Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Mango Salsa Salmon because I get several flavors and textures in every bite. The salmon is savory and tender, while the mango salsa adds sweetness, acidity, freshness, and a little crunch.
I also like that the entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes. While my salmon cooks, I can prepare the salsa, making this recipe practical for a weeknight dinner. I serve it with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad when I want a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For the mango salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 avocado, diced, optional
For serving:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
- Cooked rice or quinoa, optional
Directions
- I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper.
- I pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- I drizzle the salmon with olive oil and lime juice. I combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, then season the salmon evenly.
- I bake the salmon for approximately 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and my preferred level of doneness. I check the thickest part to make sure the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon cooks, I prepare the mango salsa. I add the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to a medium bowl.
- I squeeze fresh lime juice over the salsa, add the salt, and gently toss everything together.
- If I’m using avocado, I gently fold it into the salsa last so the pieces don’t become mashed.
- I taste the salsa and adjust the lime juice or salt as needed. If I want more heat, I add a little additional jalapeño.
- I remove the cooked salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- I spoon a generous amount of mango salsa over each salmon fillet and serve immediately with lime wedges, cilantro, and rice or quinoa if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10–14 minutes
- Total time: About 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4
The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of my salmon fillets. I start checking thinner fillets earlier so I don’t overcook them.
Variations
For grilled Mango Salsa Salmon, I brush the salmon with olive oil and season it as directed, then cook it on a preheated grill. I love the lightly smoky flavor that grilling adds to the fish.
For Air Fryer Mango Salsa Salmon, I cook the seasoned salmon in my air fryer at around 400°F (200°C) until it reaches my preferred doneness. I prepare the mango salsa while the salmon cooks and spoon it over the fillets just before serving.
When I want a tropical variation, I combine mango with diced pineapple in the salsa. The pineapple adds extra sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with salmon.
For more heat, I leave some of the jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add a finely chopped serrano pepper.
When I want a heartier meal, I turn the recipe into a salmon bowl. I layer rice or quinoa with greens, black beans, salmon, mango salsa, avocado, and an extra squeeze of lime.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover salmon and mango salsa separately whenever possible. I place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
I keep the mango salsa in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator and prefer using it within 1 to 2 days for the freshest texture. If I’ve added avocado, I find the salsa is best enjoyed as soon as possible because the avocado can soften and discolor.
To reheat the salmon, I prefer using a low oven temperature so it doesn’t dry out. I place it in a covered baking dish and warm it at about 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
I don’t reheat the mango salsa. I spoon it onto the salmon after reheating so the fruit and vegetables remain cool, fresh, and crisp.
FAQs
Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Yes. I can prepare the mango salsa several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. If I’m using avocado, I prefer adding it shortly before serving so it stays fresh and maintains its texture.
How do I know when my salmon is done?
I check the thickest part of the salmon with a fork to see whether it flakes easily. For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking fin fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). I use an instant-read thermometer when I want the most reliable check.
Can I use frozen mango for the salsa?
Yes. I can use frozen mango after thawing it completely and draining away excess liquid. I prefer fresh ripe mango when available because it usually gives my salsa a firmer texture.
What can I serve with Mango Salsa Salmon?
I like serving it with jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a green salad. Black beans and avocado also work particularly well when I turn the salmon into a bowl-style meal.
Is Mango Salsa Salmon spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much jalapeño I use. For a mild salsa, I remove the seeds and membranes or leave the jalapeño out completely. When I want more heat, I add extra jalapeño or use serrano pepper.
Conclusion
Mango Salsa Salmon is one of my favorite ways to combine a simple salmon dinner with fresh, tropical flavors. The savory, flaky salmon balances the sweet mango, tangy lime, crisp vegetables, and fresh cilantro beautifully.
PrintMango Salsa Salmon Recipe
Mango Salsa Salmon combines tender, flaky seasoned salmon with a fresh salsa of sweet mango, lime, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeño. This colorful meal comes together in about 30 minutes for an easy, flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–14 minutes
- Total Time: About 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 avocado, diced, optional
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Cooked rice or quinoa, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, then season the salmon evenly.
- Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches the desired doneness.
- While the salmon cooks, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a medium bowl.
- Add the juice of 1 lime and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then gently toss the salsa until combined.
- If using avocado, gently fold it into the salsa last to avoid mashing the pieces.
- Taste the salsa and adjust the lime juice, salt, or jalapeño as desired.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Spoon the mango salsa generously over each salmon fillet and serve immediately with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and rice or quinoa if desired.
Notes
- Cooking time varies with salmon thickness. For food safety, cook fin fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- For a milder salsa, remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes or omit the jalapeño entirely.
- For more heat, add extra jalapeño, leave some seeds in, or substitute serrano pepper.
- For a tropical variation, replace some of the mango with diced pineapple.
- Frozen mango can be used after thawing completely and draining excess liquid.
- Store leftover salmon and mango salsa separately. Refrigerate salmon for up to 3 days and salsa for 1 to 2 days.
- If using avocado, add it shortly before serving for the freshest color and texture.
- Reheat salmon gently in a covered baking dish at about 300°F (150°C), then top with cold mango salsa after reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with mango salsa
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg