Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a vibrant, healthy dish that brings together smoky, tender salmon and a sweet, zesty mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, nutritious meal full of bright flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, season with salt to taste, and stir well. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush them with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and the juice of one lime. Let the salmon rest while you preheat the grill.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and grill for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135–140°F for well-done.
- Step 4: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve each fillet topped with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Enjoy with your choice of sides such as rice, quinoa, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Choose wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the salmon; it should be flaky yet moist.
- Letting the mango salsa sit for a couple of hours enhances the flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, bake the salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear it for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Try alternative salsas, like pineapple, strawberry, or avocado salsa for a new twist.
- Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to spice up the salsa.
Storage
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep mango salsa refrigerated separately in a sealed container for up to 2 days as well. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or eat cold for best texture. The salsa is best served fresh and should not be frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before grilling to ensure even cooking and to avoid excess moisture.
How long does mango salsa last?
Mango salsa remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. After that, the flavors and texture may start to decline.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can bake the salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4–5 minutes per side for comparable results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the mango salsa can be made several hours in advance to allow flavors to meld. You can also marinate the salmon ahead of time to enhance the seasoning.
Print
Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish featuring tender, smoky grilled salmon paired with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. This vibrant recipe combines citrus, spices, and herbs to create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect light main course inspired by Caribbean and Latin American cuisines.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: Dice the mango and red bell pepper into small cubes. Finely chop the red onion and mince the jalapeño if using. Combine all in a mixing bowl, squeeze fresh lime juice over, add chopped cilantro, season with salt, mix well, and let sit for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush evenly with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Let rest while preheating the grill.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip and grill for another 3–4 minutes until desired doneness (125–130°F for medium-rare, 135–140°F for well-done). Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the grilled salmon and spoon the fresh mango salsa over each fillet. Serve alongside coconut rice, quinoa, salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.
- Oil the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ease flipping.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking; salmon should be flaky yet moist.
- Allow salmon to rest a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
- Prepare the mango salsa ahead of time to let flavors meld for even better taste.
- Optional: Add more jalapeño or cayenne for a spicier mango salsa.
- If no grill available, oven bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear 4–5 minutes per side.
- Mango salsa stays fresh up to 2 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American
Keywords: grilled salmon, mango salsa, healthy salmon recipe, Caribbean salmon, Latin American cuisine, quick grilled fish, healthy dinner, fresh salsa, lime salmon
