Name: Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ¼ red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional); 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; ¼ tsp salt

There’s something about a perfectly grilled piece of salmon topped with fresh mango salsa that feels like pure sunshine on a plate. Whenever the weather starts to warm up, this is the dish I crave. It’s light, it’s bright, and it has that beautiful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that instantly makes you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Even better, it comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy weekend cookouts.

The first time I made this Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa, I was honestly just looking for a way to use up a few overripe mangoes I had on hand. I threw together a quick salsa with some diced red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and a big squeeze of lime juice. When I spooned it over the smoky, perfectly charred salmon, it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become a regular in our meal rotation, especially when we’re craving something that feels both hearty and refreshing.

Today, I’m walking you through every detail so you can make this mouthwatering dish easily at home. Whether you’re a grilling pro or a total beginner, I promise you can pull this off—and it’s going to taste amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First of all, let’s talk about the flavor. The grilled salmon has that irresistible smoky charred exterior, while staying tender and juicy inside. Paired with the mango salsa, every bite explodes with a perfect mix of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy.

You’ll also love how fast it is to make. From start to finish, you’re looking at just about 25 minutes. That means it’s quicker than ordering takeout and way healthier too.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can keep it casual by serving the salmon over rice or greens, or dress it up for a dinner party. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutritious ingredients, so it’s a great option for guests with dietary needs.

If you love meals that are both simple and impressive, this Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is about to become a new favorite.

Health Benefits

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrition. Salmon is rich in lean protein and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Mango brings in a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. The red bell pepper adds even more vitamin C and antioxidants, while the red onion provides a little extra fiber and flavor without too many calories.

Together, the salmon and salsa make a balanced meal that supports a healthy diet. It’s lower in saturated fats, high in beneficial fats, and filled with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Plus, grilling the salmon keeps it light without needing lots of added oil or butter.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 380
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 22g

Ingredients List

For the Grilled Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mango Salsa:

1 ripe mango, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional for Serving:

Lime wedges
Extra chopped cilantro
Cooked rice or a bed of greens

Each ingredient plays an important role here. The salmon offers richness, the spices enhance the smoky notes, and the salsa adds a juicy, zesty contrast that brightens everything up.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat Your Grill
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, turn it to about 400°F. For a charcoal grill, aim for a consistent medium-high flame. Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Season the Salmon
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each fillet.
Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if they have skin. Cover the grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip the salmon using a wide spatula and grill for another 4–5 minutes until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. Remember that thicker fillets may need a bit more time.
Prepare the Mango Salsa
While the salmon grills, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Let the Salmon Rest
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for about 3–5 minutes. This step helps lock in the juices.
Serve
Plate the salmon fillets and generously top each with the fresh mango salsa. Add extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy.

How to Serve

This grilled salmon with mango salsa is delicious served a few different ways:

Over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice.
Alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette.
With grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or corn.
As salmon tacos using warm corn tortillas and extra salsa on top.

Mix and match depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Pairing Suggestions

To complete the meal, here are a few pairing ideas:

Side Dishes: Light quinoa salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or simple couscous with lemon.
Beverages: Fresh lemonade, iced green tea, or sparkling water with a splash of lime juice.
For a tropical theme: Serve with coconut rice and a side of black beans or plantains.

All these pairings enhance the freshness of the salmon and salsa while keeping the meal feeling light and satisfying.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, you can store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the mango salsa in a separate container; it will stay fresh for about 2 days.

For freezing, place the cooked and cooled salmon fillets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

When ready to eat, reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Try to avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon dry and rubbery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Salmon: Always monitor the salmon closely. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and loses its flavor.
Not Oiling the Grill: Without a lightly oiled grill, the salmon may stick and fall apart.
Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the salmon rest for a few minutes ensures it stays juicy.
Using Unripe Mango: An underripe mango will be too firm and not sweet enough, altering the salsa’s flavor.
Over-mixing the Salsa: Stir just enough to combine so the mango stays intact and juicy.

Pro Tips

Use a fish spatula: A wide, thin spatula makes flipping salmon much easier without tearing it apart.
Marinate briefly: If you have 10 extra minutes, let the salmon sit with the seasoning before grilling to deepen the flavor.
Control the heat: If your grill flares up, move the salmon to a cooler part to avoid burning.
Taste the salsa before serving: Depending on your mango’s sweetness, you might want a bit more lime or salt.
Double the salsa: It’s so good, you’ll want extra for scooping up with chips or spooning over everything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before seasoning and grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem. You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes.

Is the mango salsa spicy?
It’s mildly spicy if you add the jalapeño. You can adjust the heat to your liking or omit the pepper entirely.

Can I leave the skin on?
Yes, in fact, the skin helps keep the salmon together while grilling and prevents sticking.

What other fish can I use?
Mahi-mahi, halibut, and tilapia all grill beautifully and would work well with the mango salsa.

How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
You can prepare it up to a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best served fresh for the brightest flavors.

What if I don’t like cilantro?
Feel free to substitute fresh parsley or just leave it out entirely.

How can I add more flavor to the salmon?
Try adding a pinch of cumin or coriander to the seasoning mix for a deeper, earthier flavor.

Can I make this dish halal?
This recipe is naturally halal as long as you use halal-certified salmon.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There you have it—Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa that’s bursting with flavor, ready in under 30 minutes, and sure to impress. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is secretly super easy, making it perfect for both busy nights and special occasions.

I really hope you give this tropical-inspired dish a try. If you do, be sure to let me know how it turns out! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Feel free to drop a comment, share a photo, or tag me on social media. Happy grilling!