Easy Skillet Salmon with Avocado and Basil Recipe

Introduction

This easy skillet salmon recipe combines crispy, perfectly cooked fish with a fresh and creamy avocado basil topping. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ pounds boneless salmon filet, skin removed
• 1 avocado
• ¼ cup chopped basil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat coconut oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle ¾ teaspoon of the salt, Italian seasonings, crushed red pepper, and black pepper evenly over the salmon. Place the salmon filet skin side up in the hot oil. Cook undisturbed until the bottom edge is browned and crispy and the flesh is opaque halfway up the side, about 4 to 6 minutes depending on thickness.
2. Step 2: Flip the salmon over and remove the skillet from heat. Let the salmon rest in the hot skillet for about 4 more minutes so the residual heat can finish cooking it to your desired doneness.
3. Step 3: While the salmon cooks, peel and pit the avocado. Mash it in a bowl with chopped basil, lime juice, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt until well combined.
4. Step 4: Serve the salmon topped with the avocado basil mash. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil for the mash to keep the flavor bright, or substitute with cilantro for a different twist.
• If you prefer a milder heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
• For extra richness, drizzle the salmon with a little olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a nice crispy crust.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and avocado mash separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold. The avocado mash is best served fresh but can be stirred before use if refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with the skin on?

Yes, you can cook salmon with the skin on. Place it skin side down first to get a crispy crust, and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

What can I substitute for coconut oil?

Olive oil or avocado oil are good alternatives and will also provide healthy fats and a mild flavor that complements the salmon.

Easy Skillet Salmon with Avocado and Basil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

This Easy Skillet Salmon with Avocado and Basil is a quick and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week. Featuring a perfectly seared salmon filet cooked in coconut oil and topped with a creamy avocado and fresh basil mash, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The salmon is seasoned with Italian spices and a touch of crushed red pepper, creating a mildly spicy, herbaceous crust while remaining tender and juicy inside. Garnished with chopped scallions, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with healthy fats and protein.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ pounds boneless salmon filet, skin removed

For the Avocado Basil Mash

• 1 avocado
• ¼ cup chopped basil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the skillet and season the salmon: Heat 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, sprinkle ¾ teaspoon of coarse kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasonings, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper evenly over the salmon filet.
2. Cook the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon filet skin side up in the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed until the bottom edge is browned and crispy and the flesh is opaque about halfway up the side of the filet, approximately 4 to 6 minutes depending on thickness.
3. Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the salmon over with a spatula and immediately remove the skillet from the heat. Leave the salmon in the residual heat of the skillet for about 4 more minutes to allow carry-over cooking to reach the desired doneness.
4. Prepare avocado basil mash: While the salmon finishes cooking, peel and pit the avocado. In a bowl, mash the avocado and combine with ¼ cup chopped basil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt until smooth and well mixed.
5. Serve: Plate the cooked salmon and generously top it with the avocado and basil mash. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For the best sear and even cooking, use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper quantity to control the level of spiciness.
• If you prefer, leave the salmon skin on to get extra crispiness—just cook skin side down first.
• Use ripe avocado for a creamy, smooth mash.
• This dish pairs well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: salmon recipe, skillet salmon, avocado basil mash, quick salmon dinner, healthy salmon meal, seafood, one-pan recipe