Grilled Salmon with Avocado Sauce

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

As grilling season rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a delicious piece of Grilled Salmon with Avocado Sauce to elevate your outdoor cooking experience! This salmon recipe is infused with Southwest flavors thanks to a zesty spice rub, making it a delightful twist on a classic dish. Topped off with a creamy avocado sauce, it’s not only delicious but packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Unique: The combination of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and other seasonings gives the salmon a robust flavor that’s anything but boring.
• Versatile Cooking Options: While grilling is recommended, this dish can also be baked or broiled, making it adaptable for any cooking preference.
• Easy Prep: Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner! The salmon can also be marinated ahead of time for even more flavor.

Recipe Breakdown

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

• 1 lb. salmon fillet
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• Pink Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the Avocado Sauce:

• 1 avocado, roughly chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or macadamia nut oil
• 1/2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced (optional)
• Pink Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, pink Himalayan salt, and freshly ground pepper.
2. Season the Salmon: Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillet. For best results, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Make the Avocado Sauce: In another bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Add the diced red onion, minced garlic, lime juice, oil, cilantro (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well-blended and creamy.
4. Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon on the grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning halfway through until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Once grilled, remove the salmon from the grill and top with a generous dollop of avocado sauce. Enjoy alongside your favorite grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or over a bed of quinoa or rice for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Avocado Sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer while keeping your meals healthy and exciting. With a spice rub that packs a punch and a creamy avocado sauce that enhances the dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste or to experiment with different herbs in the avocado sauce. Enjoy your grilling and the delightful flavors this dish brings to your table!