Grilled salmon with spicy mango salsa

When you rub salmon fillets with a mildly spicy Cajun rub and grill them briefly (just 3 minutes per side), the results are juicy, moist fish with a crispy crust. Served with a creamy avocado, mango and kiwi salsa, it’s like a tropical vacation on a plate. Serve on its own or with quinoa or steamed green beans for a complete meal.

Including salmon in your diet once a week can help reduce your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association (1). Try this recipe to get your salmon intake for the week without getting tired of the same old flavors. If you have a lower calorie goal, you can reduce the size of the salmon fillet to 3–4 ounces. and still get enough protein.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Grilled salmon with spicy mango salsa

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted Cajun seasoning
• 3/4 tsp salt, divided
• 4 4-oz. skinless salmon fillets
• 1 mango, diced
• 1 small avocado, diced
• 1 kiwi, diced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons, chopped)
• 1/2 small jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 4 tsp lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of avocado oil

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Add the salmon and gently toss to coat with the spice mixture. Place the fillets on a plate, skin side down, and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, toss remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with mango, avocado, kiwi, shallot, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Set aside.

Lightly coat grill grates or grill pan with avocado oil. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the fillets on the grill skin side up and cook for 3-4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook skin side down for about 3 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F.

Transfer the salmon to plates and arrange the salsa on top. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving size: 1 serving salmon and 3/4 cup salsa

Nutritional value (per serving): Calories: 384; Total fat: 25g; Saturated fat: 5g; Monounsaturated fat: 11g; Polyunsaturated fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 63 mg; Sodium: 510 mg; Carbohydrates: 16g; Dietary fiber: 4g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 25g

Nutritional Bonus: Vitamin D: 127%; Calcium: 3%; Iron: 5%; Potassium: 776 mg; Vitamin A: 15%; Vitamin C: 77%

Originally published: February 20, 2021; Updated March 2026