Dinner

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash Recipe

Name: Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 avocados (mashed); 1 lime zest (grated); 1 lime juice; salt to taste; chopped dill; 1/2 red onion chopped

BySophie Carsel July 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that feels both luxurious and refreshingly simple, let me introduce you to Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash. This dish brings together buttery, flaky salmon and a creamy, zesty avocado topping for a main course that looks sensational but comes together in no time. Every bite is a hit of bold flavor and vibrant color, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or impressing friends for a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is that it lets a handful of everyday ingredients shine. Everything on this list pulls its weight, whether it’s bringing brightness to the mash or giving the fish its deeply savory crust. Here’s what you’ll need and exactly how each component steals the show:

Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, center-cut fillets to ensure tender, juicy results every time.
Salt and black pepper: These seasonings enhance every other flavor, so season generously but tastefully.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory backbone without overpowering the star ingredients.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color to the salmon crust.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch delivers a warming kick that brightens the whole dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Offers richness and helps create that golden finish on the fish.
Avocados (mashed): Go for ripe avocados—they’ll give you the creamiest, most luscious mash possible.
Lime zest (grated): The zest is where all the lime’s oils live, lending an incredible burst of citrus fragrance.
Lime juice: Adds tang and keeps the avocado mash beautifully green.
Salt (for mash): Essential for unlocking the avocado’s silky, buttery flavor.
Chopped dill: This herb is a natural partner to both salmon and avocado, infusing everything with fresh, grassy notes.
Red onion (chopped): Sprinkled on top, it gives each bite a crisp, punchy spark.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you do anything else, set your oven to 375°F. Giving your oven time to heat ensures that your salmon will cook evenly and stay juicy. While it’s preheating, take out your salmon fillets and let them come to room temperature, which helps them cook more predictably.

Step 2: Season and Oil the Salmon

Arrange the salmon fillets in a baking dish. Sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper, then layer on the garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne. Finish by drizzling olive oil all over the top and gently rubbing the seasonings in so every bit of the fish is well coated.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and glistens with a light, golden finish. This short baking time ensures it stays beautifully tender and moist.

Step 4: Make the Zesty Avocado Mash

While the salmon cooks, grab a bowl and mash your avocados until nearly smooth. Add in the grated lime zest, a good squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a handful of chopped dill. Stir everything together—this mash should be creamy, tangy, and fragrant, with the dill adding a subtle herbal lift.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Once the salmon is hot and ready, spoon a generous heap of avocado mash over each fillet. Sprinkle on the chopped red onion for a little crunch and color. Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is ready to impress!

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a final flourish, scatter a few extra sprigs of dill or a touch more fresh lime zest on top. A light drizzle of olive oil can add shine and depth, and those vibrant red onion bits make the dish feel restaurant-worthy every time.

Side Dishes

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is the star of the plate, but it loves a few supporting characters. Pile it high with quick-roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a peppery arugula salad. A handful of fluffy quinoa or herbed couscous rounds out the meal and soaks up all those zesty, creamy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer the salmon and avocado mash on top of toasted sourdough slices for a hearty brunch. Or, if you’re after something lighter, serve smaller pieces over crisp lettuce leaves for a stylish starter. For a dinner party, plate the salmon fillets whole and let everyone top theirs with avocado mash and onion at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any remaining Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. For best results, keep the salmon and the avocado mash in separate containers, since the mash is prone to browning if stored on the hot fish.

Freezing

While the salmon fillets themselves can be frozen for up to two months, avocado mash doesn’t freeze well. The texture can change and become watery after thawing. So, if you’re planning to make ahead, just freeze the salmon—it’ll defrost and reheat beautifully.

Reheating

To keep your salmon moist, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, since it can dry out the fish. Always make a fresh batch of avocado mash just before serving for the very best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator and pat dry before seasoning and baking. This helps the spices stick and ensures even cooking.

Is there a good substitute for dill?

Yes! Fresh parsley or cilantro work well if you’re not a fan of dill, giving the avocado mash a different kind of herbal brightness.

How do I keep the avocado mash from browning?

The lime juice does help, but for extra insurance, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mash if you need to make it a little ahead of time.

Can this dish be prepared for meal prep?

Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash is fantastic for meal prep! Just make sure to store the salmon and avocado mash separately and add the onion garnish right before you eat.

What wine would pair well with this dish?

Try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even a light, citrusy Pinot Grigio to complement the rich salmon and tangy avocado mash. You’ll love how refreshing the combination is.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly hard not to fall in love with Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash. Every part of it is fresh, colorful, and so satisfying without a lot of fuss. Make it once, and you’ll see why this recipe is a favorite at my table—I hope you’ll make it one of yours, too!