Grilled Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa & Coconut Rice: A Tropical Flavor Journey
If you’re craving a light, refreshing, and vibrant dish that combines the best of summer flavors, Grilled Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice is the perfect meal for you. This dish is a tropical flavor explosion that combines the richness of grilled salmon, the sweetness and tang of mango salsa, and the creamy, aromatic goodness of coconut rice. It’s healthy, colorful, and absolutely packed with flavor!
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or something to impress at a dinner party, this dish is sure to elevate your meal. It’s easy to prepare, but it looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fine restaurant.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon:
4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
For the Mango-Avocado Salsa:
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coconut Rice:
1 cup jasmine rice (or other long-grain white rice)
1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for creamier rice)
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Pinch of salt
✨ Why You’ll Love This Dish
Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of grilled salmon with a bright and zesty mango-avocado salsa gives this meal a burst of tropical flavor that’s perfect for warm weather.
Healthy and Balanced: Packed with healthy fats from the salmon and avocado, plus the lightness of coconut rice, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this dish comes together relatively easily—perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks!
Flavorful & Refreshing: The sweet, tangy salsa perfectly balances the rich, smoky flavors of the salmon and the creamy, comforting coconut rice.
Versatile: You can easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, and customize the spice level in the salsa to your liking.
🔥 How to Make Grilled Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa & Coconut Rice
This recipe is all about balancing the rich flavors of the salmon with the refreshing, tropical salsa and the creamy coconut rice. Let’s break it down!
1. Prepare the Salmon Marinade
To start, make the marinade for your salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade is simple, yet full of flavor, and the lime juice will add a zesty kick that complements the rich, fatty salmon.
Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over the fillets, making sure they’re evenly coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Prepare the Mango-Avocado Salsa
While the salmon is marinating, make the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, and red onion. Then, add the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss everything together gently to avoid mashing the avocado. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—more lime juice or salt can brighten the salsa if needed. This fresh, creamy salsa will add the perfect contrast to the smoky salmon.
3. Cook the Coconut Rice
For the coconut rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and ensure the rice is fluffy.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, olive oil (or butter), and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. This will make it extra fluffy and perfect for serving.
4. Grill the Salmon
While the rice is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Once the grill is hot, place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down. Grill the salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. The key to perfect grilled salmon is not overcooking it—salmon should still be tender and moist on the inside.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the salmon in a skillet over medium heat, using the same method.
5. Assemble the Dish
Once the salmon is cooked and the rice is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish!
Place a scoop of coconut rice onto each plate, then top with a grilled salmon fillet. Spoon a generous amount of the mango-avocado salsa over the salmon for a burst of color and flavor. Garnish with a wedge of lime for extra citrusy goodness.
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa & Coconut Rice
Marinating Time: While 20 minutes is enough for the salmon, if you have time, marinate it for up to an hour for even deeper flavor.
Grilling the Salmon: Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), but it should also flake easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it to avoid dryness.
Rice Consistency: If you want your coconut rice extra creamy, you can add a little more coconut milk. If you prefer a drier rice, just use the coconut milk and water in equal parts.
Spice It Up: For a spicier salsa, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. The sweetness of the mango will balance out the heat.
Substitute Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of avocado or mango, you can easily swap them with other fruits or vegetables like pineapple or papaya. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a grain-free alternative.
🍽️ What to Serve with Grilled Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa & Coconut Rice
This dish is already beautifully balanced with protein, healthy fats, and carbs, but if you’d like to add more sides to your meal, here are a few ideas:
Grilled Vegetables: Pair your salmon with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The smoky, charred flavor will complement the salmon perfectly.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette is a refreshing side that won’t overpower the dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tangy salsa and creamy coconut rice.
Chilled White Wine or Coconut Water: For a refreshing drink, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even chilled coconut water will complement the tropical flavors of the dish.
🎉 Why You’ll Love This Dish
Tropical Flavors: The grilled salmon, mango salsa, and coconut rice come together to create a perfect tropical flavor combo that will transport you straight to an island paradise.
Light and Fresh: This meal is perfect for warmer weather—light but satisfying, with lots of fresh ingredients.
Packed with Nutrients: Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, avocado adds healthy fats, and coconut rice offers a deliciously creamy texture without being too heavy.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the mango, avocado, and lime create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Quick and Easy: Despite looking gourmet, this dish is relatively simple to prepare and can be made in under 40 minutes.
Conclusion
Grilled Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa & Coconut Rice is a beautiful, tropical-inspired dish that brings together fresh, bold flavors in every bite. With the rich, smoky salmon, sweet and tangy salsa, and creamy coconut rice, this meal is perfect for a light dinner that still feels indulgent. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and full of vibrant flavors—everything you need for a truly special meal.
So fire up the grill, grab those mangoes and avocados, and get ready to enjoy this tropical masterpiece! 🌴🐟🥭🍚