Baked Salmon With Avocado Feta Recipe

Irresistible Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta Recipe

Salmon sizzles with incredible flavor when topped with creamy avocado feta in this mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Tender fish meets bold ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

Fresh herbs and zesty lemon add brightness to every delectable bite.

The combination of rich salmon and tangy cheese creates a stunning protein-packed meal.

Colorful and nutritious, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Packed with healthy omega-3s and delightful textures, you’ll want to savor every moment of preparation.

Grab your skillet and let this delicious culinary adventure begin.

Baked Salmon with Avocado & Feta: Notable Qualities

  • Whip Up Quick Delight: This salmon recipe delivers gourmet flavors in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks wanting restaurant-quality meals without complex techniques.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Combining omega-rich salmon with creamy avocado and protein-packed feta creates a balanced, heart-healthy dish loaded with essential nutrients.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one baking dish and a few mixing bowls means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meal.

Salmon, Avocado & Feta Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that serves as the centerpiece of this delicious meal.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Avocado, Feta Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add rich texture and tangy flavor to the salmon.
  • Dill, Chives: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aromatic notes to the topping.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, citrusy element that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to keep the salmon moist and adds a subtle richness.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and flavor to the fish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
  • Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful color to the fish.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures the salmon doesn't stick to the baking dish.

Baking Directions for Salmon with Avocado and Feta

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400F and give your baking dish a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Creamy Topping

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Ripe avocado
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh dill
  • Chopped chives
  • Zesty lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Stir everything together and tuck the bowl into the refrigerator to chill.

Step 3: Prepare The Star Of The Show

Gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and nestle them into the prepared baking dish.

Whip up a quick marinade by whisking:
  • Olive oil
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Bright lemon zest
  • Chopped dill

Brush the marinade over the salmon, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dusting of paprika for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the salmon into the hot oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks beautifully golden.

Step 5: Plate And Enjoy

Transfer the salmon to serving plates and generously spoon the chilled avocado-feta topping over each fillet.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.

Tips for Moist Salmon and Creamy Toppings

  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon with firm, bright flesh and no strong fishy odor for the best flavor and texture.
  • Check salmon at 10 minutes to prevent overcooking; salmon should be slightly translucent in center and easily flake with fork.
  • Taste avocado-feta mixture before chilling and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or herbs for brighter, more vibrant taste.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mat for easier cleanup and to prevent salmon from sticking to baking dish.
  • Swap feta with dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese for vegan version or use dairy-free yogurt for lactose-intolerant guests.

New Ideas for Baked Salmon Combos

  • Mediterranean Cod Switch: Replace salmon with cod fillets for a lighter, milder fish option that absorbs the same zesty topping and seasonings perfectly.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Crust: Swap feta with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free yogurt instead of cheese to create a plant-based, creamy topping with similar tangy notes.
  • Spicy Cajun Version: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the salmon rub, then top with a spicy jalapeño-infused avocado mixture for extra heat and flavor complexity.
  • Gluten-Free Omega Boost: Keep recipe exactly the same, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve alongside quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutrient-dense meal.

Plating and Serving Salmon for Any Occasion

  • Tropical Beach Picnic: Pack this salmon in a cooler with crisp greens, crusty bread, and chilled white wine for a stunning seaside lunch.
  • Elegant Dinner Plate: Arrange salmon on a slate plate, garnish with fresh dill sprigs, and add roasted asparagus alongside for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a shared platter with extra feta, olives, cucumber slices, and warm pita bread, letting guests build their own salmon bites.
  • Quick Weeknight Wellness: Pair with quinoa salad and a light mixed green side to transform this recipe into a nutritious, protein-packed meal perfect for health-conscious diners.

How to Store Baked Salmon for Later Meals

  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the fish completely to maintain its moisture and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm salmon gently in the oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
  • Keep avocado-feta mixture separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture, as avocado tends to brown quickly.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The flesh should look opaque and slightly firm.

  • Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first and pat it dry thoroughly to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

  • Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and avocado provides healthy fats. This dish is high in protein, heart-healthy, and packed with nutrients.

  • What if I don't have fresh dill?

You can substitute with dried dill (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh) or use fresh chives or parsley as an alternative herb.

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Baked Salmon With Avocado Feta Recipe

Baked Salmon With Avocado Feta Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Baked Salmon with Avocado Feta elevates Mediterranean coastal cuisine with its harmonious blend of rich salmon and creamy feta. Crisp herbs and zesty lemon complement the delicate fish, inviting you to savor each flavorful bite of this elegant seafood experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (without skin)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Paprika to taste

Topping:

  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup (50 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, sliced
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and coat a ceramic baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent salmon from sticking.
  2. Create the fresh topping by gently combining diced avocado, crumbled feta, chopped dill, minced chives, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate the mixture to allow flavors to meld together.
  3. Carefully dry salmon fillets with paper towels to ensure crisp exterior. Arrange fillets in the prepared baking dish skin-side down.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and additional dill in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Sprinkle fillets with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a light dusting of smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
  6. Bake salmon in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness by gently testing with a fork – fish should easily flake and appear opaque throughout.
  7. Remove salmon from oven and immediately top each fillet with the chilled avocado-feta mixture, allowing the cool topping to contrast with the warm, tender fish.
  8. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Pat salmon completely dry to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming during baking.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for best results.
  • Customize topping by adding red pepper flakes for extra heat or swapping herbs based on personal preference.
  • For dairy-free version, replace feta with dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or cashew crumble.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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