Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a fresh and healthy dish that combines smoky, tender salmon with a bright, zesty mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, flavorful meal.
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 the diced mango, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, 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 let the flavors meld.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with lime juice and let rest while you preheat the grill.
- Step 3: Preheat your 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 the fresh mango salsa. Pair with rice, quinoa, salad, or grilled vegetables as desired for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
- Avoid overcooking; salmon is best when flaky and slightly moist.
- Let the salmon rest after grilling to lock in juices.
- Prepare the mango salsa a few hours ahead to deepen the flavors.
- Oven-bake the salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- For a pan-seared option, cook salmon in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Try swapping mango salsa with pineapple, strawberry, or avocado salsa for variety.
- Add cayenne pepper or extra jalapeño to the salsa for more heat.
Storage
Store leftover grilled salmon and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon is best eaten within 2 days and can be gently reheated in a low oven or skillet to avoid drying out. Mango salsa will stay fresh for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How long does mango salsa last?
Mango salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. For optimum flavor, enjoy it the same day it is made.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can bake the salmon in the oven 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 similar delicious results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The mango salsa can be prepared several hours in advance to allow the flavors to develop, and the salmon can be marinated ahead of time for convenience.
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 and nutritious dish that perfectly combines smoky, tender salmon fillets seasoned with lime, garlic, and paprika with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe delivers vibrant tropical flavors and balanced nutrition, making it an ideal light main course for any meal.
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 ripe mango and red bell pepper into small cubes. Finely chop the red onion and mince the jalapeño if using. In a mixing bowl, combine all these ingredients, then squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste. Mix well and let sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Let the salmon rest while you preheat the grill.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400–450°F. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and cook 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 to retain juices.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the grilled salmon fillets and spoon fresh mango salsa generously over the top. Serve alongside coconut rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and healthy meal experience.
Notes
- Choose wild-caught salmon whenever possible for enhanced flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Oiling the grill grates is essential to prevent the delicate fish from sticking and breaking apart.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure perfectly moist salmon.
- Allowing the salmon to rest after grilling helps lock in juices for a tender texture.
- Prepare the mango salsa in advance and refrigerate to let the flavors develop further.
- Optional: Swap mango salsa with pineapple, strawberry, or avocado salsa for variety.
- If no grill is available, baking or pan-searing the salmon are excellent alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American
Keywords: grilled salmon, mango salsa, healthy recipe, quick dinner, Caribbean cuisine, Latin American flavors, seafood, grilled fish, summer meals, nutritious main course
