
This salmon with mango salsa recipe is the flavor-packed answer for dinner that feels special but is easy enough for any weeknight. The salsa bursts with tropical notes and a teeny hint of heat, while the salmon gets ultra flaky and savory from a quick soak in its tangy sweet marinade. The whole dish comes together fast and never fails to impress.
I made this for my family on the first warm day of spring and everyone wanted seconds. The salsa is so good we started eating it with chips while the salmon was on the grill.
Ingredients
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos: brings deep savoriness make sure it smells fresh and is not too salty
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: adds a touch of sweetness choose pure maple syrup or light brown sugar
- Olive oil: helps the marinade cling and keeps the salmon juicy use a good quality extra virgin oil
- Lime juice: for zing and brightness use fresh limes for the most vibrant taste
- Fresh garlic or garlic powder: for a spicy kick crush the cloves to release flavor or use powder for ease
- Kosher salt: balances and brings out all the other flavors go for fine kosher salt for even seasoning
- Tajin or swap with chili flakes and lime zest: gives smoky zing and a little bite taste for freshness
- Paprika: for color and subtle warmth choose smoked paprika for more depth
- Chili powder: dials up flavor without adding much heat
- Salmon filets: flaky and rich pick wild-caught for best quality and deep color
- Avocado: for a creamy bite choose one that is just slightly soft to the touch
- Mango: adds juicy sweetness make sure it gives a little when squeezed
- Red bell pepper: adds crunch and color look for a firm shiny pepper
- Chopped cilantro: brings freshness and an herby note go for bright green leaves
- Jalapeno: for gentle heat remove seeds for less heat or keep them if you like spice
- Red onion: for sharpness and crunch pick a small firm onion
- Fresh lime juice: brightens the salsa again use real limes for the best effect
- Kosher salt: ties together the salsa flavors taste as you go for perfect balance
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Marinade:
- Whisk the soy sauce olive oil maple syrup lime juice garlic and all spices together in a large bowl until smooth and fragrant
- Marinate the Salmon:
- Add the salmon filets to the marinade and toss gently to coat each piece cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least twenty minutes or up to overnight for more flavor
- Prepare the Salsa:
- While the salmon chills dice the avocado mango bell pepper cilantro jalapeno and red onion finely transfer to a bowl squeeze fresh lime juice over all add salt and stir gently to mix taste and adjust seasoning
- Prep the Grill or Oven:
- If grilling clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking heat to medium high around four hundred degrees if baking preheat oven to four hundred degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Grill the Salmon:
- Remove salmon from marinade and shake off excess lay skin side down on the grill grill for seven to nine minutes flipping halfway if needed cook until it flakes easily or reads one hundred thirty five to one hundred forty degrees at the thickest point
- Bake the Salmon:
- Arrange marinated filets on a lined baking sheet and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until flaky and just cooked through
- Serve:
- Transfer the cooked salmon to plates spoon mango salsa generously on top and serve right away with coconut rice or as you wish

Salmon is my weakness and wild caught Alaskan is my favorite for its rich color and buttery finish. We once served this for a summer birthday picnic and everyone hovered by the grill waiting for a taste.
Storage Tips
Allow leftover salmon to cool fully before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days at best quality. The salsa keeps separately for a day tightly covered but is best eaten fresh since avocado browns quickly. For longer storage squeeze extra lime juice over the salsa to help it stay green.
Ingredient Substitutions
No Tajin on hand Replace with a mix of chili flakes and fresh lime zest. If you are out of fresh mango feel free to use diced pineapple or even peaches for a similar sweet bite. Use coconut aminos if gluten free. Trout or arctic char also work well in place of salmon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salmon and salsa over fluffy coconut rice for a tropical spin or with warm tortillas for summery tacos. Spoon extra salsa over grilled chicken cutlets or as a topping for leafy green salads. A squeeze of extra lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro makes it pop even more.
A Bit of Background
Mango salsa is a popular topping across Latin America for its ability to add juicy sweetness to grilled fish and meats. By pairing it with salmon this recipe bridges tropical flavors with healthy omega three rich seafood making the dish both unique and approachable for a home cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F before resting.
- → What can I substitute for Tajin if I don't have it?
Try a pinch of red chili flakes and a teaspoon of lime zest, or simply omit it—the dish remains flavorful.
- → Can I use frozen salmon filets?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and grilling or baking.
- → Is the mango salsa spicy?
The salsa includes jalapeño for a mild heat. Remove seeds or use less for a milder result.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
Coconut rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad pair nicely and soak up the vibrant salsa flavors.