This grilled salmon is tasty and packed with flavors! The fish is juicy, and when topped with fresh avocado salsa, it makes a colorful and healthy dish that everyone will love.
Cooking this dish is a breeze, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal. I like serving it with rice for a nice touch—simple and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are a must for this recipe, providing rich flavor and a nice texture. If salmon is unavailable, try using trout or any firm white fish like halibut or cod.
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely, smooth flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado oil works great here too.
Paprika: This spice gives a hint of smokiness. You can substitute smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or use chili powder for a bit of heat. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences!
Avocado: Use a ripe, creamy avocado for the best texture in the salsa. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap in diced mango for a sweeter touch, though that changes the flavor profile.
Lime: Fresh lime juice really brightens the salsa. You can use lemon juice as an alternative if limes aren’t available.
How Do You Grill Salmon to Perfection?
Grilling salmon is easy, but a few key steps help you get it just right. First, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, which is important to prevent sticking.
- Brush the salmon with the oil and spice mixture thoroughly for flavor and to help with grilling.
- Place the salmon skin-side down first; this helps keep it moist.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side. A good rule of thumb is to flip it once when the fish releases easily from the grill.
- Check for doneness, the fish should flake easily with a fork but still look moist. Let it rest a few minutes after taking it off; this helps the juices redistribute.
These steps will ensure you achieve perfectly grilled, flaky salmon every time!
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy meal. In total, you should plan on spending about 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First, get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat so that it’s nice and hot when you place the salmon on it.
2. Seasoning the Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. Using a brush, spread this mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat them nicely.
3. Grilling the Salmon:
Carefully place the salmon fillets on the grill. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. You’re looking for that beautiful grilled mark! After that, flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once they’re ready, remove the fillets from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
4. Making the Avocado Salsa:
While the salmon is resting, let’s whip up the salsa! In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Gently toss everything together so that the flavors mix, but be careful not to mash the avocado too much!
5. Serving Up:
It’s time to serve! Place each grilled salmon fillet on a plate and generously top it with the fresh avocado salsa. For a little extra zing, garnish with lime wedges on the side.
6. Enjoying Your Meal:
Now, dig in and savor the deliciousness of your grilled salmon with avocado salsa! It’s healthy, fresh, and oh-so-tasty!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s important to thaw it properly first! Thaw your salmon in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great substitute! It will provide a fresh flavor without the distinctive taste of cilantro. Fresh mint can also work if you want a different but delicious twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon and Salsa?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The avocado salsa is best when fresh, but you can keep it for a day or two; just add a bit of lime juice to prevent browning on the avocado. Reheat the salmon gently to avoid overcooking it again.
Can I Use Other Vegetables for the Salsa?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your salsa. Diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even corn can be great additions or substitutes. Just ensure they are chopped small enough to mix well with the avocado and tomatoes.
