Looking for a dish that’s as vibrant and fresh as it is satisfying? BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa is the answer! Imagine perfectly grilled salmon with a smoky, charred finish, topped with a zesty, refreshing salsa made from ripe mango, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, with a touch of tropical flair. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or craving something light yet flavorful on a cool evening, this dish hits all the right notes. Trust me, every bite is like a mini vacation for your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa
This dish is a showstopper, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an easy weeknight meal. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:
Flavor Harmony
The BBQ salmon brings a delicious, smoky depth of flavor, and the mango avocado salsa adds a bright, juicy contrast with its sweet and creamy texture. Together, they make every bite an irresistible experience.
Light & Fresh
With the perfect balance of protein and healthy fats, this dish is light but filling—ideal for when you’re craving something nutritious but flavorful.
Quick & Simple
You don’t need to be a grill master to pull this one off. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a meal that’s both fancy and effortless.
Customizable
Want more heat? Add some chopped jalapeños to the salsa. Prefer a different fish? This recipe works great with trout, cod, or even tilapia.
Crowd-Pleasing
Impress your friends or family with this beautiful, vibrant dish. The colors alone will make everyone excited to dig in!
Ingredients
Salmon
The star of this dish! Whether you choose fillets or steaks, salmon’s rich, flavorful flesh takes on the smoky BBQ seasoning beautifully.
Mango
Sweet, juicy mango brings a tropical flair and pairs perfectly with the richness of the salmon.
Avocado
A creamy addition that helps mellow the heat of the BBQ and adds texture to the salsa.
Red Onion
For a little bit of crunch and sharpness to balance out the sweetness of the mango.
Lime
A squeeze of lime juice ties everything together and adds a fresh, zesty finish to the salsa.
Fresh Cilantro
For a burst of herbaceous flavor that adds a beautiful pop of color to the salsa.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the salmon but not so hot that it burns before the inside is cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Salsa
In a bowl, combine the diced mango, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss gently to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning. You can also use a BBQ marinade if you have one on hand for extra flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and has a beautiful grill mark.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Once the salmon is done, plate it up and generously top with the mango avocado salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite side dish, whether that’s a simple salad, rice, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness in every bite!
How to Serve BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa
On a Bed of Greens
Serve the salmon over a bed of leafy greens like arugula or spinach. The light, peppery greens make a perfect base for the rich salmon and zesty salsa.
With Rice or Quinoa
Pair the dish with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Both make excellent accompaniments to soak up the fresh salsa.
With Grilled Vegetables
Pair the salmon with a side of grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a light, healthy, and colorful meal.
In Tacos
For a fun twist, use the salmon and salsa to make tacos. Just warm up some corn tortillas and load them up with salmon, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a little heat, try adding finely chopped jalapeños to the salsa or sprinkle chili powder on the salmon before grilling.
- Make it Ahead: The mango avocado salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours. Just add the avocado last to keep it fresh and green.
- Try Different Fish: This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap the salmon for any other firm fish like halibut, cod, or even grilled chicken if you prefer.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling it?
A1: Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until it’s cooked through. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor, but baking works just as well.
Q2: How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
A2: To keep the avocado from browning, add lime juice to the salsa right after dicing the avocado. The acid helps preserve its bright green color.
Q3: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the salsa up to 4 hours ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers. The salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the salsa should be eaten within 1 day to maintain freshness.
Q5: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A5: Yes, frozen salmon works well too! Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking, and be sure to pat it dry to get that perfect sear.
Conclusion
BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa is the perfect summer dish that brings together bold flavors, light textures, and vibrant colors. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or treating yourself to a flavorful weeknight dinner, this meal is bound to impress. With a smoky, perfectly cooked salmon paired with a cool, refreshing salsa, every bite is like a tropical getaway. So fire up the grill and get ready for a feast that’ll have you dreaming of sunny days and beachside dinners. Enjoy!
PrintBBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines smoky, grilled salmon with a vibrant, tangy salsa. The sweet and creamy mango and avocado complement the smoky BBQ flavors, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s an ideal dish for a summer BBQ or a healthy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the BBQ Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite or make your own)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Salmon:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
Once the grill is hot, place the salmon fillets on the grill skin-side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the top of the salmon fillets with your favorite BBQ sauce and continue to cook, allowing the sauce to caramelize on the fish. - Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa:
While the salmon is grilling, prepare the mango avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix carefully to avoid mashing the avocado. - Assemble and Serve:
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill and place on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the mango avocado salsa over the top of each salmon fillet.
Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can use any BBQ sauce you like, from smoky to spicy, to adjust the flavor profile to your preference.
- This dish can also be served over a bed of greens, quinoa, or with grilled vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños to the salsa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salsa
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg