Blackened Salmon with Zesty Peach Avocado Salsa: Your Ultimate Healthy Summer Dinner Recipe

As each new season unfolds, there’s an undeniable excitement that washes over me, especially when it comes to the vibrant bounty of local, fresh produce. This enthusiasm might seem peculiar to some, but the joy of cooking with ingredients at their peak is unparalleled. Right now, Florida peaches are in season, and it’s a moment I eagerly anticipate!

Peach season, particularly when these juicy fruits are locally grown in my home state, is truly a highlight of the year. Their sweet, fragrant aroma and soft texture make them perfect for a myriad of dishes, both sweet and savory. In fact, my love for peaches was a significant motivator when I decided to embark on a Whole30 journey last summer. I simply couldn’t fathom a life without the pure delight of fresh summer fruit, and I was determined to enjoy nature’s candy without any lingering guilt about eating healthy, wholesome produce. I incorporated an abundance of peaches into my diet last year, often as a refreshing side, and I have absolutely no regrets. Florida’s tree-ripened peaches are not only delicious but also the ideal size for school lunches or invigorating afternoon snacks, making them a versatile addition to any diet. You can typically find these delectable fruits at your local grocery store from late March through early May.

This period also marked a pivotal shift in my approach to nutrition. I transitioned away from the restrictive cycle of yo-yo dieting with low-carb foods and instead embraced a philosophy centered around whole, unprocessed ingredients. While a low-carb diet may work wonders for some, for me personally, the thought of a world where I couldn’t savor seasonal produce whenever my heart desired was simply unimaginable. This realization empowered me to focus on balanced, nutritious meals that celebrate the fresh flavors of the season, like this incredible blackened salmon with peach avocado salsa.

Crafting the Perfect Peach Avocado Salsa: A Symphony of Fresh Flavors

This vibrant peach avocado salsa is a star in its own right, offering a delightful counterpoint to the smoky, spiced salmon. Its preparation is incredibly simple, allowing you to whip up a batch in minutes, either just before serving or in advance for ultimate convenience.

• To begin, gather your fresh ingredients: beautifully diced Florida peaches, creamy chopped avocado, finely minced red onion, a generous handful of fresh cilantro, and the bright zest of fresh lime juice.
• Combine all these ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Gently toss everything together until well combined. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more lime for brightness or extra salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
• For an optional, yet highly recommended, flavor boost, stir in a generous pinch of the leftover blackened seasoning. This subtle addition beautifully ties the salsa to the salmon, creating a cohesive flavor profile throughout the meal. However, if you’re preparing this peach salsa for another dish that isn’t paired with the spiced salmon, feel free to omit the blackened seasoning to let the natural fruit and herb flavors shine.

One of my favorite meal prep hacks is to make the peach avocado salsa ahead of time. I simply store it in a mason jar in the refrigerator, which helps to keep it fresh and vibrant. This way, when dinner time rolls around, all that’s left to do is prepare the star of the show – the blackened salmon – and perhaps a quick side dish. This makes for an incredibly easy, healthy, and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed summer gatherings.

Mastering Your Own Blackened Seasoning Blend

The secret to truly sensational blackened salmon lies in the spice rub. While store-bought blends are available, creating your own ensures a fresh, potent, and customizable flavor. This homemade blackened seasoning is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of proteins. To make a batch of this flavorful blend, you will need the following:

• Smoked or Spanish paprika (for that essential smoky depth)
• Kosher salt (to enhance all other flavors)
• Garlic powder (a pungent aromatic that adds warmth)
• Onion powder (for a subtle, savory sweetness)
• Cayenne pepper (delivers the perfect amount of heat and kick)
• Freshly ground black pepper (for a sharp, woody note)
• Dried thyme (contributes an earthy, minty aroma)
• Dried oregano (adds a robust, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor)

Simply combine all these spices in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly. This blend creates a rich, complex flavor profile that transforms any protein. Beyond salmon, this blackened seasoning is fantastic on shrimp, tossed with chicken wings, or even rubbed onto ribs for a smoky, spicy barbecue twist during the summer months. The beauty of making your own blend is that you can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne, or tweak the other spices to suit your preference. Always make a little extra; it stores well in an airtight container and will be ready for your next culinary adventure.

Selecting the Best Salmon for Your Dish

The quality of your salmon can truly elevate this dish. When I’m at the seafood counter, I prioritize sourcing wild-caught Pacific or Alaskan salmon fillets. These varieties, such as Sockeye, Coho, or King salmon, are renowned for their robust flavor, firm texture, and vibrant color, indicative of their natural diet and active lifestyle. Sometimes, I’m lucky enough to find wild-caught coho salmon on sale, which boasts a particularly rich, reddish-orange hue and a delightful taste. These three types are consistently my top choices for preparing delicious meals at home.

When selecting your salmon, look for fillets with bright, silvery skin and shiny, moist flesh. Avoid any fish that appears dull, discolored, or has a strong, fishy odor. Fresh salmon should smell like the ocean – clean and fresh. I highly recommend baking your salmon with the skin on. Not only does the skin help protect the delicate flesh from drying out, keeping it wonderfully moist, but it also crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding an appealing texture. You can choose to enjoy the crispy skin or, if you prefer to remove it after baking, simply slide a spatula gently just above the skin, and the cooked salmon fillet will lift right off with ease. This simple trick ensures a perfect fillet every time, ready to be adorned with our sensational peach avocado salsa.

While this baked salmon would be absolutely delicious prepared simply with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic, the arrival of summer calls for something a little more adventurous. We sought a smoky, robust kick for this baked salmon recipe, perfectly balanced by the cool, creamy, and zesty peach avocado salsa. The combination creates a harmonious interplay of flavors and textures that is both refreshing and incredibly satisfying.

This peach avocado salsa is incredibly versatile. While it’s the ideal companion for our blackened salmon, its vibrant flavors also make it a fantastic topping for grilled chicken, a refreshing addition to tossed shrimp salads, or even a delightful standalone salsa served with tortilla chips. As a complete meal, this blackened salmon with peach avocado salsa pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, your favorite roasted vegetables, or a serving of fluffy quinoa. For a more creative twist, consider serving it in fish tacos or light and healthy lettuce wraps. The recipe below provides instructions for baking your salmon fillets in the oven, but you can easily adapt it for grilling outdoors for that quintessential summer flavor, or pan-searing for a crispy crust. The choice is yours, allowing you to tailor this healthy dinner to your preferred cooking method and desired texture.

Other Delicious Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of salmon, you’re in luck! This versatile fish lends itself to countless preparations. Here are a few other salmon recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Dijon Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner: An easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
• Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon: A unique and flavorful twist with a crunchy, savory topping.
• Salmon BLT Salad: A fresh and hearty salad featuring crispy bacon and succulent salmon.

Thank you to Florida Peaches for sponsoring today’s recipe. All opinions are my own. Please see the disclaimer here.