Caffeine Free Paleo Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Bright, fresh, and deeply satisfying, this skillet salmon is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more impressive than the effort required. Crispy skin, a zesty lemon-and-garlic crust, and a shower of fresh dill make the fish itself a showstopper — and then the chunky avocado salsa takes it completely over the top. The salsa comes together in minutes with ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro, bringing a cool, creamy contrast to the seared fillet underneath. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of stimulants, so there's no need to scan labels or swap anything out — this one just works as written. Cooking the salmon skin-side down first and pressing it gently into the hot pan guarantees that satisfying crispness without any fuss, and flipping it for just a couple of minutes more brings it to a perfectly flaky finish. It's a complete, colorful plate that feels clean and nourishing without tasting like it's missing a single thing.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
For the avocado salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss gently until just combined, keeping the avocado pieces intact. Set aside.
- 2
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together the lemon zest, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper, then press the mixture evenly onto the flesh side of each fillet. Drizzle the lemon juice over the flesh side.
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