Name: Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large mango, diced; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon lime juice (for salsa)

Every time I fire up the grill, this Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is my go-to for something quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The smoky char from the grill enhances the richness of the salmon, while the mango salsa brings a juicy, tropical twist that feels like sunshine on a plate. I love how this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for warm-weather dinners or casual get-togethers.

I’ve made this recipe countless times for friends and family, and it never fails to impress. What I enjoy most is how refreshing and light it tastes, yet it’s still satisfying enough to stand on its own. Whether you’re new to grilling or looking to shake up your salmon routine, this recipe is a fantastic place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

It’s fast — you can have dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.
The balance of smoky grilled salmon and sweet, tangy mango salsa is unbeatable.
It’s healthy, light, and gluten-free.
Minimal ingredients, but maximum flavor.
Great for summer entertaining or a simple weeknight meal.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets for this recipe. I prefer center-cut fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, as they cook evenly and stay juicy on the grill. Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho brings a deeper flavor, while farm-raised options like Atlantic salmon are milder and more tender.

If using frozen salmon, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before grilling.

Options for Substitutions

No mango? No problem. You can swap in pineapple, papaya, or even peaches to create a similar tropical salsa. If you don’t have fresh jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes will still bring heat.

For the fish, this salsa also pairs well with grilled mahi-mahi, tilapia, or shrimp. And if you’d rather skip the grill, a hot cast iron skillet or oven broiler will still give you beautifully cooked salmon.

Ingredients for this Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

Salmon fillets – The star of the dish. Rich in omega-3s, tender and flavorful when grilled.
Olive oil – Helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill and adds richness.
Lime juice – Brightens the fish and adds a zesty base note.
Garlic powder – A touch of savory depth without overpowering the salmon.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Fresh mango – Adds juicy sweetness and a tropical contrast to the salmon.
Cucumber – Refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the fish.
Red onion – Sharpness and color for the salsa.
Jalapeño – A kick of heat to liven up the salsa.
Cilantro – Bright, citrusy herb that complements the mango and fish.
Lime (for salsa) – Ties all the salsa ingredients together with acidity.

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa

Dice the mango, cucumber, red onion, and jalapeño finely. Toss them together in a bowl with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Let the salsa chill in the fridge while you prepare the salmon. This gives the flavors time to meld.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). If using a grill pan or cast iron, make sure it’s well-oiled and hot to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Salmon

Place the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two. Spoon the mango salsa generously over each piece, and serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

How Long to Prepare Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

Prep Time: Most of your time will go into prepping the salsa and seasoning the salmon. Chopping the mango, cucumber, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro should take about 10–15 minutes depending on your knife skills. Seasoning the salmon takes less than 5 minutes.

Cooking Time: The salmon grills quickly — about 4 to 5 minutes per side, so you’re looking at roughly 10 minutes on the grill. Total time for the whole recipe, including prep, is around 25–30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

Always preheat your grill to prevent sticking.
Lightly oil both the grill grates and the salmon.
Let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure — salmon is perfectly cooked at 125°F for medium.
Let the salmon rest for a couple minutes after grilling to lock in juices.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the salmon: This dries it out quickly. Keep a close eye on cook time.
Not patting the salmon dry: This causes it to steam instead of sear.
Using too-ripe mango: It can turn mushy in salsa. Choose a ripe but firm mango.
Skipping oil: Without oil, the salmon may stick and tear on the grill.
Cutting the salsa ingredients unevenly: Uniform pieces ensure balanced texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa?

1. Coconut Rice

Creamy, fragrant, and slightly sweet — perfect for soaking up extra salsa.

2. Grilled Asparagus

Lightly charred veggies pair wonderfully with the smoky salmon.

3. Quinoa Salad

A fresh, herby quinoa salad with lemon dressing complements the tropical flavors.

4. Corn on the Cob

Grill it alongside the salmon for a complete summer meal.

5. Avocado Slices

Creamy and cooling — avocado rounds out the plate beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mango salsa is best eaten fresh, but can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the salsa may release liquid over time.

Reheating: Reheat salmon gently in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep texture intact.

Freezing: Grilled salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Do not freeze the mango salsa.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~330
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugars: 7g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when salmon is done?

The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 125°F for medium.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep it up to a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can use a grill pan or broil the salmon in your oven. Both methods work well.

Is this recipe spicy?

Mildly. The jalapeño gives it a slight kick, but you can adjust or remove it entirely.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling to ensure a good sear.

Conclusion

This Easy Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is everything I want in a summer meal — light, flavorful, and fast. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just looking to treat yourself to a healthy dinner, it’s the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes. With bold flavors, simple steps, and fresh ingredients, this dish is bound to become a regular on your table.