BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa – Easy Kitchen Guide

Summer brings sunshine, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of grilling meats wafting through the air. Pair this BBQ salmon and mango salsa dish with a refreshing lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water, or perhaps a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. 

Both enhance the tropical notes of the mango salsa while balancing the smoky flavors from the salmon. Interested in a more filling side? Consider a vibrant quinoa salad or a classic coleslaw; both will elevate your BBQ experience.

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tickle your taste buds and brighten up your everyday meals! Today, we’re diving into the zesty and refreshing flavors of BBQ salmon paired with a delightful mango salsa. This dish encapsulates summer in a bowl; it’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. 

Plus, it’s great for outdoor gatherings or an intimate dinner at home. With my background as a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’m excited to share this gem of a recipe with you. Believe me, you’re going to want to keep this in your culinary arsenal!

What is BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa?

BBQ salmon mango salsa combines the rich, smoky flavors of grilled salmon with a fresh, fruity mango salsa that bursts with flavor. The salmon is seasoned and cooked to perfection using BBQ techniques, while the mango salsa offers a refreshing contrast with its sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice. Together, they create a dish that is both satisfying and invigorating—a perfect blend of savory and sweet.

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just a random collection of ingredients. It’s a carefully crafted masterpiece that achieves harmony between flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Here’s why it’s worth your time:

Flavor Explosion: The smoked paprika and chili powder add depth to the salmon, while the sweetness of mango and the zing from lime juice brighten the dish. When you bite into the salmon topped with salsa, your palate dances with joy.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Add mango, packed with vitamins A and C, along with healthy fats from avocado, and this dish becomes a nutritional winner.

Easy to Prepare: Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is straightforward. With just a few easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a scrumptious meal without stress.

Versatile: You can customize this dish to suit your taste. Prefer it spicier? Add more jalapeño. Want a different fruit salsa? Try it with pineapple or peach! The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa

For the BBQ Salmon:

• 1–2 lbs fresh salmon fillets
  
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 2 teaspoons smoked sweet paprika
  
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)
  

For the Mango Avocado Salsa:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  
• 1 avocado, cubed
  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  
• 1/2 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
  
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
  
• Pinch of sea salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  

For Serving:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  

How to Make This Dish

Let’s break it down into simple steps. Cooking doesn’t need to be intimidating; let’s have some fun!

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade for the Salmon

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. This blend will form the base of your marinade, lending the salmon its signature BBQ flavor. Rub the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, coating them fully. If time allows, let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors penetrate and enhances the overall taste.

Step 2: Grill the Salmon

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip carefully halfway through, ensuring the fillets remain intact. Once they’re cooked through and have a nice char, remove them from the grill and let them rest.

Step 3: Make the Mango Avocado Salsa

While the salmon is grilling, whip up your salsa. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, cubed avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, raw honey, sea salt, and optional ground cumin. Pour this dressing over the salsa and gently toss to combine. Simple, right?

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your salmon has rested, flake it into chunks or serve it whole alongside a generous scoop of mango salsa. Add a side of rice to soak up the deliciousness. Voilà! Your BBQ salmon mango salsa dish is ready to impress.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa

Choose Quality Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon will deliver the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant color and firm texture when purchasing.

Use Ripe Mangoes: Make sure your mangoes are ripe and soft to enhance the sweetness of your salsa. A slightly under-ripe or overripe mango can affect the texture and flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on your cooking time. Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked. Aim for a nice, flaky texture.

Custom Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice tolerance. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s tough to take it away!

Batch Cooking: This dish makes wonderful leftovers! Feel free to prepare extra salmon and salsa, but store them separately to maintain freshness when reheating.

Nutrition Information

One serving of BBQ salmon with mango salsa provides approximately:

• Calories: 480
  
• Protein: 33g
  
• Fat: 28g
  
• Carbohydrates: 32g
  
• Fiber: 8g
  
• Sugars: 14g
  

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Salmon can generally last 3-4 days when stored properly. Keep the mango salsa separate to preserve its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy again, gently warm the salmon in the oven and serve with fresh salsa.

Recommended Side Dishes for BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa

Quinoa Salad: A mix of quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, and a squeeze of lime creates a colorful and satisfying side.

Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the richness of salmon.

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, tossed lightly in olive oil and sea salt, can be grilled alongside the salmon.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn, brushed with a little lime butter, is a fun and sweet addition to your meal.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you don’t have some ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some substitutes:

Salmon Alternatives: You can use trout or even chicken if you prefer a different protein. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Mango: In a pinch, use pineapple for a tropical twist or peaches for a similar sweet flavor.

Jalapeño: If you want to skip the heat altogether, you can omit it or substitute it with a sweet bell pepper for flavor without spice.

Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley or mint can offer a fresh finish to your salsa.

BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa

Summer brings sunshine, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of grilling meats wafting through the air. Pair this BBQ salmon and mango salsa dish with a refreshing lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 480kcal

Equipment

• bowls

Ingredients

For the BBQ Salmon:

• 1 –2 lbs fresh salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lime zest optional

For the Mango Avocado Salsa:

• 2 ripe mangoes peeled and diced
• 1 avocado cubed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 small jalapeño minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin optional

For Serving:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or jasmine

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade for the Salmon

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. This blend will form the base of your marinade, lending the salmon its signature BBQ flavor. Rub the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, coating them fully. If time allows, let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors penetrate and enhances the overall taste.

Step 2: Grill the Salmon

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip carefully halfway through, ensuring the fillets remain intact. Once they’re cooked through and have a nice char, remove them from the grill and let them rest.

Step 3: Make the Mango Avocado Salsa

• While the salmon is grilling, whip up your salsa. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, cubed avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, raw honey, sea salt, and optional ground cumin. Pour this dressing over the salsa and gently toss to combine. Simple, right?

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

• Once your salmon has rested, flake it into chunks or serve it whole alongside a generous scoop of mango salsa. Add a side of rice to soak up the deliciousness. Voilà! Your BBQ salmon mango salsa dish is ready to impress.

Notes

• Choose Quality Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon will deliver the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant color and firm texture when purchasing.
• Use Ripe Mangoes: Make sure your mangoes are ripe and soft to enhance the sweetness of your salsa. A slightly under-ripe or overripe mango can affect the texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on your cooking time. Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked. Aim for a nice, flaky texture.
  
• Custom Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice tolerance. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s tough to take it away!
• Batch Cooking: This dish makes wonderful leftovers! Feel free to prepare extra salmon and salsa, but store them separately to maintain freshness when reheating.

Keyword: BBQ Salmon Mango Salsa

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

BBQ salmon mango salsa is a dish that embodies the spirit of summertime, with its bright colors and refreshing flavors. Through this journey of cooking and enjoying, I’ve shared insights that elevate this simple recipe into a crowd-pleaser. Whenever I prepare this meal, I’m reminded of good friends, sunny days, and laughter shared around the table. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or prepare it for a special date night, it is sure to impress.

So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious dish. Make it your own and enjoy every bite! Here’s to delicious food and even better memories ahead.

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Author Profile

Lori Walker, MS, RD

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more