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); 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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The spicy, smoky salmon pairs beautifully with the cool, creamy avocado lime sauce, creating a delicious balance of tastes. Whether served in bowls, tacos, or plated with rice and beans, it’s sure to impress.

Two rows of grilled salmon fillets are arranged on a wooden cutting board. Each fillet has a crisp, charred outer layer with a deep reddish-brown color and is topped with drizzles of thick, creamy green sauce that looks smooth with small green herb pieces. Fresh chopped herbs are sprinkled generously on top of the salmon and sauce, adding a bright green contrast. On the right side of the cutting board, there are two halves of a lime showing a juicy, pale green interior. A sliced avocado with creamy light green flesh is blurred in the background. The whole scene is placed 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)
Black beans
Corn kernels
Chopped red onion
Diced tomatoes
Lime wedges
Tortillas (corn or flour)
Shredded lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Step 3: For best flavor, marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes (optional).
Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer.
Step 5: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if the skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish releases easily.
Step 6: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Alternatively, you can bake (400°F/200°C for 12-15 minutes), grill (medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side), or air fry (400°F/200°C for 8-10 minutes) the salmon until cooked through.
Step 8: Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 9: To make the avocado lime crema, combine the avocado flesh, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a food processor or blender.
Step 10: Blend until smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then chill the crema for at least 30 minutes for best flavor (optional).
Step 12: Prepare rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if serving as bowls or tacos.
Step 13: Flake the cooked salmon gently with a fork.
Step 14: Assemble your dish:
– Bowls: Start with rice, black beans, and corn, then top with flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
– Tacos: Fill tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and a dollop of crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
– Plates: Serve salmon alongside rice and beans with a side of avocado lime crema and lime wedges.
Step 15: Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, then serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt without sacrificing creaminess.
Adjust the cayenne pepper in the crema to control the heat level.
Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Try homemade Cajun seasoning to customize the spice mix to your liking.
Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon and avocado lime crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crema may brown slightly but can be stirred to refresh. Reheat salmon gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating crema to retain its fresh flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Two rows of thick salmon fillets, each cut into four even pieces, rest on a wooden board against a white marbled texture. The salmon is cooked to a rich orange with dark, crispy edges, and a smooth pale green sauce is drizzled on top, flowing down the sides, garnished with small green herb flakes. On the side, two lime halves with visible seeds and texture are placed next to the salmon. In the blurred background, a halved avocado is partly visible, adding a fresh contrast. 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, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and good texture.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate level of spice with smoky and savory notes. You can adjust the amount of seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper in the crema if you prefer less heat.