Healthy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines smoky, tender salmon with a fresh and zesty mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, nutritious meal packed with 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 for heat)
- 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, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl. Season with salt, stir well, and set aside for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush them with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and squeeze lime juice over the top. Let them rest while preheating the grill.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place salmon skin-side down and grill 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.
- Step 4: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve each fillet topped with the fresh mango salsa, alongside your choice of 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 and to make flipping easier.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the salmon moist and flaky.
- Prepare the mango salsa a few hours ahead to deepen the flavors.
- 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 replacing mango with pineapple, strawberry, or avocado salsa for a tasty variation.
- Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the salsa to spice things up.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Keep the mango salsa chilled and serve it cold for the best flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.
How long does mango salsa last?
Mango salsa stays fresh for up to two days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can bake, pan-sear, or air-fry the salmon for similar results without a grill.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The mango salsa can be prepared hours in advance to enhance flavors, and the salmon can be marinated earlier too.
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 main course that pairs smoky, tender grilled salmon fillets seasoned with lime, garlic, and paprika with a fresh, vibrant mango salsa. Ready in just 20 minutes, this Caribbean and Latin American-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a light yet satisfying 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. Combine all these ingredients in a mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, stir in the chopped cilantro, and season with salt to taste. Mix well and set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they grill properly. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then evenly season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillets and let them rest briefly while you preheat the grill.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400–450°F, and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets using a spatula. Continue grilling 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 from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the grilled salmon fillets and spoon the prepared mango salsa generously over the top. Serve alongside coconut rice, quinoa, a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete and balanced meal. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy dish!
Notes
- Choose high-quality, preferably wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Oil the grill grates well prior to cooking to prevent the salmon from sticking and breaking apart.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking; salmon should be flaky yet moist.
- Allow the salmon to rest a few minutes post-grilling to keep it juicy.
- Prepare the mango salsa in advance to deepen its flavors; it tastes best after sitting for a couple of hours.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear it for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Mango salsa stays fresh for up to two days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Frozen salmon can be used but must be fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Feel free to swap the mango in the salsa with pineapple, strawberry, or avocado for variety.
- Add cayenne pepper or extra jalapeño to the salsa for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American
Keywords: Grilled Salmon, Mango Salsa, Healthy Dinner, Caribbean Recipe, Latin American Cuisine, Quick Salmon Recipe, Summer Recipe, Grilled Fish, Light Meal
