Seared Salmon with Avocado Salsa: A Keto-Friendly Delight

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, look no further than this seared salmon with avocado salsa. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vibrant flavors, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Paired with some keto-friendly sides, it’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.

• Calories: ~652 kcal
• Protein: ~47g
• Fat: ~44g
• Carbs: ~23g (Fiber: 14g, Net Carbs: 9g)

Why This Recipe Works for Keto

Salmon is a keto superstar, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while avocado adds creamy texture and healthy monounsaturated fats. The salsa is low in carbs but high in flavor, making it the perfect complement to the perfectly seared salmon. Together, they create a meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

Ingredients

(Serves 2)

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness)

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Keto-Friendly Sides:

• Cauliflower rice (seasoned with butter, garlic, and parsley)
• Sautéed spinach or asparagus (cooked in olive oil with garlic and lemon zest)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This ensures a crispy sear.
2. Season both sides of the salmon with smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or avocado oil.
4. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.
5. Gently flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking and baste the salmon with the melted butter.
6. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

2. Make the Avocado Salsa:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with sea salt and black pepper.
3. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the avocado.

3. Prepare the Sides:

• Cauliflower Rice: Sauté riced cauliflower in a pan with butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sautéed Spinach or Asparagus: Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, and toss in the spinach or asparagus. Cook until wilted (for spinach) or tender-crisp (for asparagus). Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

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Serving Suggestions

Place the seared salmon fillets on a plate and top generously with the avocado salsa. Serve alongside the cauliflower rice and sautéed spinach or asparagus for a complete keto-friendly meal. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

• Salmon: High in omega-3s, which support heart and brain health.
• Avocado: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.
• Low-Carb Veggies: Cauliflower, spinach, and asparagus keep the meal keto-friendly while adding essential vitamins and minerals.

Here’s the estimated macronutrient breakdown for your meal:

6 oz Grilled Salmon Steak

• Calories: ~367 kcal
• Protein: ~40g
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbs: ~0g

1 Cup Cauliflower Rice

• Calories: ~25 kcal
• Protein: ~2g
• Fat: ~0.3g
• Carbs: ~5g (Fiber: 2g, Net Carbs: 3g)

1 Cup Avocado Salsa (Avocado, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice)

• Calories: ~240 kcal
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbs: ~14g (Fiber: 10g, Net Carbs: 4g)

6 Grilled Asparagus Spears

• Calories: ~20 kcal
• Protein: ~2g
• Fat: ~0.2g
• Carbs: ~4g (Fiber: 2g, Net Carbs: 2g)

Total Macros for the Meal:

• Calories: ~652 kcal
• Protein: ~47g
• Fat: ~44g
• Carbs: ~23g (Fiber: 14g, Net Carbs: 9g)

This meal is keto-friendly with high protein, healthy fats, and low net carbs! Let me know if you’d like to tweak anything. 😊

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the salmon to ensure a crispy skin.
• Customize the salsa by adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or swapping cilantro with parsley if you’re not a fan.

This seared salmon with avocado salsa is a perfect example of how keto meals can be both simple and gourmet. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests. Enjoy!

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