1. Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have a grill or stovetop pan.

2. How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A food thermometer should read 125°F–130°F for medium doneness.

3. Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare it 1–2 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the avocado from browning.

4. What sides go well with this dish?

This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a green salad. It’s also great in tacos or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Name: Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced or crushed; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1/2 cup tomato, diced; 2 tablespoons onion, diced; 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for salsa); 1 tablespoon lime juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

A quick, flavorful grilled salmon topped with zesty avocado salsa—perfect for beginner cooks seeking a healthy, satisfying, and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 cup tomato, diced
2 tablespoons onion, diced
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for salsa)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until combined.
Pat salmon fillets dry and rub the spice mixture evenly on all sides. Marinate for up to 2 hours if time allows.
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, or preheat grill or oven to 400°F.
Cook the salmon for 5-6 minutes per side (or bake for 12-15 minutes) until crisp outside and flaky inside.
While salmon cooks, combine diced avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl and gently mix.
Top cooked salmon with avocado salsa and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the salmon—remove it from heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Avocado salsa is best served fresh to maintain texture and color.
You can bake, grill, or pan-sear the salmon based on your preference.
Substitute parsley for cilantro if you dislike its flavor.
Use a thermometer for perfectly cooked salmon—target 125°F to 130°F internally.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with avocado salsa
Calories: 528 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 360 mg
Fat: 43 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 62 mg