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
Scale
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
