If you're craving a dinner that's both vibrant and healthy, this Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is exactly what you need. With smoky, spiced salmon paired with a creamy, tangy salsa, it's a flavor combo that never disappoints—and it’s super easy to make!

The dish shows three pieces of cooked salmon with a deep orange color and a slightly charred, spiced surface. On top, there is a chunky salsa made from diced light green avocado and pieces of purple-red onion, adding contrast with its fresh, creamy texture. The food sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The salmon's texture is firm with some flakes visible where it has broken apart under the salsa 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 honestly make this dish all summer long—it's one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together so quickly. Plus, it’s packed with fresh ingredients that just scream warm weather vibes.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 43 minutes including marinating—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend grilling sessions.
Fresh and Flavorful: The spice-packed salmon with cool avocado salsa hits all the right notes: smoky, zesty, and creamy.
Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
Perfect for Summer: Grill-friendly and light, it’s an ideal main course for any BBQ or outdoor feast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to pick fresh, high-quality ingredients. The flavor of the salmon is the star here, so look for firm, fresh fillets. The avocado salsa needs a ripe but firm avocado and freshly squeezed lime juice for that bright zing.

Flat lay of fresh salmon fillets with skin on, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of colorful spices including reddish paprika, light brown cumin, pale onion powder, dark black pepper, and reddish ancho chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a ripe avocado cut into cubes, slices of vibrant red onion, two whole bright green limes, and a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro 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: Choose fresh, wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and texture; skin on or off works based on your preference.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of healthy fat for grilling.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
Ancho chili powder: Adds gentle smoky heat, making the salmon a little more exciting.
Ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy depth that complements the smoky spices.
Ground paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
Onion powder: Boosts savory notes without the texture of fresh onion.
Ground black pepper: Provides mild heat and balance to the spice mix.
Avocado: Creamy and cooling, it balances the smoky, spicy salmon perfectly.
Red onion: Offers a crisp bite and sharpness to brighten the salsa.
Limes: Fresh lime juice brings acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous punch to the salsa; parsley can be a good substitute if you prefer.

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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

Feel free to tailor this Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you like a little extra spice or want to keep it simple and fresh, there’s room to make it your own!

Extra Kick Variation: For a spicier twist, add finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the avocado salsa. I love this variation when I’m craving a little heat—it pairs beautifully with the smoky grilled salmon.
Herb Swap: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try swapping it out for fresh parsley or basil in the salsa. I’ve found parsley gives it a subtle earthiness that’s just as bright and fresh.
Seasonal Twist: In the summer, adding diced mango or pineapple to the salsa adds a sweet, tropical note that perfectly complements the rich salmon.
Diet-Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for low-carb and paleo diets without any changes required.

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

The dish shows two pieces of cooked salmon on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface beneath. Each salmon piece has a warm orange-pink color with a slightly charred, darker seasoning on top, creating a textured look. On top of the salmon are chunky green avocado pieces mixed with small, diced light purple onion, and bits of white onion, forming a fresh, uneven layer. The avocado mixture has a creamy feel, sitting loosely on the salmon. The plate edges curve gently with a soft shadow, making the food stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Perfect Seasoning Blend

Start by mixing kosher salt, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. This fragrant spice combination will bring smoky, earthy, and mildly spicy flavors to your salmon. The balance here is key, so take a moment to ensure everything is blended well.

Step 2: Coat Your Salmon with Flavor

Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon fillets to help the seasoning stick and keep the fish moist on the grill. Then, evenly coat both sides of the fillets with your seasoning blend. Cover the salmon and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes — this marinating time lets all those spices really infuse into the fish, giving you a more flavorful final dish.

Step 3: Whip Up a Fresh Avocado Salsa

While the salmon marinates, prepare the avocado salsa. Gently toss together cubed avocado, diced red onion, the juice of 2 fresh limes, and chopped cilantro. Be gentle so the avocado stays chunky and creamy rather than mushy. Pop the salsa into the fridge and let it chill until you're ready to serve—it’s the perfect fresh, zesty contrast to the rich salmon.

Step 4: Heat the Grill to Just Right

Preheat your grill to a medium heat of 350–375°F. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled. This step is crucial to prevent the salmon from sticking and falling apart. The perfect grill temp ensures your fish cooks evenly and develops those beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Grill Your Salmon with Care

Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Keep the grill lid down during this time to maintain consistent temperature and cook the salmon evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the flesh flakes easily with a gentle press of a fork and the internal temperature hits 145°F. This usually happens right around the 8-minute mark total. This step is my favorite because the smoky, slightly charred crust pairs so well with the tender inside.

Step 6: Serve Up and Enjoy Immediately

Transfer your perfectly grilled salmon to plates and generously top each fillet with the fresh avocado salsa. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. The creamy, tangy salsa brightens every bite, making this dish a delightful balance of smoky and fresh.

Top Tip

These tips can really elevate your Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe, helping you get that perfect balance of smoky, juicy salmon and fresh, zesty salsa every time.

Seasoning Rest: Letting the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes in the seasoning blend allows the spices to deeply penetrate the fish, which makes a huge flavor difference.
Grill Prep: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled — this simple step keeps the salmon from sticking and tearing when you flip it.
Heat Control: Keeping the grill lid closed maintains consistent heat, ensuring your salmon cooks evenly without drying out.
Flake Test: Instead of cutting open the salmon to check doneness, gently press with a fork; if it flakes easily, it’s perfectly cooked and super juicy.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a fresh mix of chunky avocado pieces and small cubes of purple-red onion. The avocado is bright green with a smooth texture, while the red onion adds purple and white contrast, scattered evenly throughout. Small bits of green herbs are lightly mixed in, giving a fresh and colorful look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the image shows a close, clear view of the vibrant ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really make the dish pop — consider sprinkling extra chopped cilantro or a few thin lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus zing. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas adds a lovely crunch, too.

Side Dishes

Pair your grilled salmon and avocado salsa with light, summery sides like a crisp mixed green salad, grilled asparagus, or roasted sweet potatoes. For something heartier, cilantro-lime rice or quinoa work beautifully to soak up the fresh salsa flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover grilled salmon and avocado salsa in airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. The salmon will keep well for up to 2 days, and the salsa tastes best when freshly made but can last a day in the fridge.

Freezing

While you can freeze the seasoned but uncooked salmon fillets (wrapped tightly), it’s best to enjoy the avocado salsa fresh each time since it doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover salmon gently in the oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep it moist and flavorful. Add fresh avocado salsa just before serving to retain its vibrant taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon before seasoning and grilling. Pat it dry to get a good sear and avoid excess moisture on the grill.

What can I substitute for cilantro in the avocado salsa?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley is a great alternative and will still add a nice pop of freshness to the salsa.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Press the top of the fillet gently with a fork or finger. If it flakes easily and the internal temperature reaches 145°F, it’s done and ready to serve.

Can I prepare the avocado salsa in advance?

Yes, but for the best flavor and to avoid browning, prepare the salsa shortly before serving. If you must make it ahead, keep it chilled and cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and effortless — perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next summer cookout. The smoky, seasoned salmon paired with the refreshing, creamy salsa creates a harmonious bite every time. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this recipe a regular on your table, bringing a little sunshine and vibrant flavor to your meals.