3 Steps to a Tropical Salmon Mango Salsa That Wows!
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Salmon Mango Salsa
Transform your dinner table into a tropical paradise with this stunning Salmon Mango Salsa recipe! This bright, flavor-packed dish combines perfectly cooked salmon with a vibrant mango salsa that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The best part? It comes together in just 3 easy steps! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this DailyMeatRecipe favorite brings restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Get ready for a burst of tropical flavors that will transport your taste buds to an island getaway!
Ingredients of Salmon Mango Salsa
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Salmon: | |
| Salmon fillets, skin-on | 4 (6 oz each) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| For the Mango Salsa: | |
| Ripe mangoes, diced | 2 medium |
| Red bell pepper, finely diced | 1/2 |
| Red onion, finely diced | 1/4 cup |
| Jalapeño, seeded and minced | 1 small |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Lime juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| For Garnish: | |
| Fresh cilantro sprigs | For garnish |
| Lime wedges | 1 lime, cut into wedges |
| Avocado slices (optional) | 1 avocado |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 94mg |
| Sodium | 670mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
| Potassium | 20% DV |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 85% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and based on 1 salmon fillet with 1/4 of the mango salsa.
3 Simple Steps to Tropical Perfection of Salmon Mango Salsa
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade, skin side up, and coat well. Flip the fillets so the skin side is down and spoon some marinade over the top. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes (no longer than 30 minutes as the acid in the lime juice will begin to “cook” the fish).
Step 2: Prepare the Mango Salsa
While the salmon marinates, combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a medium bowl. Add lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss gently to combine. Let the salsa sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salsa can be made up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon and Serve
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high. For oven cooking: Place the marinated salmon fillets skin side down on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside. For grilling: Place salmon skin side down on oiled grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
Transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates, top generously with the mango salsa, garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. Add avocado slices if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
Helpful Tips for Salmon Mango Salsa
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 45-60 minutes
- Serves: 4
Temperature Notes
- Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C) internal temperature
- For medium-rare salmon (preferred by many), aim for 125°F (52°C)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over coconut rice for an extra tropical touch
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette
- Add a side of black beans for a complete protein-rich meal
- For a dramatic presentation, serve on a banana leaf if available
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or tropical fruit sangria
Ingredient Substitutions
- No fresh mangoes? Use frozen mango chunks, thawed and drained
- Pineapple or peach can substitute for mango in the salsa
- Red bell pepper can be replaced with yellow or orange bell pepper
- Cilantro-averse? Use fresh mint or a combination of mint and parsley
- For a spicier salsa, keep some jalapeño seeds or substitute with serrano pepper
Frequently AQs for Salmon Mango Salsa
How do I pick the perfect mango for salsa?
Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. They should have a sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end. If your mangoes are underripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana to speed ripening. For salsa, you want mangoes that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when diced.
Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Pat it completely dry with paper towels before marinating to ensure proper flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
How far in advance can I prepare the mango salsa?
The mango salsa can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. However, hold off on adding the cilantro until just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color. Give the salsa a gentle stir and bring it to room temperature before spooning over the salmon.
What’s the best way to tell when salmon is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be slightly translucent in the center. For precise results, use an instant-read thermometer and cook to 145°F (63°C) for well-done or 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare. Another visual cue: look for tiny white proteins (albumin) beginning to appear on the surface—when you see these, your salmon is nearly done.
Can I cook this salmon on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes until desired doneness. This method gives you a beautiful crispy skin that adds wonderful texture to the dish.
How to Make Tropical Salmon Even Better
For an extraordinary flavor boost, try toasting 1/4 cup of coconut flakes until golden and sprinkle them over the finished dish! At DailyMeatRecipe, we’ve found this simple addition adds incredible aroma and a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the juicy salmon and fresh salsa.
Give this Tropical Salmon Mango Salsa a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments section below! We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative tweaks you made to this island-inspired favorite.
