This Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta recipe is a delightful choice for a quick and healthy dinner. This dish is not only tender and loaded with flavor, but it also features a creamy avocado-feta topping that elevates the meal to new heights. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle.
- Flavorful Topping: The creamy avocado and tangy feta create a delicious topping that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and healthy fats from avocado, this dish supports a nutritious diet.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with a side salad, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own.
- Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and appealing presentation, even picky eaters will love this dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your culinary adventure, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking of your salmon fillets.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess; different sizes help keep things organized.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending sauces smoothly, ensuring all flavors meld together seamlessly.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (without skin)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
For the Avocado-Feta Topping
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh chives, sliced
- ½ of a lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Avocado-Feta Topping
In a small bowl:
1. Mix together the diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and chives.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the salmon.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Place them in your prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill.
- Brush this mixture over each salmon fillet.
- Season each fillet with salt, black pepper, and paprika as desired.
Step 4: Bake!
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately by spooning the avocado-feta topping over each salmon fillet. Enjoy your delicious Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta!
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
Serving baked salmon with avocado and feta is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.
With Fresh Greens
- Mixed Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon.
- Spinach Salad: Toss fresh spinach with sliced almonds, cranberries, and a balsamic dressing for a sweet contrast.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- Quinoa Pilaf: Serve the salmon over fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs for added texture and nutrition.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa: Fluff quinoa with lemon juice and fresh herbs to match the citrus notes in the dish.
With Whole Grain Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Offer slices of warm baguette for soaking up any delicious juices from the salmon and toppings.
- Whole Wheat Pita: Use pita pockets for a fun, handheld option that can be filled with salmon and toppings.
Topped with Extra Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an added burst of flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra squeeze of citrus.
How to Perfect Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
To achieve perfectly baked salmon topped with avocado and feta, consider these simple tips.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. This helps lock in moisture.
- Pat Dry the Salmon: Remove excess moisture by patting the fillets dry. This promotes better browning and flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh dill and ripe avocados enhance the overall taste. Check their quality before using.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time. Overcooking can result in dry salmon; it should flake easily when done.
- Taste Test Seasonings: Adjust seasonings in your avocado-feta topping to suit your palate. Taste before serving.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the salmon to rest briefly after baking. This makes it juicier as it continues to cook slightly.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
Pairing baked salmon with avocado and feta is easy when you have delicious sides in mind. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted in garlic add a savory crunch that complements the salmon.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steaming broccoli keeps it vibrant and crisp, making it a nutritious side choice.
- Couscous Salad: A refreshing salad made with couscous, cucumber, and mint brings bright flavors to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide a subtly sweet contrast to the savory salmon.
- Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb option that pairs well without overpowering the dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add depth and earthiness alongside your flavorful main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfect.
- Overcooking the salmon – Cooking salmon for too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
- Not seasoning enough – Failing to properly season can result in bland salmon. Always season your fillets generously with salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavor.
- Skipping the topping preparation – The avocado-feta topping is essential for flavor. Don’t rush this step; take time to mix and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Using unripe avocados – Unripe avocados won’t provide the creamy texture needed for this dish. Choose ripe, soft avocados for the best results.
- Neglecting to pat dry – Skipping the step of patting dry can lead to soggy fish. Make sure to remove excess moisture before seasoning and baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
- Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- Frozen salmon can be kept for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth and cover, reheating for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta that may help clarify any doubts.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, try using goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives that still offer a creamy texture.
How can I customize the avocado-feta topping?
Feel free to add other ingredients like tomatoes or olives for extra flavor in your avocado-feta topping.
Is Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta healthy?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with healthy fats from the salmon and avocado, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.
Final Thoughts
Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta is not just quick; it’s also incredibly delicious and versatile! You can easily customize this recipe by adding different herbs or toppings based on your preferences. Try it out tonight; it’s sure to impress!
Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta
Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta is an exquisite dish that brings together tender, flaky salmon topped with a creamy avocado-feta mixture. This quick and healthy dinner option is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, ready in under 30 minutes. The rich flavors of the seasoned salmon perfectly complement the tangy and creamy topping, creating a delightful culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1½ lemons
- Fresh dill and chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, mix diced avocado, crumbled feta, chopped dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; refrigerate.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them in the baking dish. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill; brush over salmon. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Top each fillet with the avocado-feta mixture before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
