This Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa recipe is the perfect answer to a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. We combine perfectly flaky, grilled salmon with a sweet and spicy mango salsa for a dish that tastes like summer on a plate. It’s a simple recipe that delivers impressive results every time.
If you’re looking for a go-to weeknight dinner that is both easy to make and packed with fresh ingredients, you’ve found it. This dish is light, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. The smoky char of the salmon pairs beautifully with the tropical sweetness of the mango salsa, creating a balanced and refreshing main course. It’s a naturally gluten-free and healthy option you can feel good about serving to your family and friends.
The Perfect Ingredients for Success
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Using fresh, vibrant ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor.
For the Grilled Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Look for four 6-ounce salmon fillets with the skin on. The skin helps the fish hold together on the grill and keeps it moist.
- Olive Oil: A light coating helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautiful char.
- Seasonings: Simple sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are all you need to let the salmon’s natural flavor shine.
For the Vibrant Mango Salsa
- Mango: One large, ripe mango, peeled and diced. It should be firm but yield slightly to pressure.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, savory crunch that balances the mango’s sweetness.
- Jalapeño: For a little kick of heat. Remove the seeds for less spice.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note essential for any good salsa.
- Lime Juice: The acidity from one fresh lime cuts through the richness of the salmon and brightens all the flavors.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: Step-by-Step
We’ll start by making the salsa to allow the flavors to meld together while the salmon cooks. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
1. Prepare the Mango Salsa
In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the top and stir gently to combine everything. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
2. Prepare the Salmon and Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon
Achieving perfectly grilled salmon is easy with a few key tips. First, always start with a clean and well-oiled grill to prevent sticking. Don’t be tempted to move the salmon too early; let it cook for at least 5 minutes on the first side to develop a good crust. Lastly, remember that salmon continues to cook after you take it off the heat, so aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F for a moist, flaky result.
Mastering Your Mango Salsa
The secret to a great mango salsa is the mango itself. For a fun twist on a classic, consider pairing it with a side of Beet and Feta Salad for an earthy contrast. Choose a mango that is ripe but still firm to ensure easy dicing. If you want to tone down the heat from the jalapeño, be sure to remove all seeds and membranes before mincing. For the best flavor, let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it. For a spicier salsa, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in. You can also add a diced avocado to the salsa for a creamy texture or swap the mango for pineapple or peach for a different tropical flavor.
What to Serve with Your Grilled Salmon
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of coconut rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious flavors. For a complete meal, add a side of grilled asparagus or a simple green salad. It’s a versatile main course that fits into many different meal plans.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover salmon and mango salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salsa is best enjoyed fresh but will keep. Gently reheat the salmon in an oven at 300°F until warmed through to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs for Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. For best results, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Before grilling, make sure to pat the fillets completely dry with a paper towel to ensure you get a good sear.
Store any leftover mango salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as the mango will soften over time. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
For a standard 6-ounce fillet, grill for about 5-7 minutes on the first side (skin-side down), then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes. The total time will vary based on the thickness of the fillet and the heat of your grill.
For a moist and flaky result, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet to check for doneness.
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides like coconut rice, quinoa, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. The goal is to complement the fresh, tropical flavors of the meal.
More Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this fresh and flavorful dish, be sure to explore some of our other seafood favorites. This Coconut Shrimp Recipe is a crispy and delightful appetizer, while our creamy Cajun Seafood Alfredo offers a taste of rich, comforting flavors. For another great salmon option, try our easy Salmon Balls Recipe.
The Perfect Summer Meal
This Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect dish for a backyard barbecue, a healthy weeknight dinner, or any occasion that calls for something special yet simple. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, let us know in the comments and share your creation on Pinterest!
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: A Fresh & Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the top and stir gently to combine. Season with a pinch of salt. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F or 200-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the grate.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should be around 135-140°F for a flaky, moist fillet.
- Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a minute. Serve immediately, topped with a generous spoonful of the fresh mango salsa.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overcook the salmon! It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat. Check for doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork.
Tip 3: You can prepare the mango salsa a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen.
