Free Dinner Recipes E-book!   Download Now

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Almond Eater logo

  • Browse Recipes
    • Recipes by Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sides
      • The Almond Eater Monthly Cooking Challenge
    • Recipes by Diet
      • Vegetarian
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegan
      • Mediterranean Diet
      • Paleo
      • Whole30
  • Meet Erin
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Browse Recipes +
    • Recipes by Course +
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sides
      • The Almond Eater Monthly Cooking Challenge
    • Recipes by Diet +
      • Vegetarian
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegan
      • Mediterranean Diet
      • Paleo
      • Whole30
  • About Erin
  • Contact

Home » Recipes » Dinner

Seared Salmon with Chipotle Salsa

By Erin · June 19, 2021 · Updated September 26, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
  • Share
  • Tweet
Gluten FreeDairy FreeWhole30Paleo
two pieces of cooked salmon on a plate and in a skillet

This easy Seared Salmon is completely cooked in a skillet then topped with a flavorful chipotle salsa. It's the perfect summertime salmon recipe that's ready in under 20 minutes!

two salmon fillets on a plate topped with salsa and diced avocado

I adore all salmon recipes, but I especially appreciate this seared salmon because it's completely cooked in a skillet, which is why I know you're going to love it too.

It's similar to my honey soy salmon and this sun-dried tomato salmon skillet, but it's seasoned with chipotle powder and topped with a simple chipotle-avocado salsa. ....basically the perfect summertime salmon!

And, if you're looking for something to pair it with, may I recommend this bacon guacamole or even a simple sautéed asparagus.

Recipe features

  • A quick and easy weeknight salmon recipe
  • The salmon is completely cooked in a skillet, so there's no need to turn on the oven!
  • Topped with a fresh and flavorful chipotle salsa, along with avocado

Ingredient notes:

This list is simply to provide further clarification on a few of the ingredients; the full ingredient list is provided below in the recipe card.

  • Salmon: Fresh or frozen; if using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it ahead of time according to the package instructions.
  • Chipotle seasoning: As you might imagine, the chipotle seasoning pairs very well with the chipotle salsa. However, if you can't find any or the grocery store is all out, you could substitute smoked paprika instead.
  • Chipotle pepper: Canned; chipotle peppers in adobo are found in the Mexican food aisle at the grocery store.
  • Avocado: Avocado basically goes with everything, but in this recipe it works extra well because it cuts some of the spiciness from the chipotle salsa

Method

First: Make the salsa. First, add all of the salsa ingredients to a food processor and PULSE 10 times. Don't run the processor continuously or the salsa will become too watery. Instead, hit "pulse" 5-10 times until the tomatoes are broken down.

chipotle salsa in a food processor

Second: Season the salmon. Next, pat the salmon dry, then season it with lime juice and chipotle seasoning.

two raw salmon fillets on a white plate topped with seasoning

Third: Pan-sear. Last, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon flesh side-down, place a lid on the skillet and cook it for 4 minutes. Then, flip it over and cook for an additional 4 minutes or so.

cooked salmon in a skillet

Tips and FAQs

  • Make sure to pat the salmon dry before seasoning it so the skin gets nice and crispy when it cooks.
  • The chipotle seasoning pairs well with the chipotle salsa; however, if you need a substitution, try smoked paprika instead.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

You'll know the salmon is done with it easily flakes with a fork. Bon Appétit wrote an article about how to tell if salmon is cooked.

What should I do with the leftover salsa?

The chipotle salsa will keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. TIP: be sure to store it WITHOUT the avocado!

Besides making this salmon again, you could serve it with shredded chipotle chicken tacos, a vegan burrito bowl or these vegan stuffed peppers.

two salmon fillets on a plate topped with salsa

More salmon recipes:

  • Quinoa Crusted Salmon
  • Whole30 Garlic Salmon
  • Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
  • Salmon Caesar Salad

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!

two salmon fillets on a plate topped with salsa and diced avocado

Seared Salmon with Chipotle Salsa

This seared salmon with chipotle salsa is a light and healthy weeknight dinner option that's both gluten free and high in healthy fats.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Erin

Ingredients

for the salmon:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt

for the salsa:

  • 3 vine ripe tomatoes
  • ½ cup cilantro
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 3 tablespoon red onion chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 avocado diced

Instructions

  • Make the salsa: add all ingredients EXCEPT the avocado to your food processor and pulse for 5-10 seconds. You want everything to be combined but you still want it to be a little chunky. To do so, hit the "pulse" button instead of letting the motor run continuously.
  • Next, season the salmon. Juice the lime over the salmon, then sprinkle with the chipotle seasoning and salt, using your hands to press the seasoning into the salmon. Heat 1-2 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the salmon skin side up into the skillet. Place a lid over top, and cook the salmon for 4 minutes, then flip it over and cook for 4 more minutes.
  • To check if the salmon is is cooked, use a fork to cut down the middle. It should cut very easily and be flakey. If it's not, cook for an extra 1 minute on each side.
  • Remove salmon from the skillet and add the salsa. Top it off with diced avocado. Enjoy!

Notes

-Calories are an estimation are are per serving
-Add more lime juice as needed
-If you can't find chipotle seasoning, use smoked paprika instead

Nutrition

Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1550mg | Potassium: 1837mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3306IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 3mg
Did you Make this Recipe? Tag me Today!Leave a comment below and tag @thealmondeater on Instagram!

UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally posted in May 2019. It was updated with new text and photos in June 2021.

« Strawberry Crisp
Grilled Asparagus Pasta Salad »

About Erin

Erin is the recipe developer, writer and photographer behind the healthy food blog, The Almond Eater. She's been blogging since 2014 and loves to create food for many different diets, including vegan, gluten free and/or Whole30 recipes.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

girl in kitchen

Hi, I'm Erin!

I share recipes for ALL diet types because I believe that healthy food should be incredibly delicious without being complicated. Learn more

Seasonal Picks

pasta salad made with mediterranean ingredients

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

bowl with lemon orzo salad beside a small dish of chopped fresh basil

Lemon Orzo Salad

cake on a cake stand with a slice cut out

Vegan Carrot Cake

berries and ice cream in a bowl

Gluten Free Rhubarb Crisp

Popular Recipes

pasta, peas and sausage in a skillet

Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta

bowl with ground pork and vegetables

Banh Mi Bowl (Paleo, Whole30)

a bowl of pasta with lentils and red sauce

Lentil Bolognese Recipe (Vegan + Gluten Free)

sweet potato brownies

Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies

dog eating cake

Mini Dog Birthday Cake

Caramelized Onion Spaghetti Squash | squash filled with onions, mushrooms and kale for a healthy, vegetarian meal | thealmondeater.com

Caramelized Onion Spaghetti Squash

As Featured On

Footer

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • The Almond Eater Monthly Cooking Challenge

Copyright© 2023 | The Almond Eater. Site Credit

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter