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This blackened salmon with avocado corn salsa has become my go-to dish when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The perfectly seasoned salmon pairs beautifully with the fresh, vibrant salsa for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
I first made this recipe when trying to convince my seafood-skeptical friend that salmon could be delicious. The colorful salsa won her over immediately, and now it's requested at nearly every gathering I host.
Ingredients
Salmon
- Salmon: Salmon filet with skin on. The skin helps protect the delicate fish while cooking and keeps it moist. Look for bright, firm flesh with no strong odor.
- Olive oil: Creates a barrier that helps the seasonings adhere while adding richness. Choose extra virgin for best flavor.
- Blackened seasoning: Provides that signature spicy crust. Store bought works perfectly, but homemade gives you control over the heat level.
Avocado Corn Salsa
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness. Select slightly firm avocados that yield to gentle pressure.
- Sweet corn: Provides sweetness and texture contrast. Canned works great year-round, but fresh corn cut from the cob is amazing in summer.
- Roma tomato: Offers acidity and freshness. Choose firm tomatoes with vibrant color.
- Red onion: Delivers sharp flavor that balances the richness. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder taste.
- Jalapeno pepper: Brings a kick of heat. Leave some seeds for extra spice if desired.
- Cilantro: Adds bright, herbal notes. If you're not a fan, substitute with flat leaf parsley.
- Lime juice: Prevents avocado browning and brightens all flavors. Always use fresh for the best taste.
- Green onion: Contributes mild onion flavor without overwhelming.
- Garlic: Adds depth and complexity. Fresh minced makes a noticeable difference.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.
How To Make Blackened Salmon with Avocado Corn Salsa
- Prepare the oven:
- Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. If you plan to eat the salmon skin, spray the foil with non-stick spray. Otherwise, leaving it unsprayed allows the cooked salmon to separate easily from the skin when serving.
- Season the salmon:
- Place the salmon filet skin side down on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly across the entire surface of the salmon. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes beautiful browning. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning generously over the entire filet, then use your fingers to gently massage it into the flesh, ensuring every inch is covered with flavor.
- Bake to perfection:
- Slide the salmon into your preheated oven and bake for 16-20 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your filet and your preferred doneness. For medium doneness, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain a slightly translucent center.
- Prepare the salsa:
- While the salmon cooks, combine the diced avocado, drained corn, diced tomato, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, green onion, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Gently fold everything together to avoid mashing the avocado. The lime juice not only adds flavor but prevents the avocado from browning. Refrigerate the salsa while the salmon finishes cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and garnish:
- Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven. For family style service, transfer the entire filet to a serving platter and generously spoon the chilled avocado corn salsa over the top. Alternatively, cut the salmon into individual portions first, then top with salsa. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the entire dish and garnish with additional lime wedges on the side.
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You Must Know
- The salmon cooks with the skin on to lock in moisture and flavor
- Allowing the salsa to chill while the salmon cooks enhances the temperature contrast
- This dish provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein
- The recipe easily scales up or down for different group sizes
My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the textural contrast between the warm, flaky salmon and the cool, crisp salsa. I remember making this for my parents' anniversary dinner last year, and my dad, who claims to dislike both salmon and avocado, cleared his plate and asked for seconds!
Perfect Pairing Options
Blackened salmon with avocado corn salsa stands beautifully on its own, but for a complete meal, consider serving it with cilantro lime rice or roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The starchy sides help balance the richness of the salmon and provide something to catch extra salsa. For wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
The avocado corn salsa can be made up to 8 hours in advance, though save adding the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning. Store leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through. The salsa is best enjoyed cold. I do not recommend freezing either component as the textures will suffer significantly.
Seasoning Variations
While the blackened seasoning creates a fantastic flavor profile, you can customize this recipe to your taste preferences. Cajun seasoning works beautifully for extra heat, while a simple lemon pepper seasoning creates a milder option that kids often prefer. For an Asian-inspired twist, try a mixture of five spice, garlic powder, and ground ginger, then serve with a soy-ginger drizzle instead of the salsa.
Health Benefits
Beyond being delicious, this meal packs serious nutritional value. Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. The avocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, while the vegetables in the salsa deliver fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This balanced meal satisfies without weighing you down, making it perfect for health-conscious entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is blackened seasoning made of?
Blackened seasoning typically includes spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. It delivers a smoky, spicy flavor profile for dishes like salmon or chicken.
- → How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium doneness. Baking for 16-20 minutes at 400°F should achieve this.
- → Can I prepare the avocado corn salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salsa up to a few hours in advance. However, store it in the refrigerator and cover it well to prevent the avocado from browning.
- → Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling is a great alternative. Place the salmon skin-side down on a hot grill and cook until it flakes easily with a fork, about 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Pair this dish with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of cilantro lime rice for a complete and satisfying meal.