This vibrant dish is a feast for the senses, where perfectly cooked salmon is paired with the sweetness of mango salsa and the freshness of cilantro and lime. The subtle heat from the jalapeño adds an extra layer of complexity to this easy-to-make yet impressive recipe.
The combination of healthy fats from the salmon and the refreshing sweetness of the mango makes it a great choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Whether served with rice, greens, or on its own, this dish can easily be customized to your liking. It’s perfect for casual family dinners or a special occasion meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
Full Recipe:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the mango salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and jalapeño (if using).
- Mix well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the salmon is done, remove from the oven and top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
- Serve the salmon warm with a side of your choice, such as rice or a light salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Salmon with Mango Salsa: A Tropical Delight
Salmon with mango salsa is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the rich, smoky taste of marinated salmon with the fresh, tangy sweetness of mango salsa. This dish is ideal for anyone who enjoys a balance of savory and sweet flavors in their meals. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it’s an easy-to-make yet impressive recipe that offers a wonderful contrast of textures and colors.
Flavor Profile and Health Benefits
The marinade for the salmon is a delightful blend of soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, lime juice, and spices, which creates a harmonious fusion of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors. The maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to the fish, while the soy sauce provides a rich umami depth. The lime juice and garlic provide a zesty kick, and the combination of all these ingredients ensures that the salmon is perfectly flavored and tender when cooked.
The mango salsa, made with fresh, ripe mangoes, avocado, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño, adds a refreshing, tropical contrast to the richness of the salmon. Mangoes are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this salsa a healthy addition to the meal. The creamy avocado balances the acidity from the lime and the heat from the jalapeño, while the red onion provides a crisp bite, and the cilantro adds a touch of freshness. This salsa is not only delicious but also a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Grilled vs. Baked Salmon
This dish can be prepared in two ways: grilling or baking. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to the salmon and adds a slight char, which pairs beautifully with the fresh mango salsa. Grilled salmon, when cooked to the right temperature, has a crispy skin and moist, tender flesh inside. To grill, you’ll want to preheat your grill to a medium-high heat (around 400-450°F), oil the grates to prevent sticking, and grill the salmon skin-side down for about 7-9 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature, as salmon is best served when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F, and then resting off the heat will ensure it continues cooking to a perfect 145°F for medium-rare.
Baking, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative for those who prefer a more hands-off approach. By preheating the oven to 400°F, lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, and baking the marinated salmon for 12-15 minutes, you can achieve a perfectly tender salmon with a subtle flavor profile. The oven’s even heat ensures that the salmon cooks gently, preserving its moisture while still allowing the flavors of the marinade to shine.
Serving Suggestions
Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it with the freshly made mango salsa. The combination of the warm salmon and the cool, tangy salsa is nothing short of delightful. While the dish is already bursting with flavor, you can complement it with a side of coconut rice or your favorite grains, which pair wonderfully with the tropical notes of the salsa. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, to make it a well-rounded meal.
For those who prefer a more indulgent side, roasted potatoes or a fresh quinoa salad would also work perfectly with this dish. The crispy potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to the tender salmon, and the quinoa salad, with its light, fresh ingredients, would be a great complement to the bold flavors of the salmon and mango salsa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only does this dish look beautiful on the plate, but it’s also versatile and customizable. The salmon can be cooked according to your preferred method, and the mango salsa can be tweaked to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro to make it more or less tangy, and the level of heat can be modified by adding more or less jalapeño. This flexibility makes it perfect for serving to guests with different tastes or dietary preferences.
Moreover, the health benefits of this dish make it a perfect option for anyone looking for a nutritious yet flavorful meal. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, while the mango salsa provides a boost of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. The combination of protein-rich salmon and nutrient-dense salsa ensures that you’ll be satisfied after every bite without feeling weighed down.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this salmon with mango salsa recipe is a perfect example of how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The balance of savory salmon and sweet, tangy mango salsa makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the health benefits make it a dish you can feel good about serving. Whether you’re grilling it for a summer barbecue or baking it for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and bold flavors, it’s a dish that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also to the eyes.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Enjoy this bright, tropical dish, and let it transport you to sunny shores with every bite.