Grilled Salmon with Tropical Mango Salsa

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a refreshing, tropical-inspired dish that marries the smoky goodness of perfectly grilled salmon with the sweetness and tang of a vibrant mango salsa. Ideal for a light summer dinner, cookout, or any occasion where you crave a bright, healthy, and flavor-packed meal, this recipe is the epitome of simplicity and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish strikes the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy. The grilled salmon remains juicy and tender, boasting a slight crisp on the edges, while the mango salsa brings an exciting pop of tropical flavor. It’s quick to prepare, loaded with essential nutrients, and visually stunning enough to impress guests at a dinner party. However, it’s also easy enough for a weeknight meal that requires minimal effort. Best of all, it’s packed with healthy fats and lean protein, making it a great option for those looking to nourish their bodies with delicious, wholesome food.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

• Fresh salmon fillets (either skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Ground cumin or chili powder (optional, for added flavor)

For the Mango Salsa:

• Fresh ripe mango (diced into small pieces)
• Red bell pepper (diced)
• Red onion (finely chopped)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Jalapeño (minced; optional for a spicy kick)
• Fresh lime juice
• Salt (to taste)

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Directions

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent the salmon from sticking.
2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you’re using cumin or chili powder for an extra flavor boost, add it to the mixture.
3. Marinate the Salmon: Brush the salmon fillets generously with the olive oil mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
4. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the skin is still on, and grill for approximately 4–5 minutes per side. Grill until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating that it is fully cooked through.
5. Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the salmon grills, prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, chopped red onion, cilantro, minced jalapeño (if you want heat), lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Rest the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist.
7. Serve: Plate each salmon fillet and top generously with the freshly made mango salsa. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• For a fruity twist, swap the mango with pineapple or peach in the salsa.
• Add creamy avocado to the salsa for a richer texture.
• Instead of salmon, try using grilled shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the salmon marinade for a smoky heat.
• Serve the dish over coconut rice or quinoa to make it a more filling, hearty meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover grilled salmon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Mango Salsa: While the salsa is best fresh, it can be stored separately for up to 2 days. Just make sure to refrigerate it.
• Reheating Salmon: To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet or place it in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving the salmon to prevent it from drying out. Always serve with freshly made salsa for the best taste.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before grilling, and remember to pat it dry for optimal grilling results.
• I don’t have a grill. What can I do? If you don’t have a grill, you can easily use a grill pan or bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
• Can I prepare the mango salsa ahead of time? Yes, the mango salsa can be made up to a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and stir it before serving.
• Is this recipe spicy? As written, the recipe is mild, but you can ramp up the heat by adding more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
• How can I tell when the salmon is done? Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Can I leave the skin on the salmon? Yes, leaving the skin on while grilling helps the fish hold together better and adds extra flavor. You can remove it after grilling if you prefer.
• What sides go well with this dish? Grilled vegetables, black beans, coconut rice, or a fresh green salad all pair beautifully with this dish.
• Can I use canned mango for the salsa? While fresh mango is preferred for its texture and flavor, canned mango can be used if you’re in a pinch, as long as it is well-drained.
• Is this dish healthy? Yes! The salmon provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the mango salsa is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this a nutrient-dense meal.
• Can I use other fish? Absolutely! This recipe works well with other types of fish like mahi-mahi, halibut, or tilapia, giving you the flexibility to switch things up.

Conclusion

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a colorful, healthy, and mouthwatering dish that shines with bright tropical flavors. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer meal, a dinner party showstopper, or a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious, this recipe has you covered. With minimal ingredients, simple preparation, and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and again. Enjoy the smoky richness of grilled salmon paired with the sweet and tangy mango salsa for a delightful eating experience that brings a taste of the tropics to your table.

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

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• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
Method: Grilling

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• Lime wedges
• Extra cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or greens (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the salmon fillets.
3. Grill the salmon, skin-side down first, for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. While the salmon grills, prepare the mango salsa by mixing the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. Serve each fillet with a generous scoop of mango salsa, lime wedges, and your choice of side.

Notes

• If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or baking the salmon at 400°F works just as well.
• Prepare the mango salsa a few hours ahead for even more flavor.
• Serve alongside coconut rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Let me know if you need further revisions or have additional preferences for this recipe!