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Flavorful Sheet Pan Cajun Salmon with Easy Mango Avocado Salsa

sheet pan cajun salmon - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan Cajun salmon recipe topped with a fresh mango avocado salsa, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The spicy salmon pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy salsa for a balanced and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each), skin on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle the Cajun spice mix evenly over the top of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan, spaced apart.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside.
  7. While the salmon bakes, combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Gently toss to mix without mashing the avocado. Season with salt to taste.
  8. Once the salmon is done, transfer to plates and spoon a generous amount of mango avocado salsa on top or alongside.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to get a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Use fresh lime juice for best salsa flavor. Handle salsa gently to keep avocado chunks intact. Rotate pan halfway through baking if needed. Let salmon rest a few minutes after baking for juiciness. Leftovers: store salmon and salsa separately; salmon best within 2 days, salsa within 24 hours. Reheat salmon gently in a low oven to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun salmon, sheet pan dinner, mango avocado salsa, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, easy dinner, gluten-free, paleo