional) Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes, for better flavor.
Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until shimmering.
Step 5: Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and salmon releases easily.
Step 6: Flip the fillets and cook another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes; grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side; or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 9: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado lime crema: halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a blender or food processor.
Step 10: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to the blender.
Step 11: Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 13: Serve the salmon with avocado crema, cooked rice, black beans, corn, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges. Use tortillas and shredded lettuce to make tacos if you like.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper in the avocado crema or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-rich option.
Try serving with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added to the crema for a different twist.
Marinating the salmon longer enhances the Cajun flavors but isn’t necessary if short on time.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and avocado lime crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. The avocado crema is best served cold and may thicken in the fridge; stir in a little water or lime juice to loosen before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows four thick pieces of grilled salmon arranged in a row on a wooden platter, each piece with a crispy, dark reddish-brown crust seasoned with herbs and spices. A creamy, pale green sauce with flecks of herbs is generously drizzled over the top of each salmon piece, dripping down the sides. Fresh green herbs sprinkle the salmon and sauce, adding freshness and contrast. A couple of lime wedges sit beside the salmon, providing a pop of bright green color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the avocado crema?

You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative or even mayonnaise for a richer texture. Vegan sour cream substitutes also work well if you prefer a dairy-free option.