Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad: A Refreshing Delight

Name: Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 ripe avocado, diced; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: July 3, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The flavor profile is bright and tangy, enhancing the salmon beautifully
Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering
Additionally, this salad is versatile enough for meal prep or as a light lunch option

I remember when I first served this at a family barbecue; my cousin couldn’t stop raving about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Salmon Fillets: Look for bright pink fillets without any blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor; try to use the leaves rather than stems.
Lime Juice: Use fresh limes for an invigorating acidity that enhances all the other flavors.
Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil gives richness to the salad dressing.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems add color and juiciness to your salad.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp contrast that balances the dish beautifully.
Avocado: Ripe avocados lend creaminess that pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon.
Salt and Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out all those vibrant flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad

How to Make Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad

Prepping the Salmon: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, pat the salmon dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that beautiful crust when grilling.

Marinating Magic: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Place your salmon fillets in this mixture for about 15-20 minutes—this infuses them with incredible flavor.

Grilling Time!: Once your grill reaches temperature, place the marinated salmon skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Tossing Together the Salad: While your salmon grills away, chop cherry tomatoes, red onions, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine these fresh ingredients along with remaining chopped cilantro.

Making the Dressing : Whisk together leftover marinade (make sure it’s cooked) or simply add more lime juice and olive oil into your bowl of veggies to keep everything light and zesty.

Assembly Time!: Once your salmon is done grilling and has cooled slightly, flake it into large chunks over your salad mixture. Toss gently so you don’t mash those lovely avocado pieces!

Now you have an incredible Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad ready to wow your family or friends!

You Must Know

Grilled salmon cilantro lime salad is a delightful dish, bursting with fresh flavors that will impress your guests
The combination of zesty lime and aromatic cilantro elevates the salmon, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for any occasion

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the salmon in cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. While it marinates, prepare your salad ingredients so everything comes together seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the salmon for grilled shrimp or chicken. Adding avocado and cherry tomatoes can also provide extra flavor and texture to your salad.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in the oven at low heat to maintain its moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly grilled salmon, aim for skin-on fillets; they hold up better on the grill
Always preheat your grill for even cooking
Don’t skip resting time; it allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of summer barbecues where laughter filled the air as we enjoyed our creations together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating for best results.

What can I serve with grilled salmon cilantro lime salad?

Consider pairing it with quinoa or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

How long should I grill the salmon?

Grill each side of the salmon for about 5-6 minutes, depending on thickness.

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📖 Recipe Card