This grilled salmon is juicy and full of flavor, paired perfectly with a bright and zesty mango salsa. It’s a dish that really makes the summer shine!
Serving this meal always makes me feel like a chef! Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of sweet mango and smoky salmon? It’s a winning duo! 🌞
Cooking salmon on the grill is super easy and gives it a delicious char. I love topping it with the fresh mango salsa for a cool and refreshing bite. Perfect for a warm evening!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skin-on salmon works best for grilling. If you can’t find it, try using skinless fillets or even trout, which has a similar flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent sticking. If you’re out, feel free to use canola or avocado oil instead.
Mango: Choose a ripe mango for the sweetest flavor. If mango isn’t in season, diced peaches or pineapple make great alternatives!
Cilantro: Cilantro gives a herbal freshness to the salsa. If you’re not a fan, basil or parsley can work instead, but they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Jalapeño: This ingredient adds a bit of heat. If you prefer a milder salsa, omit it or use bell pepper for a sweet crunch.
How Can I Grill Salmon to Perfection?
Grilling salmon can be simple, but a few techniques can help you nail it every time. First, start with a hot grill—this helps prevent sticking.
- Brush the grill grates with oil before heating, and ensure your salmon skin is well-oiled too.
- Place the fillets skin-side down directly on the grill at a 45-degree angle. This helps with searing and getting nice grill marks.
- Resist the urge to flip too early; aim for 4-6 minutes on the first side. When it’s ready, the salmon will release easily from the grill.
Letting the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after grilling helps redistribute the juices for a moister bite. Enjoy your grilled salmon!
Grilled Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10-12 minutes for grilling. All in all, you’ll have your flavorful Grilled Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill and Salmon:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your salmon cooks evenly. While the grill heats up, brush the salmon fillets on both sides with olive oil. Then, season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the salmon aside to marinate a little while you prepare the salsa.
2. Making the Mango Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño (if you’re using it for heat). Toss in the chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of one lime over the top. If you like a touch of sweetness, add the honey or agave syrup. Stir everything gently to combine your fresh salsa, then taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Grilling the Salmon:
Once your grill is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill grates. Let them cook for about 4-6 minutes without moving them; this will help you get those beautiful grill marks! After that, carefully flip each fillet and grill for another 4-6 minutes, until the salmon is opaque in the middle and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Finishing Touches:
When your salmon is perfectly grilled, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is deliciously moist.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your final step is to serve the grilled salmon topped generously with the fresh mango salsa. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy meal with friends and family!
FAQ – Grilled Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag under cold water before grilling. Pat the fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a nice grill.
What Other Fruits Can I Use for the Salsa?
If mango isn’t available, you can substitute it with diced pineapples, peaches, or even kiwi. Each fruit adds a unique flavor, but they’ll all complement the salmon nicely!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover salmon and mango salsa should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep for about 2 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 1 day for optimal freshness.
Can I Make the Mango Salsa Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mango salsa a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, and taste for seasoning adjustments if needed!
