Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe
4.94 from 16 votes

Salmon with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Simple pan-seared salmon topped with a creamy avocado and basil sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Shawn Williams

Ingredients

  • 2-4 salmon filets (6-8 ounces) skin removed
  • 1 head cauliflower sliced top down into "steaks"
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons harissa paste
  • Salt to taste
  • butter or oil for searing
  • Fresh minced basil for garnish
  • Lemon or lime wedges for serving

Creamy avocado sauce (serves 4)

  • 1 ripe avocado seeded, and peeled
  • 3-4 fresh basil leaves
  • 1-2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 lemon juice squeezed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup light cream or half and half
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Slice the cauliflower top to bottom into 3/4 inch thick slices and drizzle olive oil on both sides. Season with salt. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of harissa paste and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Coat all sides of the cauliflower liberally with the sauce.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, carefully flipping after the first 20 minutes.The cauliflower should be nicely golden with a slight char on both sides.
  • Combine creamy avocado sauce ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth and creamy, and set aside. If the sauce is too thick you can add a pinch of cream, water or extra lemon juice.
  • Season salmon filets with salt on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp of butter or oil over medium-high heat in a stainless pan or skillet. Once hot, add salmon filets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare and 4-5 minutes per side for medium, depending on thickness.
  • Transfer salmon filets to a plate over the cauliflower and top with creamy avocado sauce. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately with a lemon or lime wedge.

Notes

For best results, salmon should be cooked to around 125°F to 135°F for best results. Cooking salmon to 145°F and above will start to dry the fish out. A digital thermometer should be used in the thickest part of the fish. Note, the fish will continue to cook after it's been removed from the heat.
Creamy avocado sauce can also be made with lime juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.2g | Protein: 56.4g | Fat: 29.7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 131mg | Fiber: 3.8g | Sugar: 0.6g