This is perfectly burnt, flaky Grilled Salmon Smoky chili-lime seasoning just screams “summer”! Topped with crunchy pineapple salsa to add an irresistible sweet and savory bite, it's the perfect weeknight meal.
Why you'll love this grilled salmon recipe
If you like a quick and easy grilled salmon recipe that can be served on a weeknight or cookout, this Tex-Mex recipe is for you.
- Tex-Mex. Ancho chili powder and homemade pineapple salsa give this grilled salmon its Tex-Mex flair.
- effortlessly Everything is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- refreshing Tangy pineapple salsa with spicy jalapeños adds a bright, refreshing touch to every bite.
- Perfect for cooking. This salmon dinner is an easy way to change things up for your next summer cookout menu.
What you will need
Lime zest packs a punch of smoky, savory flavor with a hint of garlicky ancho chile-paprika seasoning. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts.
For salmon
- salmon fish – I prefer skin-on files but they can be skinless.
- Lemon extract – Lemon zest also works.
- Smoked paprika – Feel free to use sweet paprika.
- Chilli powder – Chipotle pepper powder or red pepper flakes are good swaps.
- garlic powder – You can use onion powder instead.
- salt – Kosher salt is best.
For the pineapple salsa
- Fresh pineapple – Canned pineapple also works but you need to wash it well.
- red pepper – Any color of pepper can be used.
- red onion – Go for white onion if you have it on hand.
- Fresh coriander leaves – Avoid dried cilantro as it can make the salsa a bit bitter.
- Fresh lime juice – You can also use lemon juice.
- Fresh jalapeño – Serranos are good swaps.
- salt – I prefer kosher salt or garlic salt for this.
What is the best salmon to use?
You can use fresh or frozen salmon. If you use fresh salmon, make sure it is boneless. The flesh should be bright pink or orange, not pale. If the salmon is frozen, you should thaw it completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Fresh pineapple salsa with crunchy red onions adds a sweet and savory twist. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.
- Prepare the grill. Preheat it to 375-400F. Grease grates with cooking spray.
- Blend the spices. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest, paprika, ancho chili powder, and garlic powder. Rub the mixture into the flesh (pink side) of the salmon.
- Fry it. Place the seasoned salmon on the grill, skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip it over and grill for another 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the salsa. In another bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt.
- serve Set salmon filets on serving plates and top with pineapple salsa to taste. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Salmon
You can use a variety of fruity salsas to make this easy grilled salmon dinner.
- Avoid premature reversal. If the salmon sticks, let it cook for an additional minute or two before trying to flip again. Sticking often indicates that it is not quite ready yet.
- Add spices. Add 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for more flavor and depth.
- Marinate it. Place the salmon in a large Ziploc bag. Add 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4-1/2 chopped jalapeño. Seal the bag and shake well. Marinate in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Skip the marinade and cook as usual.
- Swap the salsa. Salmon top with me Fresh Mango Salsa or Fresh Strawberry Salsa instead of
- Use the stove. If you don't want to fire up the grill, cook the salmon in the oven. Place a skillet with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook it for 3-4 minutes per side or until flaky.
- Prepare ahead. Mix the spices and prepare the salsa ahead of time so you can cook just when it's time for dinner.
Serving advice
This smoky grilled salmon is an easy weeknight dinner. Serve with it Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad or Green Goddess Salad beside If you prefer something starchier, try mine Corn on the cob, Cilantro Lime Riceor Fragrant Rice. my Guacamole And Roasted Tomato Salsa Great with corn chips too.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Do not heat the salsa in this recipe to prevent the pineapple from fermenting.
- Fridge: Store salmon in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Pineapple salad will keep for up to 3 days.
- To reheat it: Microwave the salmon in 20 second increments until heated through.
More easy salmon recipes
description
This chili-lime seasoned grilled salmon recipe with homemade pineapple salsa is the perfect 20-minute dinner for summer.
Chili Lime Salmon
Pineapple Salsa
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, add fresh lime zest, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir together.
- Rub the flesh side of the salmon with the spice mixture.
- Spray grill grates with cooking spray or rub with a rag soaked in olive oil.
- Place the salmon skin side down first. Grill for 4-5 minutes. (don't touch it at that time)
- Turn the fish over (the fish should not stick to the grill grate, if it does you will need more cooking time). Grill for another 4 minutes on the meat side. Remove from grill and let rest.
- Meanwhile, add pineapple, red pepper, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt to taste in a medium bowl. Toss everything together.
- Serve salmon filets with pineapple salsa
nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz. + Salsa
- Calories: 212
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Sodium: 179 mg
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 107 mg