Xanthan Gum Free Paleo Lemon-Dill Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavor, this skillet salmon is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant meal without any of the fuss. The lemon-and-dill seasoning pressed into the flesh creates a fragrant crust, while the avocado oil gets the skin perfectly crisp in just minutes. On top, a chunky salsa of ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice adds cool, creamy contrast to the hot, flaky fish. Every single ingredient here is naturally whole and unprocessed, so there's no need to scan labels hunting for hidden additives or stabilizers — this dish is clean by design, not by substitution. The technique is straightforward: dry the fillets, season, sear skin-side down, flip once, and you're done. It's a genuinely satisfying meal that proves eating without common thickeners or binders doesn't mean sacrificing texture, richness, or excitement on the plate.
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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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