There’s something incredibly joyful about combining the tender richness of salmon with the bright, zesty pop of a fresh fruit salsa. This Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that feels like a mini celebration on your plate! Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a casual get-together, the vibrant mango salsa brings a refreshing twist that lifts the salmon to new heights. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe sing. Each element plays a crucial role, adding texture, color, and layers of flavor that come together harmoniously.
- Salmon filets: Choose fresh, skin-on filets around 4-6 ounces for perfect grilling and juicy results.
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos: Adds a salty umami base to the marinade, enhancing the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the tang and heat in the dish.
- Lime juice: The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the fish and brightens the salsa.
- Avocado: Creamy diced avocado adds a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with mango.
- Mango: Fresh diced mango lends juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the salsa.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a mild peppery bite, giving the salsa extra dimension.
- Fresh cilantro and jalapeño: Cilantro provides herbal freshness, while jalapeño brings just the right amount of heat.
How to Make Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
Start by whisking together soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, lime juice, and any garlic or spices you love in a bowl. This marinade is the flavor foundation that infuses every bite of the salmon. Coat each filet evenly, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to soak up those vibrant layers of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Salsa
While your salmon marinates, get busy with the salsa. Dice avocado, mango, red bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeño, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Toss them together gently in a bowl and add fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt to tie all the flavors together. This salsa isn’t just a topping; it’s a bright, textural celebration of fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat your grill to a medium-high level, about 400 to 450°F. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a hot skillet works beautifully. Cook each marinated salmon filet for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until the outside is beautifully seared and the inside flakes easily with a fork. This step develops that irresistible caramelized crust that contrasts with the tender center.
Step 4: Serve with Salsa
Plate your perfectly grilled salmon and generously spoon the fresh mango salsa over the top. The salsa’s juicy sweetness, creamy avocado, and spicy kick bring life to every bite. This dish is a feast of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress any guest or simply elevate your weeknight dinner.
How to Serve Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can take your dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro leaves on top for a burst of herbal aroma or thinly slice some extra jalapeño to sprinkle for those who love a bit more heat. A few lime wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra zing of fresh citrus.
Side Dishes
This vibrant Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think fluffy coconut rice to tie into the tropical theme or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus or grilled corn on the cob also make for beautiful, colorful plates.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the salmon and salsa over a bed of quinoa, or make individual lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option. Another idea is to scatter some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top of the salsa for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salmon and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon is best eaten within 2 days to keep its fresh texture and flavor. The salsa stays fresh for up to 24 hours but may become less vibrant as the mango and avocado soften.
Freezing
While salmon freezes well, the mango salsa does not. If you plan to freeze the cooked salmon, wait to add the salsa until after thawing. Freeze the salmon filets in a freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm salmon in a low oven or covered skillet to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish. Once heated, add fresh mango salsa for that lively freshness that rounds out the dish perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely, just be sure to thaw it fully and pat dry before marinating to ensure the best texture and flavor when grilled.
Is there a substitute for mango in the salsa?
If mango isn’t available, try peaches or pineapple as a sweet, juicy alternative that will still complement the salmon beautifully.
Can this dish be made without grilling?
Yes! You can pan-sear or bake the salmon for equally delicious results if a grill is not an option.
How spicy is the salsa with jalapeño?
The jalapeño provides a mild to moderate heat that you can easily adjust by removing the seeds or using less, depending on your heat tolerance.
What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a slightly sweet Riesling pairs wonderfully with the fresh, fruity flavors of the salmon and mango salsa.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe truly shines as a delightful, colorful, and flavorful dish that’s perfect any time you want something fresh and special. The blend of juicy mango salsa with tender, perfectly grilled salmon makes every bite a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that same joy at your dinner table!
Print
Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing and vibrant Salmon with Mango Salsa recipe combines perfectly grilled salmon filets with a delightful, homemade mango salsa featuring avocado, red bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeño. Marinated for flavor and grilled to perfection, this dish offers a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon filets (4–6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 large mango, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the salmon: Whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined. Add the salmon filets and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the fish.
- Prepare the salsa: While the salmon marinates, dice the avocado, mango, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the cilantro, jalapeño, and red onion. In a separate bowl, gently combine all these ingredients with lime juice and a pinch of salt, taking care not to mash the avocado. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Cook the salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400–450°F. Remove the salmon from the marinade and place the filets skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill the salmon for 6-8 minutes per side until it is flaky and cooked through, taking care not to overcook to maintain moistness.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled salmon filets on plates and generously top them with the fresh mango salsa. Serve immediately for a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or firm white fish for the salmon if preferred.
- For a spicier salsa, increase the amount of jalapeño or leave the seeds in.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in both the marinade and salsa.
- Leftover mango salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If grilling is not an option, the salmon can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
