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Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that dazzles with vibrant flavors and is surprisingly simple to whip up, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe. I’m telling you, this combo is one of my go-to weeknight meals but fancy enough to impress guests. The perfectly spiced salmon paired with a fresh, creamy avocado salsa creates a harmony of smoky, zesty, and buttery textures that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The smoky spice rub beautifully complements the creamy, zesty avocado salsa, creating a dish bursting with complexity.
  • Simple Prep: With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s effortless to pull off—even on busy nights.
  • Versatile Meal: It works as a light dinner, an impressive lunch, or a fancy brunch, and it takes under 30 minutes.
  • Healthy & Fresh: Packed with omega-3 rich salmon and nutrient-dense avocados, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa, grilled salmon with spice rub, healthy salmon recipes, quick salmon dinner ideas, flavorful salmon dishes - A large, flat piece of cooked fish with a reddish-brown seasoning crust covers the entire top surface, showing a single long vertical line in the center. The fish is lying on a white marbled surface with some seasoning scattered around it on the left side. The edges around the fish are slightly darker, giving a roasted look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to create such a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying plate. Each element has a purpose, from the smoky paprika that wakes up the salmon to the tangy lime juice that livens up the salsa.

Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa, grilled salmon with spice rub, healthy salmon recipes, quick salmon dinner ideas, flavorful salmon dishes - Flat lay of a fresh salmon filet with bright orange-pink flesh and smooth skin, a small white bowl of smoked paprika powder in deep red color, a small white bowl of ground cumin in warm brown, a small white bowl of garlic powder in pale off-white, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, a small white bowl with amber honey, three ripe green avocados diced into chunky cubes, a small bunch of fresh cilantro with vibrant green leaves, a small white bowl filled with clear pale red wine vinegar, a small white bowl holding bright green lime juice, a small white bowl with fiery red pepper flakes, a single whole garlic bulb with clean white papery skin, and a small white bowl with additional salt crystals, all carefully arranged in a perfectly symmetrical, realistic proportion flat lay, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Salmon filet: Go for a fresh, wild-caught salmon if you can—it’s firm, flavorful, and bakes to juicy perfection.
  • Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the delicate fish.
  • Smoked paprika: This gives the salmon a subtle smoky depth that’s absolutely irresistible.
  • Ground cumin: Brings earthiness that rounds out the spice rub.
  • Salt: Enhances every flavor; don’t be shy but stick to a measured amount.
  • Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and keeps the salmon moist during baking.
  • Honey: Just a touch balances the smoky spices with gentle sweetness.
  • Avocados: Make sure they’re ripe but firm to hold shape in the salsa.
  • Fresh cilantro: Offers bright herbal notes that lift the salsa beautifully.
  • Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and tanginess that contrasts the richness of avocado and fish.
  • Lime juice: Brings fresh citrus zing—fresh-squeezed is best here!
  • Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds heat without overwhelming the freshness.
  • Garlic clove: Raw and minced for a punch of sharp garlicky flavor.
  • Salt (for salsa): Pulls the salsa flavors together perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve tossed in some of my favorite twists over the years, and I encourage you to make this Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe your own. Whether you love things spicier or need it dairy-free, customizing this dish is a breeze and a ton of fun!

  • Variation: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap out smoked paprika for chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick—just be sure to dial back the heat gradually.
  • Add-Ons: Sometimes I throw in diced tomatoes or finely chopped red onion to the avocado salsa for extra freshness and crunch.
  • Dietary Tweaks: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but if you want a crunch, adding toasted pepitas on top is a great nut-free option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub and Salmon

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F. I always pat the salmon dry with paper towels—that step helps the spice rub stick and creates a nicely browned finish. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, honey, and olive oil. It should form a thick paste that’s easy to spread. Rub this mixture generously on the flesh side of the salmon. Place the salmon skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Bake and Broil for Perfect Texture

Bake the salmon for about 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness—you’re aiming for opaque pink and just cooked through. Here’s a tip I swear by: after baking, switch your oven to broil and slide the salmon in for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn! This step crisps up the spice-rubbed top and makes every bite a little crunchy in the best possible way.

Step 3: Mix the Avocado Salsa

While the salmon cooks, toss together the diced avocados, fresh cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently—trust me, you want to keep the avocado chunks intact for that creamy bite and beautiful texture contrast. The salsa is fresh, bright, and kicks up the salmon’s richness perfectly.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Once your salmon is out of the oven, spoon the avocado salsa generously over the top or serve it on the side for guests to add as they like. I often garnish with an extra sprinkle of cilantro or a few lime wedges for an inviting pop of color. And voilà—you’ve got yourself a stunning meal that came together quickly!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Patting Salmon Dry: Always dry the salmon before seasoning to prevent sogginess and ensure the spice rub adheres properly.
  • Broil for Crispiness: Broiling at the end creates a delightful crust—don’t skip this step unless you want a softer top.
  • Gentle Salsa Mixing: Stir the avocado salsa gently to keep those creamy chunks intact—it’s all about contrasting textures.
  • Watch the Broiler: It happens fast—keep your eye on the salmon to avoid burning the spices under the broiler.

How to Serve Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa, grilled salmon with spice rub, healthy salmon recipes, quick salmon dinner ideas, flavorful salmon dishes - A large, rectangular piece of cooked salmon with a crispy, deep orange-brown skin on the bottom layer sits on a white marbled surface. On top of the salmon is a thick layer of chunky, bright green avocado salsa mixed with finely chopped herbs and small bits of red pepper flakes. Thin slices of lime rest on the avocado salsa, adding a pop of light green color. The overall look is fresh and vibrant, with natural textures visible in the salmon’s flaky interior and the creamy avocado topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and thin slices of lime—the citrus not only looks pretty but adds a fresh squeeze right before eating really brightens everything up. Sometimes, for added texture, I sprinkle with crushed toasted pepitas or a light dusting of smoked paprika to echo the rub’s flavors.

Side Dishes

This salmon salsa duo pairs beautifully with simple sides like cilantro-lime rice, quinoa salad, or even a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. When I’m in the mood for comfort, I serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up all the juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or celebratory meal, try serving the salmon on a bed of vibrant tortilla chips topped with dollops of the avocado salsa for a shareable platter. I also like to plate the salsa in individual glass jars beside the salmon for a sophisticated touch that lets guests control their portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon keeps well for up to 2 days, but I usually eat leftovers within that window to enjoy the best texture and flavor. The avocado salsa tends to brown, so I squeeze extra lime juice on top and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to slow discoloration.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon is an option, but I don’t recommend freezing the avocado salsa because the texture changes dramatically once thawed. If you freeze the salmon, wrap it tightly in foil and a freezer bag; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftover salmon, I prefer warming it in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10-15 minutes to avoid drying it out. Microwaving tends to make it tough, so if you’re short on time, reheat it carefully in short bursts. Add the avocado salsa fresh from the fridge to keep its vibrant flavor and texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of fish for this Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe?

    Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its rich flavor and firm texture, you can try this spice rub on other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness and type of fish.

  2. How spicy is the salmon in this spice rub?

    The salmon itself is mildly spiced with warmth from smoked paprika and cumin, balanced by a touch of honey for sweetness. The avocado salsa adds a light heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit to suit your heat tolerance.

  3. Can I prepare the avocado salsa ahead of time?

    You can prep the avocado salsa about 30 minutes before serving, but because avocado browns quickly, I recommend making it as close to serving time as possible. Adding extra lime juice and keeping it covered tightly will help maintain its color.

  4. What’s the best way to check if the salmon is cooked perfectly?

    Look for the salmon to be opaque and flaky but still moist inside. Using a fork to gently flake the thickest part will help. Overcooking results in dryness, so start checking around the 10-minute mark depending on your oven and salmon thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliable, fresh, and just plain delicious every single time. Whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a weekend dinner with friends, this recipe never fails to impress while keeping things simple. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might even catch me making it again next week!

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Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious spice rubbed salmon baked to perfection and topped with a fresh and zesty avocado salsa, making a healthy and flavorful main course perfect for any dinner.

Ingredients

Spice Rubbed Salmon:

  • 1.5 pound salmon filet
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey

Avocado Salsa:

  • 3 avocados, diced
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the salmon.
  2. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon filet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better seasoning adhesion.
  3. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, honey, and olive oil to create the spice rub.
  4. Rub Salmon: Apply the seasoning blend evenly on the flesh side of the salmon. Place the salmon on a baking sheet skin side down.
  5. Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 minutes to cook through.
  6. Broil for Crispness: Turn on the broiler and place the salmon under it for 3 minutes or until the top is browned and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Prepare Avocado Salsa: In a small bowl, gently mix diced avocados, fresh cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and salt to taste to make the salsa.
  8. Serve: Spoon the avocado salsa over the baked salmon and serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon filet for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes in the salsa to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • If you prefer, the salmon can be cooked entirely under the broiler, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  • For a sweeter salsa, add a small drizzle of honey or agave syrup to the avocado mixture.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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