This completely burnt flake grilled salmon Paired with smoky chile-lime dressing, it screams “summer”! Served with crunchy pineapple salsa that adds an irresistible sweet and savory flavor, it's the perfect weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe
If you love a quick and easy grilled salmon recipe for weeknights or picnics, then this Tex-Mex recipe is for you.
- TEX MEX. Ancho chili powder and homemade pineapple salsa add a Tex-Mex flavor to this grilled salmon.
- effortless. It's all ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Refreshing. Tangy pineapple salsa paired with spicy jalapeños add a bright, refreshing kick to every bite.
- Great for picnics. This salmon dinner is an easy way to change up your next summer picnic menu.
what do you need
Garlicy ancho chili powder seasoning is packed with smoky salty flavor with a hint of lime zest. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient quantities.
for salmon
- salmon – I prefer the fillets with the skin on, but they can also be skinless.
- lime zest – Lemon peel also works.
- smoked paprika – Feel free to use sweet paprika.
- Ancho Chili Powder – Chipotle chili powder or red pepper flakes are great substitutes.
- garlic powder – You can use onion powder instead.
- Salt – Kosher salt is best.
Pineapple Salsa
- fresh pineapple – Canned pineapples will work too, but you'll need to drain and rinse them.
- chili – Any color bell pepper can be used.
- shallots – If you have white onions on hand, buy them.
- fresh cilantro – Avoid using dried cilantro as it can make the salsa slightly bitter.
- fresh lime juice – You can also use lemon juice.
- fresh jalapeños – Theranos is a great exchange.
- Salt – I prefer kosher salt or garlic salt.
What's the best salmon?
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, it needs to be thawed completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Fresh pineapple salsa paired with crunchy red onions adds a sweet and savory kick. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card.
- Prepare the grill. Preheat it to 375-400F. Grease grates with cooking spray.
- Mix the spices. Stir lime zest, chili powder, anchovy powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub the mixture onto the flesh (pink side) of the salmon.
- Bake it. Place seasoned salmon on grill, skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and bake for another 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the salsa. Combine pineapple, red pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt in another bowl.
- Serve. Place salmon fillets on a plate and top with pineapple salsa to taste. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for grilling salmon
You can use different kinds of fruity salsas to make this easy grilled salmon dinner.
- Avoid turning over prematurely. If the salmon sticks, cook for another minute or two before trying to flip it. Holding on is usually a sign that it's not quite ready yet.
- Season it. Add 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the dressing for added flavor and depth.
- Marinate it. Place salmon in a large ziplock bag. Add 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 tablespoons minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4-1/2 jalapeño flakes. Seal bag and shake well. Marinate in refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Discard marinade and cook as usual.
- Substitute salsa. Put my salmon on top Fresh Mango Salsa or Fresh Strawberry Salsa instead.
- Use the stove. If you don't want to light up the grill, cook the salmon on the stove. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until flaky.
- prepare in advance. Mix your seasonings and prepare your salsa ahead of time so you're ready to start cooking when dinnertime comes.
Food recommendations
This smoky grilled salmon is an easy weeknight meal. Eat with it Avocado, Tomato and Cucumber Salad or Green Goddess Salad On the side. If you like something starchy, try mine corn on the cob, Cilantro Lime Riceor Jasmine rice. mine avocado and Roasted Tomato Salsa Also great with nachos.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Do not heat the salsa in this recipe to prevent the pineapples from fermenting.
- refrigerator: Store salmon in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Pineapple salad can be kept for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Microwave salmon in 20-second increments until warm.
More Easy Salmon Recipes
describe
This Chile Lime Seasoned Grilled Salmon with Homemade Pineapple Salsa is a 20-minute dinner perfect for summer.
Chili Lime Salmon
Pineapple Salsa
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, add fresh lime zest, smoked paprika, anchovies, and garlic powder. Stir together.
- Rub the spice mixture onto the fleshy side of the salmon.
- Spray grill grates with cooking spray or wipe with a rag soaked in olive oil.
- Start by turning the salmon skin side down. Bake for 4-5 minutes. (Please do not touch during this period)
- Flip the fish (the fish should not stick to the grill, if it does it will require more cooking time). Grill the meat side for another 4 minutes. Remove from grill and let rest.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt to taste. Throw everything together.
- Serve salmon fillet with pineapple salsa
Nutrition
- Serving size: 4 oz. + Salsa
- Calories: 212
- sugar: 7 grams
- sodium: 179 mg
- fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 g
- carbohydrate: 10 grams
- fiber: 1 g
- protein: 28 grams
- cholesterol: 107 mg