Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Cilantro Rice: The Perfect Summer Dinner
By Jason Griffith
Some recipes just feel like a vacation on a plate, and this Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Cilantro Rice is one of them. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly healthy meal that’s perfect for a sunny day or a quick weeknight dinner when you’re craving something light and delicious. The best part? This entire dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
The star of the show is the salmon, grilled to flaky perfection with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. This simple approach lets the natural, rich flavor of the fish shine through. But what truly elevates this dish is the combination of its two vibrant companions. We’re pairing the salmon with a zesty, homemade mango salsa—a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy from the mango, red onion, and bell pepper. This salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, grilled fish.
Underneath it all, a bed of fluffy cilantro rice ties the dish together. The fragrant, herby rice provides a subtle and delicious base that makes the meal feel complete. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every single bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent and elegant but is secretly one of the easiest dinners you can make. The flavor combination is a winner—the richness of the salmon, the sweetness of the mango, the tang of the lime, and the freshness of the cilantro all work together in perfect harmony.
I love that it’s a complete meal in one. You get your protein, your grain, and your vegetables all in a single serving, making it a perfectly balanced and healthy choice. The fact that the salsa can be prepped ahead of time makes the final assembly a breeze. It’s a dinner that looks impressive but is incredibly approachable for even the most novice of cooks.
If you enjoy a refreshing and fruity flavor, you’ll also love my recipe for Refreshing Strawberry Mojitos. It’s the perfect beverage to sip on alongside this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- For Serving:
- Lime wedges
Swaps & Notes
- Salmon: Any type of salmon will work, but a thicker fillet is less likely to dry out on the grill. You can also cook the salmon in a hot pan or bake it in the oven.
- Salsa: If mango isn’t in season, you can use diced peaches or pineapple for a similar tropical flavor. Diced jalapeño can also be added for a spicy kick.
- Rice: Any long-grain rice will work, but jasmine rice is particularly fragrant and delicious in this dish.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro is key to both the rice and the salsa, so don’t skip it! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley instead.
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare your white rice according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked and fluffy, stir in the chopped cilantro. Set it aside and keep it warm.
- Make the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lime. Stir gently to combine. Add salt to taste, and set the salsa aside.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down (if it has skin). Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a portion of the cilantro rice on a plate. Top the rice with a grilled salmon fillet. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh mango salsa over the salmon. Serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side for an extra squeeze of fresh citrus.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks very quickly, and overcooked salmon can be dry. The fish is done when it’s flaky in the center and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Use a Ripe Mango: A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch and will add the perfect amount of sweetness to your salsa.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop all the ingredients for the salsa and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just mix them together right before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Clean Your Grill: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before you place the salmon on them to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is a complete meal, but it would pair beautifully with a simple side of grilled asparagus or a fresh green salad. For a beverage, a cold, crisp glass of white wine or a zesty Classic Margarita would be the perfect match. If you want a non-alcoholic option, my recipe for Blueberry Lemonade would be a great choice.
And for a sweet finish to your meal, a slice of my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
(Approximation based on ingredients)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~35g
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Fiber: ~6g
Storage and Leftover Tips
This meal is best enjoyed fresh. The salmon and cilantro rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mango salsa is also best when fresh, as the avocado can brown. To reheat, gently warm the salmon and rice in a skillet or microwave, but I recommend making a fresh batch of salsa to serve on top.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the fresh and tropical flavors of this dish, you’ll love these other recipes:
- The Slippery Drank is My Favorite Sweet Sipper for Dessert-Inspired Vibes
- Refreshing Strawberry Mojito Recipe: Perfect for a Sunny Day
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Cilantro Rice is a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal that is perfect for any day of the week. It’s a recipe that proves that healthy food can be just as exciting and flavorful as anything else. I hope you give this one a try and discover your new favorite way to eat salmon.
What are your go-to recipes for a quick, healthy dinner? Let me know in the comments below!
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: A Healthy & Vibrant 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
- Serve the grilled salmon on a bed of cooked white rice, topped with fresh mango salsa.
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