If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, this Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy ripe avocados filled with a zesty, protein-packed salmon mixture create a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will brighten up any table. Whether you want a nutritious lunch or an elegant appetizer, these salmon-stuffed avocados bring together wholesome ingredients that are as good for you as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and wonderfully flavorful, each ingredient in this Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe plays a crucial role in building its irresistible taste and texture. From the buttery avocado base to the tangy salmon filling, every element shines through beautifully.
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted: The creamy canvas that holds and complements the salmon filling perfectly.
- 1 (6 oz) can wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked: Offers rich, flaky texture and a powerhouse of omega-3s; fresh salmon works wonderfully too.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to bind the filling together.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick that brightens up the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides fresh acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced: Adds a mild crunch and gentle sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Infuses an aromatic herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish): Lends a smoky depth and gorgeous color.
- Fresh parsley or additional dill for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Avocados
Start by carefully slicing the avocados in half and removing the pits. Scoop out a little bit of the flesh from each half to create a perfect well that will hold the salmon mixture. Don’t toss the scooped-out avocado, as it’ll add creaminess and volume when mixed into the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Salmon Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flaked salmon with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, diced red onion, chopped dill, and the avocado flesh you just scooped out. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until everything is beautifully blended. Taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Stuff the Avocado Halves
Gently pack the salmon mixture into each avocado half, filling the wells you created earlier. Be sure to press just enough to hold the filling without mashing the avocado itself, so every bite has a perfect balance of texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle smoked paprika over the top for a pop of smoky flavor and a vibrant color contrast. Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley or extra dill to make your salmon-stuffed avocados look as inviting as they taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, served immediately as a light meal or appetizer. If you need to prepare ahead, you can refrigerate it for up to two hours before serving, just cover tightly to keep it fresh.
How to Serve Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of smoked paprika, fresh dill sprigs, or a small wedge of lemon not only elevates the visual appeal but also enhances the flavor complexity. These small touches make the dish feel extra special and gift your guests a feast for both eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe with crisp greens like arugula or a light quinoa salad to round out the meal. A side of crusty whole-grain bread or crunchy vegetable sticks can add dimension and make the plate feel complete without overshadowing the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a gathering, serve the salmon-stuffed avocados on a platter layered with microgreens or edible flowers. You could also serve them in avocado shells placed on a bed of sea salt or crushed ice for a fresh, elegant presentation that invites your guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because avocados brown quickly, it’s best to enjoy them within a day, but up to two hours before serving is ideal for keeping the dish’s texture and flavor perfect.
Freezing
Freezing salmon-stuffed avocados is not recommended, as the creamy texture of the avocado tends to break down upon thawing. For the freshest experience, prepare the dish fresh or just keep the filling and avocados separate if you need to prep ahead.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply remove from the fridge a little before serving to let it warm up slightly. This way, you preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavors without any compromise.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and flaked before mixing. Using fresh salmon adds a lovely texture and can make the dish feel even more indulgent.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
Mayonnaise is a great alternative if you prefer a richer, creamier filling. For a lighter option, sour cream or even a non-dairy yogurt can work as well, depending on your taste preferences.
How ripe should the avocados be?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. Overripe avocados may become too soft and make the dish mushy, while underripe ones won’t have the creamy texture needed to complement the salmon filling.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Finely diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or celery can add a nice crunch and freshness to the filling. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate salmon flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe is best prepared fresh and eaten soon after assembly. You can prep the filling a day ahead, but wait to combine it with avocados until serving to keep the texture and color at their best.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe is a little burst of freshness, health, and vibrant flavor all in one bite. It’s perfect when you want something easy, nourishing, and just a bit special without spending hours in the kitchen. I truly hope you give it a try soon — it might just become one of your favorite go-to dishes to share with friends and family!
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Salmon-Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This fresh and flavorful recipe features ripe avocados stuffed with a creamy salmon filling made from wild-caught salmon, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, this no-cook dish is quick to prepare and offers a healthy balance of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Avocado Stuffed Salmon Filling
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 (6 oz) can wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked (or cooked fresh salmon, flaked)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley or additional dill for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the avocados: Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. Using a spoon, scoop out a small portion of the flesh from each avocado half to create a cavity for the filling. Reserve the scooped-out avocado flesh for the filling mixture.
- Make the salmon filling: In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, finely diced red onion, fresh dill, and reserved avocado flesh. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Stuff the avocados: Gently fill each avocado half with the prepared salmon mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling without smashing the avocado.
- Add garnish: Sprinkle the filled avocados with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor and color contrast. Optionally, top with fresh parsley or extra dill for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a delicious appetizer or light meal. Alternatively, refrigerate the stuffed avocados for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
- Fresh salmon can be used instead of canned salmon; just cook and flake it beforehand.
- Do not prepare too far in advance as avocados may brown; storing with lemon juice helps slow browning.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño to the filling.
- This recipe caters well to gluten-free, low-sodium, and low-carb diets.
