This sheet pan salmon and avocado fajitas recipe offers a delightful twist to the traditional fajitas. The rich, buttery flavor of the salmon blends seamlessly with the creamy avocado and the earthy fajita seasoning to create a dish that's not only delicious but also easy to prepare and clean up after.
The ingredients for this dish are mostly common household items. However, you might need to pick up some specific ones like the McCormick fajitas seasoning mix and Cotija cheese. McCormick fajita seasoning mix is a blend of authentic Mexican spices that can be found in most supermarkets' spice aisle. Cotija cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that's crumbly and slightly salty. If you can't find it, you can substitute with Feta or Parmesan.
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it adds a hearty protein and wonderful flavor to the dish.
McCormick fajitas seasoning mix: This pre-mixed seasoning adds a burst of Mexican flavors.
Bell pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
Yellow onion: Enhances the flavor of the dish with its aromatic and sweet profile.
Olive oil: Used for roasting and to keep the salmon moist.
Lime: Its juice adds a tangy freshness that balances out the richness of the salmon.
Salt: To enhance the flavor of other ingredients.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a hint of freshness and color to the dish.
Avocados: They add creaminess and a rich, buttery flavor.
Corn tortillas: The base of the fajitas, they hold all the ingredients together.
Cotija cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty punch.
Sour cream and Mexican hot sauce: They provide a creamy and spicy finish to the dish.
One reader, Danit Sam says:
This sheet pan salmon and avocado fajitas recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of tender salmon, creamy avocado, and flavorful fajita veggies is simply delicious. It's become a regular in my dinner rotation. Highly recommended!
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Fajitas
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line an 18x13-inch baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper.
Place salmon and veggies on the baking sheet: Arrange the salmon on one side of the baking sheet, skin side down. Place the peppers and onions next to the salmon.
Season the salmon and veggies: Sprinkle half of the fajitas seasoning mix evenly over the salmon, then sprinkle the remaining half over the veggies and toss to coat.
Roast in the oven: Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the veggies are tender, tossing the veggies once halfway through cooking.
Finish and garnish: Spritz the salmon and peppers with lime juice, season with salt as desired, and sprinkle with cilantro. Flake the salmon with a fork.
Assemble the fajitas: Layer avocado slices over warmed tortillas, top with flaked salmon, peppers, and onions.
Serve: Sprinkle with cotija cheese and serve with sour cream and hot sauce if desired.
How To Make Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas
Sheet pan salmon gets an exotic upgrade with this one-pan fajitas recipe. The fish is served with creamy avocados, bell peppers, and lots of fresh herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbssalmon,, skin on
- 12ozMcCormick Fajitas seasoning mix,divided
- 3bell pepper,(red, yellow and green), cored and sliced into strips
- 1yellow onion,(medium), peeled and sliced
- 2tbspolive oil,divided
- 1lime,(about 1½ tbsp juice)
- salt
- ⅓cupfresh cilantro,chopped
- 2avocados,(medium), sliced
- 12corn tortillas,or flour tortillas, warmed
- ¾cupcotija cheese,crumbled
- sour cream and Mexican hot sauce,for serving, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line an 18×13-inch baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper.
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Place salmon on one side of the baking sheet, skin side down.
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Place peppers and onions next to salmon. Brush salmon with olive oil. Drizzle and toss peppers with remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
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Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix evenly over salmon then sprinkle remaining half over veggies and toss.
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Roast in preheated oven for about 20 minutes in total or until salmon has cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and veggies are tender, tossing veggies once halfway through cooking.
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Spritz salmon and peppers with juice from the lime, season with salt as desired and sprinkle with cilantro. Flake salmon with a fork.
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To assemble, layer avocado slices over warmed tortillas. Top with flaked salmon, peppers and onions.
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Sprinkle with cotija cheese and serve with sour cream and hot sauce if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 746.79kcal
- Fat: 39.90g
- Saturated Fat: 10.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.11g
- Carbohydrates: 71.67g
- Fiber: 15.86g
- Sugar: 5.46g
- Protein: 36.58g
- Cholesterol: 77.37mg
- Sodium: 923.18mg
- Calcium: 755.50mg
- Potassium: 1404.59mg
- Iron: 21.77mg
- Vitamin A: 210.52µg
- Vitamin C: 98.94mg
Pro Tip for Mastering Fajita Preparation
When preparing the salmon, it's important to remember that the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the fillet. A good rule of thumb is to cook the salmon for 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. Also, to ensure the avocado slices maintain their vibrant green color and don't brown, squeeze a bit of lime juice on them before assembling the fajitas. This not only adds a zesty flavor but also acts as a natural preservative.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and season the salmon the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan cooking: Use a sheet pan to cook the salmon and fajita veggies together, saving time on cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make extra fajita seasoning mix and store it for future use to save time on measuring and mixing spices.
Quick assembly: Warm the tortillas in the oven while the salmon and veggies are roasting to streamline the assembly process.
Multitask: While the salmon and veggies are roasting, prepare the avocado slices and garnishes to save time during assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas Recipe
salmon - Substitute with arctic char: Arctic char is a sustainable alternative to salmon with a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
mccormick fajitas seasoning mix - Substitute with homemade fajita seasoning: Making your own fajita seasoning allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference.
bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, adding a unique twist to the fajitas.
yellow onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions and add a pop of color to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great alternative for cooking the fajita ingredients at high heat.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar citrusy brightness to the dish if lime is not available.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Parsley can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish if cilantro is not preferred.
avocados - Substitute with mangoes: Mangoes can add a sweet and tropical twist to the fajitas, complementing the other flavors in the dish.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for corn tortillas if a different texture and flavor are desired.
cotija cheese - Substitute with queso fresco: Queso fresco has a similar crumbly texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for topping the fajitas.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy and tangy element similar to sour cream, but with added protein and less fat.
mexican hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can add a spicy kick to the fajitas, similar to Mexican hot sauce, with a hint of garlic and sweetness.
Presentation Tips for Serving Fajitas
Elevate the salmon: Gently flake the salmon and arrange it on the plate in a visually appealing manner, ensuring it remains the star of the dish.
Artfully arrange the fajita vegetables: Arrange the roasted peppers and onions in a colorful and eye-catching display, creating a visually stunning contrast to the salmon.
Garnish with avocado slices: Carefully place the avocado slices on top of the flaked salmon, adding a touch of vibrant green to the dish.
Sprinkle with cotija cheese: Delicately sprinkle the cotija cheese over the fajitas, adding a touch of savory richness to the presentation.
Drizzle with lime juice: Artfully drizzle a hint of fresh lime juice over the dish, adding a pop of citrus and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Serve with warm tortillas: Present the warm tortillas in a separate basket or on the side, inviting guests to engage in the interactive experience of assembling their own fajitas.
Accompany with condiments: Serve the dish with a side of sour cream and Mexican hot sauce in elegant, small ramekins, allowing guests to customize their fajitas according to their preferences.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Fajitas
- Sheet pan: A large, shallow pan with a rim, used for roasting and baking.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and filleting the salmon and vegetables.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Basting brush: A brush used for applying oil to the salmon and vegetables.
- Citrus juicer: A tool for juicing the lime.
- Fork: Used for flaking the cooked salmon.
- Serving platter: A large plate or dish used for serving the fajitas.
- Tongs: Used for handling and flipping the salmon and vegetables while cooking.
- Oven: Used for roasting the salmon and vegetables.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Fajitas
- To store leftover salmon fajitas, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- If you have leftover salmon and vegetables separately, store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the salmon and vegetables on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover salmon fajitas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen fajitas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat them in the oven as described above.
- If you have leftover salmon and vegetables separately, you can freeze them in separate freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- It's not recommended to freeze the avocado or tortillas, as they may become mushy or lose their texture upon thawing. It's best to add fresh avocado and warm new tortillas when serving the reheated fajitas.
How To Reheat Leftover Fajitas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salmon and fajita vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil to prevent the food from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon and vegetables are heated through.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover salmon and fajita vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the food is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can quickly become dry and tough.
If you have a tortilla warmer, you can use it to reheat the fajitas. Place the leftover salmon, vegetables, and tortillas in the warmer and heat according to the manufacturer's instructions. This method will help keep the tortillas soft and pliable.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the salmon and vegetables in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover salmon and vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the leftover salmon and fajita vegetables. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
Interesting Trivia About Fajitas
The sheet pan salmon and avocado fajitas recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and healthy fats from the avocado. It's a great way to incorporate more seafood and vegetables into your diet, providing essential nutrients and flavors.
Budget-Friendly Fajitas: Is This Recipe Economical?
This sheet pan salmon and avocado fajitas recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as salmon, bell peppers, and avocados, are nutritious and versatile. The use of affordable pantry staples like olive oil and fajita seasoning mix adds flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $30-$35, making it a budget-friendly option. The recipe's versatility and nutritional value make it a solid choice for families. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas Healthy?
The sheet pan salmon and avocado fajitas recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health
- Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
- Bell peppers and onions are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Corn tortillas are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Cotija cheese adds calcium and protein to the dish
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The fajita seasoning mix may contain added salt and preservatives. Consider making your own seasoning blend using fresh herbs and spices to reduce sodium intake and avoid unnecessary additives
- Sour cream is high in saturated fat. Opt for a low-fat or non-fat version, or replace it with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative
- Corn tortillas are a better choice than flour tortillas, but you can further improve the recipe by using whole grain tortillas for added fiber and nutrients
To make the recipe even healthier, you could:
- Add more vegetables, such as sliced zucchini or cherry tomatoes, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a mix of different colored bell peppers to provide a wider variety of antioxidants
- Serve the fajitas with a side salad or a serving of black beans for additional fiber and protein
- Limit the amount of cheese and sour cream used, or offer them as optional toppings to allow individuals to control their intake of saturated fats
Editor's Opinion on This Fajita Recipe
This sheet pan salmon and avocado fajitas recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender, flaky salmon with the vibrant, charred peppers and onions creates a harmonious balance. The addition of creamy avocado and tangy cotija cheese adds richness and depth to the dish. The use of fajita seasoning mix infuses the ingredients with a bold and aromatic flavor profile. Overall, this recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a satisfying and wholesome meal with a delightful Mexican twist.
Enhance Your Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sheet Pan Salmon and Avocado Fajitas Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal. The succulent salmon is seasoned with a blend of McCormick fajitas seasoning mix, infusing it with rich and aromatic spices. The vibrant bell peppers and onions are roasted to perfection, enhancing their natural sweetness. The addition of creamy avocado and zesty lime further elevates the dish, while the cotija cheese provides a delightful contrast. With the use of high-quality ingredients such as fresh cilantro and warm corn tortillas, this recipe promises a delightful and wholesome dining experience.
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