Name: Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs salmon fillets skin on or off; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp ancho chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 avocado cubed; ½ red onion sliced or diced; 2 limes juiced; 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

There’s something magical about combining smoky, perfectly grilled salmon with the creamy, zesty punch of a fresh avocado salsa. This Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is my go-to for a quick, healthy dinner that feels like a special occasion without any fuss.

The dish shows three large pieces of grilled salmon with a reddish-orange color and dark grill marks, placed close together on a white plate. On top of the salmon, there is a chunky mixture of avocado and red onion pieces, which are light green and purple respectively, piled along the center of the salmon. The salmon has a slightly flaky texture at the edges where it has been separated. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of how the smoky spices on the salmon play off that bright, creamy avocado salsa. It’s a refreshing twist on grilled fish that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Bold, Balanced Flavors: The smoky spice blend complements the rich salmon and fresh salsa perfectly.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies for a guilt-free meal.
Quick & Easy To Make: Just 35 minutes total, including marinating and grilling—ideal for busy evenings.
Versatile Serving: Great on its own or paired with rice, salad, or crusty bread.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To get that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh, the right ingredients make all the difference. When shopping, look for fresh salmon fillets and ripe avocados since they’re the stars of this dish.

Flat lay of two fresh salmon fillets with skin on, a halved ripe avocado with cubed flesh visible, half a small red onion sliced thinly, two whole bright green limes, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with a vibrant mix of ground ancho chili powder, ground cumin, ground paprika, onion powder, and ground black pepper, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh chopped cilantro leaves—all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed, skin on or off depending on your preference, it’s the hearty, flavorful base for this meal.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist while grilling.
Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps balance the spices.
Ancho Chili Powder: Adds a mild smoky heat without overpowering the salmon.
Ground Cumin: Offers earthy warmth, deepening the spice blend.
Ground Paprika: Adds subtle sweetness and smoky notes.
Onion Powder: Gives a mild savory punch to the seasoning mix.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a bit of bite and rounds out the flavor.
Avocado: Creamy and fresh, it’s the heart of our salsa topping.
Red Onion: Adds crunch and sharpness for contrast.
Limes: Fresh juice brightens the salsa and balances the richness.
Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh herbal note that ties everything together.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to adjust the spice level or swap ingredients based on what’s fresh, small tweaks can turn this meal into your signature dish.

Variation: For a bit of extra heat, I like adding a finely chopped jalapeño to the avocado salsa — it adds a lovely spicy kick without overpowering the creamy avocado.
Seasonal twist: During summer, fresh diced mango mixed into the salsa brings a sweet contrast, while in cooler months, roasted corn kernels add a smoky crunch.
Diet-friendly swap: For those avoiding cilantro, fresh basil or parsley works just as well, giving the salsa a different but equally bright flavor.
Cooking method: If you don’t have access to a grill, try searing the salmon in a hot cast-iron pan and finishing it in the oven – the spice blend still shines through beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

The dish shows two pieces of cooked salmon with a slightly charred, orange-red skin on the bottom layer, revealing tender, flaky, light orange flesh underneath. On top of the salmon is a chunky mix of diced avocado and finely chopped red onions, adding light green and purple colors with a creamy and fresh texture. The food is placed on a white plate with a subtle, smooth surface, and the background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Perfect Spice Blend

Start by mixing 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl. Take a moment here — the aroma of these smoky, earthy spices is the first hint of the deliciousness to come!

Step 2: Season Your Salmon Fillets

Rub 2 lbs of salmon fillets evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil — this helps the spice mixture stick and keeps the fish moist. Then coat each fillet generously with the spice blend. For best results, cover the salmon and pop it into the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step lets all those wonderful flavors penetrate deeply into the fish.

Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Avocado Salsa

While the salmon marinates, gently combine 1 cubed avocado, ½ sliced or diced red onion, the juice of 2 fresh limes, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Keep the salsa chilled until you're ready to serve. The key here is to stir softly so the avocado cubes keep their shape and stay creamy.

Step 4: Heat Up and Get Grilling

Preheat your grill to a medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 350-375°F. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled — this stops the salmon from sticking and ensures those beautiful grill marks. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if you kept the skin on) and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep the grill lid down during cooking to maintain even heat. The salmon is perfectly done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the salmon from the grill and immediately top each fillet with a generous spoonful of the chilled avocado salsa. Serve right away for the best contrast of warm, smoky fish with fresh, zesty salsa. Trust me, this combination is a winner every time!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect grilled salmon with that fresh avocado salsa topping is all about a few simple but important steps. These tips will help you master the balance of smoky, tender fish and bright, zesty salsa every time.

Proper Grill Prep: From experience, a clean, well-oiled grill makes all the difference to prevent sticking and keep those beautiful grill marks intact.
Marinating Time: Don’t rush the 30-minute refrigeration after seasoning — it lets flavors really soak into the salmon, making every bite more flavorful.
Keep That Lid Closed: Closing the grill lid maintains an even heat around the fish, ensuring it cooks thoroughly without drying out.
Check Doneness Gently: I always press the salmon lightly with a fork to see if it flakes easily. This little trick helps avoid overcooking and keeps the texture just right.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface filled with a salad made up of three layers: large chunks of green avocado with soft texture, small pieces of purple red onion with a smooth texture, and tiny bits of green leafy herbs mixed throughout. The ingredients are mixed and show a slight shine from dressing or juice, giving the salad a fresh and juicy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, try garnishing your grilled salmon with extra fresh cilantro leaves or thin slices of lime. A sprinkle of toasted pepitas or a dusting of smoked paprika can add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as cilantro-lime rice, grilled asparagus, or a crisp mixed greens salad. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa are excellent complements to the rich salmon and creamy salsa.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado salsa separate to maintain its texture and vibrancy.

Freezing

While the salmon can be frozen, I recommend freezing it before grilling. Wrap the raw seasoned fillets tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Avocado salsa doesn’t freeze well and is best made fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying it out. Serve immediately topped with freshly prepared avocado salsa for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this grilled salmon with avocado salsa recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and grilling. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Cook the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Pressing it gently with a fork is a reliable homemade test.

Can I prepare the avocado salsa ahead of time?

You can make the salsa shortly before serving, but because avocado browns quickly, it’s best to make it no more than an hour ahead and keep it chilled tightly covered.

Is it necessary to leave the salmon skin on when grilling?

Not at all. You can grill with the skin on to help keep the fish moist or remove it beforehand if you prefer. Either way, the smoky spice blend shines through beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. The combination of smoky, tender salmon with a fresh, creamy salsa is so satisfying and healthy. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special on your plate!