Name: Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pound salmon filet; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon honey; 3 avocados, diced; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 garlic clove, minced; salt to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as fresh as it is simple, you’re going to love this Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe. I’ve made it countless times on busy weeknights and for casual dinner parties alike — it never fails to impress with its perfect balance of smoky spices and creamy, zesty salsa. Stick around, because I’m about to walk you through how to nail this dish with tips that will make it your new go-to.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect flavor harmony: The spice rub adds warmth and smokiness that pairs beautifully with the cool, tangy avocado salsa.
Quick and fuss-free: You can have this dish ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights without compromising on taste.
Healthy and fresh: Featuring omega-rich salmon and nutrient-packed avocado, it’s guilt-free comfort food at its best.
Dinner party wow factor: The colorful presentation and layered flavors consistently draw compliments and requests for seconds.

Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa, flavorful salmon dish, easy fish recipes, quick healthy dinner, smoky salmon with avocado salsa - A large, flat piece of cooked fish with a reddish-brown seasoning crust covers the entire top surface, showing a single long vertical line in the center. The fish is lying on a white marbled surface with some seasoning scattered around it on the left side. The edges around the fish are slightly darker, giving a roasted look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe combines a simple but flavorful spice mix on the salmon with a bright and creamy salsa that brings freshness and a little kick. Each ingredient plays an important role, so picking fresh avocados and quality salmon makes all the difference.

Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa, flavorful salmon dish, easy fish recipes, quick healthy dinner, smoky salmon with avocado salsa - Flat lay of a fresh salmon filet with bright orange-pink flesh and smooth skin, a small white bowl of smoked paprika powder in deep red color, a small white bowl of ground cumin in warm brown, a small white bowl of garlic powder in pale off-white, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, a small white bowl with amber honey, three ripe green avocados diced into chunky cubes, a small bunch of fresh cilantro with vibrant green leaves, a small white bowl filled with clear pale red wine vinegar, a small white bowl holding bright green lime juice, a small white bowl with fiery red pepper flakes, a single whole garlic bulb with clean white papery skin, and a small white bowl with additional salt crystals, all carefully arranged in a perfectly symmetrical, realistic proportion flat lay, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon filet: Look for a fresh, thick-cut piece with a vibrant color; it’s key for juicy, flaky results.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the salmon’s natural flavor.
Smoked paprika: Brings warmth and a lovely smoky aroma that complements the richness of the fish.
Ground cumin: Introduces an earthy undertone that works beautifully with the citrus salsa.
Olive oil: Helps bind the spices and ensures the salmon stays moist as it cooks.
Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the spice while helping the crust caramelize under the broiler.
Avocados: Creamy and mild, they mellow out the spice and add body to the salsa.
Fresh cilantro: Offers fragrant brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Red wine vinegar & lime juice: These acids cut through richness and perk up all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle heat that wakes up the salsa without overwhelming it.
Garlic clove: Fresh garlic sharpens and adds a punch of savory flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own depending on the mood or occasion, and you’ll find it’s super easy to adjust. Whether you want it spicier, milder, or packed with extra texture, there’s plenty of room to personalize.

Variation: For a smoky chipotle twist, swap smoked paprika with chipotle powder – I tried this last summer and it gave the salmon a bold punch that my husband couldn’t get enough of.
Dietary Modification: If you’re avoiding added sugars, you can omit the honey; just expect the crust to be less caramelized but still delicious.
Seasonal Change: Swap the avocado salsa for mango salsa when you want a sweeter, tropical vibe – it’s amazing with the same spice rub.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Make the Spice Rub

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and patting your salmon dry with paper towels — this helps the spice rub stick better and ensures a lovely crust. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, honey, and olive oil. This blend smells incredible, trust me. Rub that mix generously all over the flesh side of your salmon, then place it skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Bake the salmon for about 10-12 minutes — keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. The magic happens next: switch your oven to broil and pop the salmon under for 2-3 minutes. This step crisps up the top beautifully and caramelizes the honey in the rub. I’ve learned to stand nearby during broiling because it can go from golden to burnt fast. You’ll want a deep amber color and a slight crunch.

Step 3: Whip Up the Avocado Salsa

While the salmon cooks, mix diced avocados with fresh cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and salt to taste in a bowl. Be gentle tossing the salsa — you want the avocado to stay chunky and creamy, not mushy. The contrast between the cool salsa and warm, spicy salmon is absolute magic.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Once the salmon is done, transfer it carefully to plates and spoon over a generous helping of the avocado salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, layered flavors. I like to add a squeeze of fresh lime on top for an extra citrusy zip.

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Pro Tips for Making Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Pat Dry Is Key: Moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust—always pat your salmon dry before seasoning.
Watch the Broiler: Broiling caramelizes the honey quickly; don’t walk away or you risk burning the top.
Gentle Salsa Toss: To keep the avocado intact and creamy, fold the salsa ingredients gently rather than stirring vigorously.
Room Temperature Salmon: Let your salmon sit out for 10 minutes before cooking to help it cook evenly.

How to Serve Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa, flavorful salmon dish, easy fish recipes, quick healthy dinner, smoky salmon with avocado salsa - A large, rectangular piece of cooked salmon with a crispy, deep orange-brown skin on the bottom layer sits on a white marbled surface. On top of the salmon is a thick layer of chunky, bright green avocado salsa mixed with finely chopped herbs and small bits of red pepper flakes. Thin slices of lime rest on the avocado salsa, adding a pop of light green color. The overall look is fresh and vibrant, with natural textures visible in the salmon’s flaky interior and the creamy avocado topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often finish off with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh red chili for added color and a touch of heat. A wedge of lime on the side is a simple but game-changing finishing touch that lets everyone brighten their own plate.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides include fluffy cilantro-lime rice or a light quinoa salad, both of which complement the salsa’s brightness. Roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also round out the meal perfectly without competing with the salmon’s bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found this dish is a real showstopper when served on a wooden board with colorful bowls of salsa and lemon wedges scattered around for a casual, family-style vibe. Alternatively, stacking the salmon over a bed of mixed greens dressed with cilantro-lime vinaigrette adds height and elegance for a special dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado salsa is best kept separate in its own container to preserve freshness and prevent browning — just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the avocado salsa because it gets mushy upon thawing, the spice-rubbed salmon freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep the salmon moist, I reheat it low and slow in a 275°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy broiled top intact. Add fresh salsa after reheating for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Can I make the spice rub ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt into a spice blend and store it in an airtight container. When ready to use, just add the honey and olive oil before applying to the salmon for a fresh, sticky finish.
What if I don’t have a broiler?

No worries! You can bake the salmon for a few extra minutes at 425°F until the top browns slightly. Keep checking so it doesn’t dry out. Another option is to use a kitchen torch to finish off the top if you want that caramelized effect.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge and pat dry thoroughly before applying the spice rub. This ensures even cooking and a nice crust.
Is the avocado salsa spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can easily dial it up or down depending on your taste. If you want it milder, reduce or omit the flakes entirely.
Can I substitute other fish for salmon in this recipe?

You can! Firm, fatty fish like trout or arctic char work well with this spice rub and salsa. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fillet.

Final Thoughts

This Spice Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both incredibly flavorful and easy to make anytime I want something fresh yet comforting. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but feels relaxed—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself after a long day. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do; it’s truly one of those recipes that keeps me coming back for more.