This baked Cajun salmon with creamy avocado lime sauce makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and bursting with bold flavor. The Cajun spice blend gives the salmon a smoky heat while the smooth avocado lime sauce brings a fresh, zesty coolness. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, making it ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining.
It’s a recipe that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough for even beginner cooks to nail on the first try.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes. It combines spicy, savory, and creamy elements into one cohesive meal, delivering flavor in every bite. The salmon is baked to flaky perfection, while the avocado-based sauce adds richness with a light, tangy twist.
It’s quick to make, requires minimal cleanup, and uses accessible ingredients. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and heart-healthy fats, making it a wholesome choice for everyday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each)
Choose your preferred cut — either with skin or without. Salmon is the star of this recipe and provides omega-3s and satisfying flavor.
Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons)
A spicy and aromatic blend that typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs. It gives the salmon a bold kick with layers of flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Used to coat the salmon and help the seasoning adhere. It also promotes a golden exterior during baking.
Salt and pepper to taste
Classic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Avocado (1 ripe)
Provides a creamy base for the sauce. Make sure it’s soft enough to blend smoothly.
Lime juice (from 1 lime)
Adds a bright, citrus flavor that balances the richness of the avocado.
Greek yogurt (¼ cup)
Creates a tangy, smooth texture for the sauce while keeping it light and nutritious.
Garlic (1 clove, minced)
Adds depth and complexity to the avocado lime sauce.
Cilantro (optional)
Fresh herbs offer a touch of color and a fresh, earthy finish if you like that flavor.
How to Make Baked Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce
This recipe has two easy components: the baked salmon and the blended sauce. You start by rubbing the salmon with Cajun seasoning and roasting it until it’s tender and flaky. Meanwhile, the sauce is quickly blended and ready to serve as soon as the fish comes out of the oven.
It’s a minimal-effort meal that feels elevated and comforting, perfect for when you want great taste without a complicated cooking process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly with a light crispness on the surface.
Step 2: Season the fillets
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil on top and coat generously with Cajun seasoning. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bake the salmon
Arrange the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Prepare the sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth. Add a small amount of water if you want a thinner consistency.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Place the baked salmon on plates and top each piece with a spoonful of avocado lime sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Helpful Tips
Drying the salmon before seasoning helps it roast better and absorb the spices.
Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking — the salmon is ready when it reaches 145°F internally.
Choose a ripe avocado that feels soft when gently squeezed.
The sauce is best made fresh, but if needed, you can prep it a few hours ahead and store it tightly sealed.
Add lime zest for even more citrus aroma and depth.
Details
Flavor: Spicy Cajun meets cool, creamy lime
Texture: Flaky fish topped with smooth, rich sauce
Best For: Weeknight dinners, light entertaining, healthy meal prep
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Notes and Variations
Try swapping salmon for grilled chicken breast, baked tofu, or even shrimp for a different twist.
Use dairy-free yogurt if you’re avoiding lactose.
Want a spicier sauce? Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the blender.
Serve leftovers in tacos or wraps for a fresh second-day meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 15 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is Cajun seasoning on salmon?
It offers a medium level of heat. You can use less or choose a mild variety if you’re sensitive to spice.
What’s the best way to keep baked salmon moist?
Don’t overcook it. Adding a bit of olive oil and baking it just until it flakes ensures the fish stays juicy and tender.
Can the avocado lime sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, though it’s best when fresh. If you make it ahead, store it in a tightly sealed container with plastic wrap directly on the surface to reduce browning.
What sides go well with this recipe?
Roasted veggies, rice, quinoa, or even a fresh green salad make perfect companions for this dish.
Storage Instructions
Store the salmon and avocado sauce separately.
Keep salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
Avocado sauce is best used fresh but can be stored for 24 hours in the fridge.
Baked Cajun Salmon with a Smooth and Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce Recipe | Quick Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy oven-roasted Cajun salmon paired with a silky avocado lime sauce. This nutritious, flavor-packed dish is perfect for fast, satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ripe avocado
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dry the salmon fillets and coat them with olive oil. Rub with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and roast for 12–15 minutes until fully cooked and flaky.
4. While baking, blend avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt until smooth.
5. Serve salmon topped with sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
For variation, use chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Swap in dairy-free yogurt if needed.
Make the sauce fresh and use within 24 hours for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Conclusion
This baked Cajun salmon with avocado lime sauce is a go-to recipe that offers the perfect balance of heat and creaminess in every bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. From its vibrant flavor to its satisfying texture, this meal proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.
Try it once and it just might become your new favorite way to cook salmon.