Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

Name: Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lime; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced; Juice of 1 lime; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Highlighted under: International Dish Inspirations

I absolutely love grilling, especially when it involves succulent salmon paired with a vibrant mango salsa. This dish is not only visually appealing but also bursts with flavors that remind me of tropical vacations. The combination of juicy, flaky salmon with the sweetness of ripe mango, zesty lime, and a hint of jalapeño creates a symphony of taste. In just 30 minutes, you can bring this delightful dish to your table, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-07T14:56:19.218Z

When I first tried this grilled salmon with mango salsa, I knew I had discovered a winner. The grilling process locks in the fish's natural flavors while the tropical salsa adds a refreshing touch that transforms the dish. It’s surprising how easily the ingredients come together, and I often make it for both family dinners and friends.

One tip I’ve learned is to allow the salmon to marinate for at least 10 minutes before grilling; this enhances the flavor and helps keep the fish moist. Pair it with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy salmon perfectly grilled to perfection.
Bright and refreshing mango salsa adds an explosion of flavor.
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Mastering the Grill

Grilling salmon to perfection involves understanding your grill’s heat zones. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, reaching around 400°F to 450°F. This temperature ensures a nice sear while keeping the interior moist. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down initially for about 5-6 minutes. The skin acts as a barrier and helps prevent the delicate fish from sticking. If you see the edges turning an opaque color, it's a sign that it’s cooking through.

When flipping the salmon, use a fish spatula to gently lift it from the grate without losing any flaky goodness. Flip it only once; repeated handling can cause the fillets to break apart. If you find yourself with sticking salmon, it could be due to insufficient oiling of the grill grates or not preheating enough. A well-oiled grill is essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and an easy release.

Building the Perfect Mango Salsa

The beauty of mango salsa lies in its balance of flavors and textures. When selecting your mango, look for one that gives off a fruity aroma and has a slight give when pressed. Too hard means it’s unripe, while too soft indicates over-ripeness. Aim for a ripe yet slightly firm mango for the ideal salsa texture. The addition of fresh lime juice brightens the overall flavor, while jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.

For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding diced cucumber or avocado to your mango salsa. These ingredients can complement the sweetness of the mango and enhance the dish’s presentation. If you’re preparing the salsa ahead of time, wait to add the salt until just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from releasing water and losing their crunch, keeping your salsa fresh and vibrant for longer.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving grilled salmon with mango salsa can be creatively presented as tacos or on a bed of greens for a refreshing salad. Adding a dollop of yogurt or sour cream can introduce a creamy element that balances the zesty salsa. For a more tropical twist, serve alongside coconut rice or quinoa to soak up those vibrant flavors. Pairing it with a chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the dish’s overall experience.

If you have leftovers, store the grilled salmon separately from the salsa to maintain texture. The salmon can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature of 275°F to avoid drying it out. The mango salsa should be consumed within 1-2 days for the best flavor and freshness, as the ingredients may break down and lose their crispness over time.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious grilled salmon with mango salsa:

For the Grilled Salmon

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime

For the Mango Salsa

1 ripe mango, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Ensure all the ingredients are fresh for the best flavors!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your grilled salmon with mango salsa:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the salmon fillets and coat them with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

Make the Mango Salsa

In another bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Stir gently, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

Grill the Salmon

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated salmon fillets for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Serve

Once grilled, plate the salmon fillets and top generously with mango salsa. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Pair your dish with your favorite side for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

Make sure your grill is hot before placing the salmon to get those perfect grill marks. Experiment with additional spices in the marinade to customize the flavor to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for alternatives to salmon, you can easily use other fish varieties like trout or mahi-mahi, which also absorb marinades well and grill nicely. For a non-seafood option, try grilling chicken breast, marinated similarly, though be sure to cook to the proper internal temperature of 165°F. When substituting the lime in the marinade or salsa, lemon juice provides a similar acidity, while orange juice adds a sweeter dimension to the dish.

For the herbs, if cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh mint or basil can complement the mango and provide a delightful twist, especially if you’re looking to mix up the flavor profile. Just remember that these herbs have distinct tastes that will alter the overall experience, so adjust to your liking.

Make-Ahead Strategies

To streamline your meal prep, marinate the salmon in advance. You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours beforehand, allowing the fish to absorb all those wonderful flavors. Just keep it refrigerated until it's time to grill. The mango salsa can also be assembled earlier in the day; store it in an airtight container to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.

Especially on busy weeknights, preparing the salsa and salmon together makes it easy to pop onto the grill when you're ready to eat. Just be aware that the longer the salsa sits, the more the ingredients can lose their crunch. Serve it right after preparation if possible, or keep it chilled and fresh until serving.

Troubleshooting Your Grill

If your salmon isn’t cooking evenly, it could be due to uneven grill heat. Always monitor the temperature and adjust burners accordingly if you're using a gas grill, or reposition the fish on the grill if you're using charcoal. You may also need to experiment with the heat settings to find the sweet spot for your grill type, as some can run hotter than others.

Another common issue is overcooking the salmon, leading to dryness. To avoid this, check for doneness by gently flaking with a fork; the fish should be opaque but still moist. Investing in an instant-read thermometer can be beneficial, as it allows you to check for ideal doneness at around 145°F without cutting into the fillet.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and grilling.

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, or you can use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

→ Can I prepare the mango salsa in advance?

Yes, the salsa can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. However, it's best to add the lime juice just before serving to keep the mango fresh.

→ What can I serve with grilled salmon?

This dish pairs well with white rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad.