Grilled Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa Cilantro Rice

by

Looking for the perfect summer dinner that’s light, colorful, and packed with flavor? This Grilled Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa & Cilantro Rice hits every note. It’s fresh, juicy, zesty, and healthy—all the things you crave when the weather heats up and dinner moves to the patio.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ or planning a weekday family meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this sun-kissed culinary delight!

Ingredients

the Grilled Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Mango Avocado Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Salt to taste

For the Cilantro Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)

  • 2 cups water or chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • Salt to taste

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Grill or grill pan

  • Mixing bowls

  • Medium saucepan with lid

  • Cutting board and knife

  • Spatula or tongs

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1: Prepare the Cilantro Rice

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

  2. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil.

  3. Stir in the rice, add a pinch of salt, and reduce heat to low.

  4. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

  5. Remove from heat. Add olive oil or butter, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2: Make the Mango Avocado Salsa

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

  2. Add lime juice and a pinch of salt.

  3. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

  4. Set aside or refrigerate while preparing the salmon.

3: Grill the Salmon

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

  2. Pat salmon fillets dry and brush both sides with olive oil.

  3. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the fillets.

  4. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F–130°F and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

  5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled salmon before serving.

4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Place a generous scoop of cilantro rice on each plate.

  2. Top with a grilled salmon fillet.

  3. Spoon a heap of mango avocado salsa over the salmon.

  4. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Helpful Tips for a Perfect Summer Dinner

  • Choose fresh salmon: Wild-caught salmon has superior flavor, but farm-raised works well too. Ensure fillets are firm and not fishy smelling.

  • Prevent sticking: Brush the grill grates with oil before placing the salmon to prevent sticking.

  • Use ripe fruit: The salsa’s magic comes from perfectly ripe mangoes and avocados. A gentle squeeze test helps—ripe fruit should yield slightly under pressure.

  • Customize the heat: Adjust the jalapeño to suit your spice tolerance, or omit it for a milder version.

  • Meal prep option: The rice and salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making dinner assembly a breeze.

  • Alternative grains: For a twist, swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 520

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 25g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Fiber: 6g

  • Sugar: 8g

Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Summer Dinner for Any Occasion

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a beautifully grilled piece of salmon topped with sweet mango avocado salsa, paired with zesty cilantro rice. It’s the ultimate summer dinner—vibrant in both flavor and color, yet nourishing and light.

Leave a Comment