Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines tender, smoky salmon with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick nutritious meal that’s full of flavor and color.
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)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, season with salt to taste, mix well, and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Let rest while preheating 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.
- Step 4: Carefully flip the salmon and grill for another 3–4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135–140°F for well-done. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled salmon topped with mango salsa alongside rice, quinoa, salad, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; salmon should be flaky yet moist.
- Let the salmon rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
- The salsa can be made hours ahead to allow flavors to deepen.
- For a stove option, pan-sear the salmon in olive oil for 4–5 minutes each side.
- Swap mango salsa with pineapple or strawberry salsa for a tasty variation.
- Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the salsa for more heat.
- If you don’t have a grill, bake salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes instead.
Storage
Store leftover grilled salmon and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Salsa stays fresh for up to two days. Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or eat cold. For best texture and flavor, enjoy leftovers within 2 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
How long does mango salsa last?
Mango salsa stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days when stored in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can bake the salmon in the oven or pan-sear it on the stovetop with similar seasoning and cooking times.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the salsa can be prepared several hours in advance, and the salmon can be seasoned or marinated ahead to save time.
Print
Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and healthy dish combining tender, smoky salmon fillets seasoned with lime, garlic, and paprika, grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, this flavorful Caribbean-inspired meal balances savory and sweet for a nutritious and satisfying main course.
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 salsa ingredients including lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well and let sit for at least 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Let rest briefly while preheating the grill.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip and grill for another 3–4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135–140°F for well-done. Remove the salmon and let rest for a few minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the grilled salmon fillets and spoon the prepared mango salsa generously over the top. Serve with your choice of coconut rice, quinoa, fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete, healthy meal.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for optimal flavor and texture.
- Oiling the grill grates well prevents sticking and easy flipping.
- Do not overcook salmon; aim for flaky and slightly moist texture.
- Let salmon rest after grilling to retain juices.
- Prepare mango salsa ahead of time to enhance flavor melding.
- Salmon can also be baked or pan-seared if a grill is unavailable.
- Mango salsa stays fresh up to two 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 seafood recipe, Caribbean salmon, summer grilling, lime marinade, fresh salsa, quick dinner, nutritious main course
