Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to enjoy salmon: baked salmon with avocado feta! This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy delight that’s bursting with flavor. Picture this: tender, flaky salmon topped with creamy avocado and tangy feta cheese that just melts in your mouth. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that comes together in no time—perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests! And trust me, the combination of the rich salmon and the fresh avocado-feta topping is simply divine. You’ll want to make this again and again, especially since it’s gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta
Gather these fresh and simple ingredients to create your delicious baked salmon with avocado feta. They’re easy to find and come together beautifully:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe—it should be soft to the touch but not mushy. And don’t skimp on the feta; its creamy tang elevates the dish to another level! Let’s get ready to whip up this delightful meal!
How to Prepare Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this scrumptious dish! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and comes out perfectly flaky. Trust me, you want that!
Prepare the Salmon
Next, place your salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent sticking. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the fillets, letting that zesty flavor soak in. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper to taste—this is where the magic begins!
Bake the Salmon
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the salmon bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and has that lovely pink color throughout. If you’ve got thicker fillets, you may need a few extra minutes, so keep an eye on it!
Prepare the Avocado-Feta Topping
While the salmon bakes, it’s time to whip up the avocado-feta topping. In a bowl, gently combine your diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese. This step is key because the creaminess of the avocado perfectly complements the salty bite of the feta, creating an irresistible topping!
Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and generously top each fillet with the avocado-feta mixture. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or your favorite roasted veggies, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this baked salmon with avocado feta! Each serving is not only delicious but also provides a great balance of nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Here’s a breakdown of the typical values you can expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing is for sure: you’re treating your body to something truly wholesome and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with healthy fats from salmon and avocado, making it a nutritious choice.
- The creamy avocado-feta topping adds a delightful burst of flavor and texture.
- Gluten-free and perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
- Fresh ingredients create a vibrant, colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal!
- Versatile—pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baked salmon with avocado feta turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips that I swear by:
- Check the Thickness: Salmon fillets can vary in thickness, so if yours are thicker than about an inch, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on them—nobody likes dry salmon!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest salmon you can find; it makes a world of difference in flavor. The same goes for your avocado—ripe is key! It should be gently yielding when you press it.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the avocado and feta, mix gently. You want those creamy chunks of avocado to shine through in the topping!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will elevate the flavors and bring out the best in your salmon.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add some chopped garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil drizzle for an extra kick. Or, try fresh herbs like dill or basil in the avocado-feta mix for a twist.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store the salmon and topping separately to keep everything fresh. The avocado can brown quickly, so it’s best to add it just before serving.
With these tips, you’re all set to make a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations on Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta
If you’re like me and love to mix things up in the kitchen, you’ll be thrilled to know there are so many fun variations to try with this baked salmon with avocado feta recipe! Here are some of my favorite twists that add a unique flair:
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the avocado-feta mixture for a spicy twist that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Herbed Delight: Swap out the parsley for fresh dill or cilantro. Both add a fresh herbaceous note that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Tomato & Basil: Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes with the avocado and feta for a Mediterranean vibe that’s bursting with flavor!
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to the topping for that extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the avocado.
- Fruit Fusion: Try adding diced mango or pineapple to the avocado-feta mix for a tropical twist that adds sweetness and vibrancy to the dish.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese—goat cheese or ricotta can replace feta for a creamier texture and different flavor profile.
- Asian Twist: Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the salmon before baking, and serve with a topping of avocado and crumbled feta for a unique fusion dish!
These variations will keep your baked salmon with avocado feta exciting and fresh each time you whip it up. So go ahead and get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your baked salmon with avocado feta is ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! A well-rounded meal is all about balancing flavors and textures, and there are plenty of delicious options that pair perfectly with this dish.
- Crisp Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a fantastic companion. The brightness of the veggies complements the richness of the salmon beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven while the salmon bakes!
- Quinoa or Rice: A fluffy bed of quinoa or wild rice adds a nice nutty flavor and makes the meal more filling. You can even toss in some herbs or lemon zest for added flavor.
- Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent touch, garlic bread is always a winner! The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for sopping up any leftover juices from the salmon.
- Avocado & Tomato Salad: Keep the avocado theme going with a simple salad of diced tomatoes, more avocado, and a splash of lime juice. This adds a refreshing twist and enhances the Mediterranean vibe!
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Steamed broccoli or green beans tossed in a little lemon juice and olive oil make for a vibrant, healthy side that keeps things light and fresh.
Mix and match these sides depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Whatever you choose, you’re set for a delightful, well-balanced meal that’s sure to impress!
For more information on the health benefits of salmon, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, visit our fish recipes section for inspiration!
Print
Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta: 7 Delicious Reasons to Try
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A healthy and flavorful dish featuring baked salmon topped with creamy avocado and feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
- While the salmon bakes, combine diced avocado and crumbled feta in a bowl.
- Once the salmon is done, top each fillet with the avocado-feta mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust baking time based on thickness of the salmon.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: baked salmon, avocado feta, healthy recipes
