Mediterranean Diet Friendly Paleo Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Bright, clean, and loaded with good fats, this salmon dish is exactly the kind of meal that makes eating well feel effortless rather than restrictive. The fillets get a zesty rub of lemon zest, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper before hitting a hot skillet, where the skin crisps up beautifully while the flesh stays silky and tender. A finishing shower of fresh dill ties everything together with an herby lift that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy. The avocado salsa — built from ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro — is chunky, vibrant, and bright enough to cut right through the richness of the fish. Every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, which is exactly what makes this such a natural fit for a way of eating that leans on quality proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh produce. Avocado oil handles the high heat of the sear without smoking out, and the whole thing comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that looks impressive enough to serve to guests without any extra effort.
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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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