Go Back
–+ servings
baked cajun salmon with avocado lime sauce

Baked Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Sauce

The Crispy Chef
This bold and flavorful Baked Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Sauce is a fast, healthy, and ridiculously satisfying dinner — flaky salmon packed with Cajun spice and cooled off by a zesty avocado cream. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun, Healthy
Servings 4 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Small mixing bowl for spice mix
  • Food processor or blender
  • large spoon for mixing sauce
  • Instant-read thermometer optional but helpful

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 2 large ripe avocados (about 300g)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (for sauce)
  • 2–3 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
  • fresh cilantro for garnish
  • red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Remove salmon from fridge and pat dry with paper towels. Let come to room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
  • Brush salmon with olive oil and coat both sides with the spice mix. Press it on well.
  • Place fillets on baking sheet with lemon slices around. Bake 12–15 mins until flaky and opaque.
  • Check doneness with fork or thermometer (145°F/63°C). Let rest briefly out of the oven.
  • In a food processor, add avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño (optional), and salt.
  • Pulse until creamy, adding water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste and adjust with more lime juice, salt, or jalapeño as needed.
  • Plate salmon, top with avocado sauce, garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, and pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Make the spice mix ahead and keep a jar on hand for quick meals. For dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of yogurt. Sauce is best fresh but can be made up to 4 hours ahead with plastic wrap pressed onto its surface to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 35gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 880mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 980IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword avocado lime sauce, baked salmon, cajun salmon, Healthy Salmon Recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!