I absolutely love this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe because it combines the richness of perfectly cooked salmon with the creamy, tangy freshness of avocado and feta. It’s such a winning combo that feels fancy enough for guests but is actually really simple to make any night of the week. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the flavors just sing together without needing tons of complicated ingredients.

You’ll find that this dish works beautifully for quick weeknight dinners or even meal prep since it’s both satisfying and packed with healthy fats and protein. Plus, the bright lemon and fresh herbs give it a light, fresh vibe that’s perfect all year round. If you’ve ever struggled to find an easy yet impressive salmon recipe, this one’s going to become your new go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.
  • Quick & Healthy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a nutritious dinner that doesn’t eat up your evening.
  • Flavorful Contrast: Creamy avocado and tangy feta add a fantastic texture and bright flavor against tender baked salmon.
  • Versatile & Family-Friendly: Works well for all skill levels and pleases even picky eaters with its lovely balance of flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe are straightforward, but each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor. I recommend looking for fresh herbs and ripe avocado to really elevate the dish.

  • Salmon fillets: Fresh, boneless, and skinless salmon works best for even cooking and easy serving.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the salmon moist while baking.
  • Lemon juice and zest: Bring bright acidity that cuts through the fat and adds freshness.
  • Fresh dill: Its delicate herbal notes complement both the salmon and avocado topping.
  • Salt, black pepper, paprika: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.
  • Avocado: Use ripe but firm avocado so it maintains texture when mixed with feta.
  • Feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado.
  • Fresh chives: Introduce a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
  • Half a lemon: For juicing into the avocado-feta topping, keeping it fresh and vibrant.
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.

Variations

I love to customize this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood in the kitchen. You should absolutely experiment to find your favorite twist — don’t be afraid to play around!

  • Swap herbs: I sometimes replace dill with fresh parsley or cilantro for a different herbal note, and it changes things up nicely.
  • Spice it up: For a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes on the salmon before baking. My family goes crazy for this spicy kick!
  • Use goat cheese: If feta isn’t your thing, creamy goat cheese is a wonderful alternative in the avocado topping.
  • Make it dairy-free: Simply omit the feta and add a squeeze more lemon for tartness—still delicious and creamy thanks to the avocado.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. I like to use a baking dish sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. While the oven heats, this is a great moment to get the avocado-feta topping going so the flavors can meld in the fridge.

Step 2: Mix the Avocado & Feta Topping

Dice the avocado into bite-size pieces and combine it in a bowl with crumbled feta, chopped dill, and sliced chives. Squeeze half a lemon over the mix, season with salt and pepper, and give everything a gentle stir. Taste and adjust, because I’ve found a little extra lemon juice or salt can make this topping really pop. Cover it and pop it in the fridge while you work on the salmon.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel (this helps them brown slightly and not steam). Place them in your prepared baking dish, then whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill in a small bowl. Brush this zesty mixture evenly over each fillet, then sprinkle salt, black pepper, and a little paprika for warmth and color. Don’t skip the paprika – it adds a subtle smoky flavor that I’ve come to love.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. The rule I follow is to bake until it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist and tender. Overcooking can dry it out, which nobody wants. If you have a food thermometer handy, aim for an internal temperature of about 125-130°F for that perfect medium doneness.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon the chilled avocado-feta topping generously over each warm salmon fillet just before serving. The contrast between the warm fish and creamy topping is just heavenly! Personally, I love serving this with some fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Salmon: Taking your salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before baking helps it cook evenly without drying out.
  • Don’t Overmix the Topping: Gently fold the avocado and feta to keep some chunks for texture; I learned this the hard way when my topping became too mushy.
  • Check Doneness Early: Start checking the salmon at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; every oven varies!
  • Paprika Adds More Than Color: Adding paprika before baking not only gives the salmon a beautiful hue but also a subtle smoky flavor you’ll love.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe

The image shows a white plate holding three pieces of well-cooked reddish-orange fish fillets, seasoned with spices that create a slightly charred texture on the surface. On top of the fillets is a chunky green mixture that looks creamy and fresh, made from diced avocado and small white crumbles, garnished with light green dill sprigs. Around the plate, there are two lemon wedges at the top right side and small dill pieces scattered on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon resting on the left edge of the plate and a dark blue cloth at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish my plated salmon with a few extra fresh dill sprigs and a lemon wedge. Sometimes I toss on a few thin slices of fresh radish for a little crunch and peppery bite. These little touches bring some extra color and brightness, making the meal feel special.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this baked salmon recipe are simple and fresh—think roasted asparagus, a light cucumber salad, or some garlic sautéed green beans. For heartier meals, fluffy quinoa or wild rice work beautifully to soak up any salmon juices.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I’ve plated this salmon over a bed of herbed couscous, then topped with the avocado-feta mixture and drizzled a little olive oil over everything. Another favorite trick is serving the avocado topping in little cups alongside the salmon so guests can customize each bite. It always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked salmon and the avocado-feta topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon keeps well for up to 2 days, and keeping the topping separate prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze the avocado topping because it changes texture when thawed, but the baked salmon freezes beautifully if you’re planning ahead. Just wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating leftover salmon, I prefer warming it gently in the oven at 275°F wrapped in foil to preserve moisture. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out the fish. Add the chilled avocado-feta topping fresh to keep that creamy, vibrant flavor front and center.

FAQs

  1. Can I use salmon with skin on for this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe?

    Absolutely! If you use salmon with the skin on, you can either bake it skin-side down to help hold the fillet together or remove the skin before serving. Just keep in mind the cooking time stays about the same, and the skin can be crispy if you like to crisp it up under the broiler for a minute.

  2. Is this Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Definitely! The salmon reheats well, especially if you store the avocado-feta topping separately and add it fresh. It makes for a speedy lunch or dinner during busy weekdays without compromising flavor.

  3. What if I don’t have fresh dill or chives?

    No worries! You can substitute fresh dill with parsley or basil, and chives can be replaced with green onions. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious and fresh.

  4. Can I prepare the avocado-feta topping ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare it up to a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving. For best color, squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top to prevent the avocado from browning.

  5. What’s the best way to tell when salmon is done baking?

    The easiest method is to check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. If you have a food thermometer, 125-130°F is an ideal internal temperature for tender, moist salmon without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together so effortlessly. I love that it’s packed with fresh flavors, textures, and is healthy enough to enjoy any night. If you’re looking for a recipe that impresses without stress, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try—you’ll be surprised at how fast it becomes a family favorite!

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Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This baked salmon recipe combines tender, flavorful salmon fillets with a creamy avocado and feta topping. Infused with fresh dill, lemon, and bright herbs, this dish offers a healthy, vibrant meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The salmon is baked to perfection, ensuring a flaky texture, while the avocado-feta mixture adds a rich and zesty contrast.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh chives, sliced
  • 1/2 of a lemon, juiced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
  2. Make the avocado-feta topping: In a small bowl, combine the diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and sliced chives. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently and cover, then refrigerate while preparing the salmon to let the flavors meld.
  3. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Brush this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Season each fillet with salt, black pepper, and paprika according to your preference.
  4. Bake the salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The salmon should be tender and opaque throughout.
  5. Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and immediately spoon the chilled avocado-feta topping over each fillet. Serve fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh dill with dried dill if necessary, using about 1 teaspoon dried dill.
  • Ensure salmon fillets are similar in thickness for even cooking.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon seasoning.
  • Leftover avocado-feta topping can be used as a dip or spread.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with topping (approximately 220g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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