Salmon is one of tasty and healthy seafood, and its combination with guacamole. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. With simple, fresh ingredients like ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, zesty lime, and tender salmon, you can create a show-stopping dish in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to impress.
The best part? You can customize it with fun variations like spicy jalapeños, smoky salmon, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, or even over a bed of rice, and watch it become the star of your table.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Guacamole:
- Ripe avocados
- Small red onion, finely chopped
- Medium tomatoes, diced
- Jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- Fresh lime juice (to taste)
- Cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Salmon Guacamole
1. Cook the Salmon:
Preheat the pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Season the Salmon: While the pan heats, season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (optional). This will enhance the flavor of the salmon.
Cook the Salmon: Once the pan is hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Guacamole:
Mash the Avocados: In a medium bowl, cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocados to your desired consistency.
Add the Veggies: To the mashed avocado, add the finely chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, jalapeño (optional), and cilantro. Mix well to combine.
Season the Guacamole: Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the lime juice to your preference for a tangy flavor.
3. Assemble the Salmon Guacamole:
Flake the Salmon: Once the salmon has cooled slightly, use a fork to flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the Salmon and Guacamole: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the prepared guacamole. Mix until combined, being careful not to mash the salmon too much.
Serve: Serve the Salmon Guacamole in a bowl or as a topping for tortilla chips, tacos, or salads. Garnish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.
Variations
1. Spicy Salmon Guacamole:
Add extra chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your Salmon Guacamole a spicy kick. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for an additional level of heat.
2. Grilled Salmon Guacamole:
Instead of pan-searing the salmon, grill the fillets. Simply brush the salmon with olive oil and grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Smoked Salmon Guacamole:
For a different twist, use smoked salmon instead of fresh. The smoky flavor of smoked salmon will elevate the guacamole with a deeper taste.
4. Tropical Salmon Guacamole:
Add tropical fruits like diced mango or pineapple for a refreshing, sweet twist.
Pro Tips
Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon has a better texture and flavor than frozen. Make sure the salmon is firm and moist, and avoid overcooking it to maintain its tenderness.
Adjust Lime Juice for Flavor: Lime juice adds brightness to the guacamole. Taste as you go and add more if you want a more tangy flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the guacamole ahead of time, but it’s best to add the salmon just before serving to avoid the fish getting mushy. To store guacamole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.
Perfect Texture: If you prefer a chunkier guacamole, mash the avocados lightly and leave some large chunks. For smoother guacamole, mash the avocados thoroughly.
Don’t Overmix the Salmon: Gently fold the salmon into the guacamole. Overmixing can cause the salmon to break down too much, losing its texture.
What to Serve with Salmon Guacamole
1. Tortilla Chips:
Classic tortilla chips are a great choice to scoop up the creamy and flavorful Salmon Guacamole.
2. Tacos:
Use the Salmon Guacamole as a topping for soft corn or flour tacos. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or shrimp tacos.
3. Toasted Baguette Slices:
Serve the Salmon Guacamole on toasted baguette slices for an appetizer or as a light meal.
4. Salad:
Serve the Salmon Guacamole on top of a fresh green salad. It adds a creamy, protein-packed layer to your salad, making it more filling and delicious.
5. Rice or Quinoa:
For a more substantial meal, serve the guacamole over a bed of rice or quinoa.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon, but for the best flavor and texture, fresh salmon is recommended. If using canned, be sure to drain and flake the fish before mixing it into the guacamole.
2. How do I prevent guacamole from browning?
To keep guacamole from browning, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole. You can also add extra lime juice, which can help preserve the freshness.
3. Can I make Salmon Guacamole in advance?
It’s best to prepare the guacamole ahead of time, but wait to add the salmon until just before serving. The guacamole itself can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, but once the salmon is added, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to increase the spice level. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper for a deeper heat.
5. Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Yes, you can use other types of cooked fish, such as grilled trout, tilapia, or even shrimp. Each fish will bring its own unique flavor to the guacamole.
More Recipes
Salmon Guacamole
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 4-6 ounce each salmon fillets
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- To taste salt
- To taste pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
For the Guacamole:
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup small red onion finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1/2 jalapeño finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or to taste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- To taste salt
- To taste pepper
Instructions
Cook the Salmon:
- Preheat the pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Season the Salmon: While the pan heats, season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (optional). This will enhance the flavor of the salmon.
- Cook the Salmon: Once the pan is hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Guacamole:
- Mash the Avocados: In a medium bowl, cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocados to your desired consistency.
- Add the Veggies: To the mashed avocado, add the finely chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, jalapeño (optional), and cilantro. Mix well to combine.
- Season the Guacamole: Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the lime juice to your preference for a tangy flavor.
Assemble the Salmon Guacamole:
- Flake the Salmon: Once the salmon has cooled slightly, use a fork to flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Salmon and Guacamole: Gently fold the flaked salmon into the prepared guacamole. Mix until combined, being careful not to mash the salmon too much.
- Serve: Serve the Salmon Guacamole in a bowl or as a topping for tortilla chips, tacos, or salads. Garnish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.