If you are looking to brighten up your dinner table with a dish that bursts with flavor and color, then this BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender, smoky salmon paired with a vibrant and fresh mango avocado salsa hits all the right notes — sweet, tangy, creamy, and a little smoky — creating a mouthwatering combination that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. It is a simple yet impressive meal that brings a tropical flair to your plate, perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this recipe. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the dish’s incredible flavor and texture while keeping the preparation straightforward and enjoyable.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): Fresh, firm salmon is the star of the show, providing rich flavor and a juicy texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps achieve a beautifully seared, slightly crispy skin.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite or make your own for a smoky, slightly sweet glaze that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional): Gives an extra layer of smokiness and a subtle warmth to the salmon.
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced: Adds juicy sweetness and bright color to the salsa.
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced: Brings creaminess and a luscious texture that perfectly balances the tangy mango.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Provides a sharp, crunchy bite that enlivens the salsa.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Infuses a refreshing herbal aroma and flavor.
- 1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra lime wedges for serving): Adds zesty brightness to tie the salsa together.
How to Make BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Brush both sides generously with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and the smoked paprika if you choose to use it. This seasoning brings out the natural oils and flavor in the salmon while adding subtle warmth that complements the BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Add the BBQ Sauce
Coat each salmon fillet with a thin layer of your chosen BBQ sauce. Don’t be shy here — the sauce caramelizes beautifully as the salmon grills or cooks, locking in smoky, sweet notes while creating a lovely glaze.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Preheat your grill or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-sided down first to lock in moisture and achieve a tantalizing crispy texture. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the salmon is fully opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust timing depending on thickness. Resist the urge to flip too often; patience results in perfectly grilled salmon every time.
Step 4: Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa
While your salmon cooks, toss together the diced mango, avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. The salsa should be vibrant and fresh with a balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that will contrast and complement the smoky fish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your salmon is cooked to perfection, plate it up and generously spoon the mango avocado salsa over the top. The colorful salsa isn’t just a burst of flavor, but also adds eye-catching appeal to your dish.
How to Serve BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and taste. Fresh cilantro sprigs, thinly sliced red chili for a touch of heat, or extra lime wedges make great additions. They add visual contrast and allow diners to customize flavor intensity.
Side Dishes
This meal shines when paired with light, fresh sides. Consider serving with a crisp green salad, fluffy coconut rice, or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini that mirror the smoky notes of the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve this BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe on a bed of quinoa or alongside a colorful grain bowl for a trendy spin? You could also pile the salsa on tacos or stuff it into warm pita bread for casual bites bursting with vibrant flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep as fresh as possible by consuming leftovers within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
We recommend freezing the salmon fillets before cooking rather than the prepared dish to maintain quality. Wrap each piece tightly to avoid freezer burn; fresh salsa does not freeze well and is best made fresh.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. Add fresh salsa just before serving since heating can degrade its freshness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to get the best results.
Is the mango avocado salsa spicy?
This salsa is naturally mild and sweet, but you can easily add finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes if you want a touch of heat to contrast the sweetness.
What can I substitute if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
Try mixing a bit of honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and tomato paste for a quick homemade BBQ sauce that will still complement the salmon wonderfully.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep a close eye while grilling or pan-searing.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
Yes, but prepare it no more than a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the lime juice right before serving to preserve the freshness and prevent browning of the avocado.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of smoky, tender salmon paired with lively, creamy mango avocado salsa, which is why this BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. It’s so approachable yet full of personality, making it perfect for anyone wanting a delicious dish that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy at your own table!
Print
BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa recipe combines perfectly grilled salmon fillets slathered with tangy BBQ sauce and topped with a fresh, vibrant salsa made of ripe mango, creamy avocado, red onion, and cilantro. It’s a quick, flavorful dish ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or summer gathering, offering a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
For the 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 Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Slather each fillet with BBQ sauce, ensuring an even coating.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook to retain juiciness.
- Make the Mango Avocado Salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine diced mango, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the avocado doesn’t get too mashed.
- Serve: Plate the grilled salmon and top each fillet generously with the mango avocado salsa. Serve with additional lime wedges on the side for extra brightness if desired.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor without smoked paprika, add a dash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best salsa flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the salmon on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce depending on your taste preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the salsa for a spicy kick.
