There’s something truly magical about cooking baked salmon with avocado feta. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of the salmon baking in the oven mingling with the creamy richness of avocado and the tangy feta made my kitchen feel like a cozy haven. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with health benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while avocado adds a delightful creaminess and a boost of nutrients. Trust me, when you take that first bite, the combination of the flaky salmon, smooth avocado, and salty feta will have you hooked! It’s the perfect healthy dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients List
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced into small cubes
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (chopped, for a pop of color)
How to Prepare Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta
Getting your baked salmon with avocado feta ready is a breeze! I love how simple yet delicious this dish is. Let’s dive into the steps, shall we?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure your salmon cooks evenly and beautifully!
- While the oven heats up, grab a bowl and combine the diced avocado, crumbled feta, olive oil, and lemon juice. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to mash it a bit with a fork for a creamier texture, but you can leave it chunky if you prefer!
- Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents sticking. Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
- Now, it’s time to spread that delicious avocado and feta mixture generously over each salmon fillet. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Bake your salmon in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness. And voilà, your baked salmon with avocado feta is ready to impress!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of baked salmon with avocado feta: about 350 calories, 22g of fat (with 5g being saturated), 30g of protein, and 6g of carbohydrates. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber thanks to the salmon and avocado! Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Health-packed with omega-3s from the salmon and nutrients from the avocado.
- Flavor explosion with the creamy avocado and tangy feta complementing the flaky salmon.
- Beautiful presentation that impresses family and friends alike.
- Gluten-free and suitable for various dietary preferences.
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked salmon with avocado feta turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way. First, always use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture—it’s worth it! Make sure to not overbake the salmon; check for doneness at around 15 minutes to prevent it from drying out. If you want a little extra zing, try adding some garlic or herbs like dill to the avocado mix. And don’t forget to let it rest for a couple of minutes after baking; this helps the juices settle. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish from good to spectacular!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your baked salmon with avocado feta! Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the avocado mixture for a spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, basil, or cilantro to the avocado and feta for an aromatic burst of flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Top the salmon with a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts before baking for added texture and richness.
These variations can really enhance the dish and keep things exciting each time you make it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of your baked salmon with avocado feta (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy it warm, and it’ll still be delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen salmon can be just as delicious, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I serve with baked salmon with avocado feta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or even quinoa for a complete meal. The light flavors complement each other beautifully!
Can I make the avocado feta topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado and feta mixture a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and add a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Give it a good stir before spreading it on the salmon.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Baked salmon with avocado feta reheats well and is great for meal prep. Just make sure to store it properly and consume it within a couple of days for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have feta cheese?
No worries! You can substitute with goat cheese or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly!
For more information on the health benefits of salmon, you can check out this article.
For a delicious side salad, consider making a Cobb Salad to complement your meal!
Imprimer
Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Baked salmon topped with avocado and feta cheese.
Ingrédients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix avocado, feta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the avocado and feta mixture over the salmon.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the salmon is fresh for best flavor.
- You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 6g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: baked salmon, avocado feta, healthy dinner
