If you’ve been hunting for a vibrant yet simple dish that marries creamy textures with fresh, savory flavors, you are in for a treat with this Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of rich avocado, tender salmon, and bright notes from fresh herbs and lemon, making each bite a refreshing explosion of taste. Whether you want a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer for guests, these stuffed avocados bring effortless elegance and nutrition to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe comes together with ingredients that are as straightforward as they are essential. Each one plays a unique role, whether it’s enhancing creaminess, adding a tangy punch, or contributing fresh herbal bursts, ensuring every forkful is bursting with well-rounded flavor and delightful texture.
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted: Creamy and rich, these form the perfect edible bowls with a buttery texture.
- 1 cup cooked salmon (flaked, fresh or canned): The protein-packed star that brings delicate, smoky, and satisfying flavors.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Adds smoothness and a touch of richness; Greek yogurt offers a lighter option with added tang.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A subtle kick of spice that livens up the filling.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish and prevents avocado from browning too quickly.
- 1 tablespoon red onion (finely chopped): Provides a mild sharpness and crisp bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley (chopped): Fresh herbs awaken the palate with herby freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that pull all the flavors together.
- Optional toppings like capers, chopped cucumber, or cherry tomatoes: These add texture, bursts of acidity, and a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Start by placing the flaked cooked salmon into a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to bring moisture and a zesty lift. Toss in the finely chopped red onion and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Mix everything gently until well combined, then season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste. This mixture is the flavorful filling that complements the soft avocados perfectly.
Step 2: Hollow Out the Avocados (Optional)
If you want more room for your salmon filling, scoop out a small amount of the avocado flesh from each half. You don’t have to waste it — roughly chop the scooped avocado and mix it into your salmon filling. This step adds an extra scoop of creamy avocado flavor while giving the stuffed avocados a loftier, more generous appearance.
Step 3: Stuff the Avocados
Using a spoon, carefully fill each avocado half with the salmon mixture. Don’t be shy — mound the filling so it looks plentiful and inviting. This step is not only practical but also allows the flavors to meld as the creamy avocado embraces the tangy, herby salmon.
Step 4: Add Optional Toppings and Serve
Finish off your creation with optional garnishes like capers for briny bursts, fresh chopped cucumber for crunch, or halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet, juicy pop. Serve these beauties immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy textures at their best.
How to Serve Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Garnishes
Choosing the right garnishes elevates your Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe from simple to spectacular. Capers lend a salty tang that cuts through the richness, while cherry tomatoes add bright color and a juicy contrast. A sprinkle of additional fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhances the dish’s aromatic appeal. Each topping adds not just flavor but also visual excitement.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, think light and fresh. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect companion, balancing the creamy avocado with refreshing crunch. Alternatively, serve alongside a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a few slices of crusty bread to keep things balanced yet satisfying. These sides support the Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe beautifully without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this recipe at a brunch or casual gathering by placing the stuffed avocados on a bed of mixed greens or quinoa. You could also scoop smaller portions into cucumber cups or mini tortilla bowls for finger food appeal. Presentation can turn this simple dish into the star of any table, impressing friends and family while keeping things easy and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the avocado from browning, cover the avocados tightly with plastic wrap or a drizzle of lemon juice before sealing. Ideally, enjoy within a day for the freshest taste and best texture.
Freezing
Freezing stuffed avocados is not recommended because avocados change texture and become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the salmon filling separately in a freezer-safe container for up to two months and scoop it into fresh avocado halves when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Since this recipe is a no-cook dish, reheating is generally unnecessary. If using cooked salmon that you prefer warm, gently heat the salmon mixture before stuffing the avocados. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor without compromising the avocado’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use smoked salmon instead of cooked salmon?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon adds a deeper, smoky flavor to the Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe, offering a more intense taste that many people love. Just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly since smoked salmon can be saltier.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap out the salmon with mashed chickpeas or grilled tofu and replace mayonnaise with vegan yogurt or mashed avocado. While it won’t be a traditional salmon stuffed avocado, it will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
How do I keep the avocados from browning?
Sprinkling lemon juice over the avocado flesh and covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap helps slow oxidation. It’s best to prepare and consume the stuffed avocados the same day for optimal freshness.
What’s the best way to serve this recipe for a party?
Prepare the salmon filling in advance and scoop it into avocado halves just before service. Garnish with colorful toppings, and arrange on a beautiful platter with toothpicks for easy guests’ access and a polished presentation.
Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Yes, canned salmon works perfectly and is a convenient option when you’re short on time. Drain it well and flake it finely before mixing to ensure the texture is just right for stuffing the avocados.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that is simple yet feels like a special occasion, this Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe is your new go-to. It combines fresh ingredients with a luxurious texture that satisfies without weighing you down. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a favorite quick meal or appetizer to whip up again and again. So grab some ripe avocados and delicious salmon, and dive into this delightfully creamy and flavorful adventure!
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Salmon Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 stuffed avocado halves (2 servings)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Salmon Stuffed Avocados are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that combines creamy ripe avocados with a flavorful salmon filling. Perfect as a light main course or appetizer, this no-cook recipe uses simple ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to enhance the natural flavors. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or a nutritious snack, offering a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant freshness.
Ingredients
Avocados
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
Salmon Filling
- 1 cup cooked salmon (flaked, fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Capers
- Chopped cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh dill or parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Avocados: Scoop out a small amount of avocado flesh from each halved avocado to create more room for the filling. Optionally, roughly chop the scooped out avocado and fold it into the salmon mixture for added creaminess and volume.
- Stuff the Avocados: Spoon the salmon filling evenly into each avocado half, mounding the mixture slightly on top for an appealing presentation.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Garnish with optional toppings such as capers, chopped cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for enhanced flavor and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and prevent browning of the avocado.
Notes
- Use smoked salmon for a more intense smoky flavor.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option.
- Serve immediately to prevent the avocados from browning.
- For extra freshness, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the avocado halves before adding the filling.
