If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful balance of savory and sweet, the Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe brings together tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection, paired with a zesty, tropical mango salsa. The combination offers a refreshing kick and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for a light weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Every bite delivers a celebration of freshness and warmth that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a special role, whether it’s bringing brightness, adding texture, or infusing natural sweetness that complements the rich salmon perfectly.
- 4 salmon fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon is essential for moist, flavorful results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep the salmon moist and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery warmth to balance the sweet salsa.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brings zesty brightness to the salmon and salsa alike.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to elevate the overall flavor harmony.
- 1 large mango, diced: The star of the salsa, offering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Adds crunch and mild sharpness to the salsa.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Contributes sweetness and a pop of red for visual appeal.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous punch that lifts the dish.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped: Provides just the right amount of heat without overwhelming.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for salsa): Enhances all salsa ingredients for a crisp finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for salsa): Balances and intensifies the salsa’s flavors.
How to Make Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare the salmon
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment that will cook the salmon evenly, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 2: Season the salmon fillets
Place your salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Drizzle olive oil evenly over them, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Rub these seasonings gently into the flesh so every bite is flavorful.
Step 3: Add a citrusy lift
Squeeze a tablespoon of fresh lime juice over each salmon fillet. This acidic touch brightens the fish and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the mango salsa to come.
Step 4: Bake the salmon
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the salmon to flake easily with a fork, signaling it’s perfectly cooked while remaining tender and juicy.
Step 5: Prepare the mango salsa
While the salmon is baking, let’s make the star splash of freshness. Dice the mango, finely chop the red onion, and dice the red bell pepper. Combine them in a medium bowl along with finely chopped cilantro and jalapeño. Add lime juice and salt to tie all these vibrant ingredients together into a harmonious salsa.
Step 6: Serve it up
Once the salmon is out of the oven, serve each fillet hot and pile on a generous spoonful of that fresh mango salsa. This is where the magic happens — the warmth of the salmon contrasting with the crisp, zesty salsa is pure perfection!
How to Serve Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro or thin slices of lime around the plate. A few avocado slices or a few microgreens can also add color and texture if you want to elevate the presentation more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t overshadow the salmon and salsa. Think fluffy jasmine rice, a light quinoa salad, or steamed asparagus. Even a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the freshness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon fillets atop a bed of sautéed kale or baby spinach to add some greens without competing flavors. Another great idea is to turn this into a vibrant bowl — layered with brown rice, black beans, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or guacamole to create a complete meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon or salsa, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon should be eaten within 2 days for best texture and flavor, while the salsa can last up to 3 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Salmon freezes well, but the fresh mango salsa does not hold up as nicely after thawing due to its texture. It’s best to freeze uncooked salmon fillets separately and prepare fresh salsa when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or covered in a microwave until just warm to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying it out. When reheating, add fresh mango salsa afterward to maintain its crisp, fresh qualities.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can work just fine—just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking to avoid extra moisture.
Is the mango salsa spicy?
The salsa has a mild kick thanks to the jalapeño, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the seeds of the jalapeño according to your preference.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky layer of flavor that complements the mango salsa beautifully. Just adjust cooking time to about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
Fresh parsley or basil can be a good substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. Cilantro adds a unique brightness that’s perfect here, but don’t stress if you don’t have it!
Can this dish be made vegan or vegetarian?
You can replace the salmon with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms and serve with the same fresh mango salsa for a plant-based twist full of vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe is such a fun dish to make and share, especially when you want something that feels both nourishing and exciting. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with complementary flavors that are sure to brighten any meal. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a personal favorite to revisit time and time again.
Print
Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant and healthy recipe features perfectly baked salmon fillets topped with a refreshing and zesty fresh mango salsa. The combination of juicy salmon with sweet mango, crunchy bell peppers, and spicy jalapeño offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For the Fresh Mango Salsa
- 1 large mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the salmon.
- Prepare salmon fillets: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the salmon: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the fillets, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Rub the oil and seasonings gently into the salmon flesh to evenly coat.
- Add lime juice: Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over each salmon fillet to add brightness and enhance flavor.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare the mango salsa: While the salmon bakes, peel and dice the mango into small cubes, discarding the pit. Finely chop the red onion and dice the red bell pepper, then combine both in a medium bowl.
- Add herbs and heat: Chop the fresh cilantro and seed and finely chop the jalapeño; add these to the bowl with the mango, onion, and bell pepper.
- Season the salsa: Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt over the salsa mixture, mixing well to evenly combine flavors.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and serve hot, topped generously with the fresh mango salsa for a burst of sweet and spicy freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the salsa to suit your preferred spice level.
- The salsa can be prepared ahead of time but is best served fresh to retain its vibrant flavors.
- Use fresh, ripe mangoes for the sweetest and juiciest salsa.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
