Cinnamon Free Paleo Garlic-Herb Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Garlicky, herb-crusted salmon seared to a perfect flake and piled with bright, chunky avocado salsa — this is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels way more impressive than the effort it takes. The herb rub leans on fresh rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, and plenty of garlic, so every bite is deeply savory without relying on any warming spices that could be a problem for those avoiding cinnamon. Avocado oil keeps everything grain-free and paleo-friendly from the pan to the plate, and the salsa — creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a hit of lime — comes together in minutes while the fish cooks. A touch of jalapeño is entirely optional, so you can dial the heat up or down depending on who's at the table. The technique is straightforward: get the oil shimmering, cook the salmon skin-side up first for a golden crust, then flip and finish until it flakes easily at 145°F. It's a clean, whole-food meal that doesn't ask you to sacrifice any flavor to meet your dietary needs.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the avocado salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
For serving
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, stir together the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then press the herb mixture evenly over the flesh side of each fillet.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, 1 tbsp avocado oil, and salt. Fold gently until just combined, then stir in the jalapeño, if using. Set aside.
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