Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (2025)

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsais our favorite Healthy Salmon Recipe! This spice-rubbed grilled salmon recipe is served with creamy avocado salsa. It’s healthy, flavorful, easy, and so delicious. It’s a flavor match made in Heaven.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Healthy Salmon Recipe

If you’re in the market for a delicious, easy, and healthy salmon recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This grilled salmon with avocado salsa recipe has been pinned more than 2 million times and continues to be a hit because it’s just so delicious.

  • Fancy. This dish looks like a gourmet chef created it. Your friends and family will think you’re a 5-star chef!
  • Easy. While this dish looks impressive, nobody needs to know that it’s super easy to put together. Take a look at the recipe card– it’s a breeze!
  • Tasty. This salmon may be healthy, but it’s also scrumptious. The spice rub combined with the fresh and creamy salsa is a taste sensation!
Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover grilled salmon with avocado salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to enjoy leftover salmon cold, but you can also reheat in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze grilled salmon fillets in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 4 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I do not recommend freezing the salsa.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled salmon with avocado salsa really doesn’t even need a side dish. The salsa can serve as a side, so you have an amazing 15-minute meal from start to finish on your plate! But we also love to pair this grilled salmon with healthy sides such Lemon Butter Asparagus or Roasted Vegetables.

How long do you grill salmon?

It should only take about 6-8 minutes total (3-4 minutes per side) to grill this salmon to perfection!

Do you grill salmon directly on the grill or in foil?

You can cook the salmon directly on the grill. Simply oil up the fish well, and start with the skin side down (if you’re leaving the skin on) for the best results.

Should you flip salmon on the grill?

Yes, but only once! Carefully flip the salmon after 3-4 minutes. If it’s not releasing from the grill grates, give it an extra 30-60 seconds.

Can you grill frozen salmon?

Yes, but the oil and spices won’t stick as well as they will to thawed or fresh salmon. You’ll also need to add an extra 1-2 minutes of cook time per side!

How do you know when salmon is done?

The easiest way to see if your salmon has finished cooking is to gently press down on the top of the fillet with a fork or your finger. If the flesh of the salmon flakes, it’s finished cooking. The properinternal temperature of cooked salmonis 145°F.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

More Grilled Salmon Recipes To Try

  • Classic Grilled Salmon
  • Garlic Butter Salmon

5-Star Review

“This is an amazing recipe. I’m not a big fan of salmon but this has so much flavor to it. My husband and I love it so much that it’s become a staple in our weekly dinner rotation. Thank you!!” -Sara Pope

Recipe

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

4.68 from 332 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

My favorite recipes are the ones that are easy, yet incredibly delicious. This healthy salmon recipe is not only one of the best salmon recipes I’ve tried, but it’s easy, delicious and good for you. That’s a grand-slam homerun recipe, in my book.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds salmon fillets skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Avocado Salsa

  • 1 avocado cubed
  • ½ red onion sliced or diced
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Mix the salt, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper together. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and this seasoning mix.

    1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 pounds salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon olive oil

    Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  • Combine the avocado, onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Chill until serving time.

    1 avocado, ½ red onion, 2 limes, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

    Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • Preheat the grill to medium (350-375°F).

  • Grill the salmon to desired doneness (about 3-4 minutes per side).

    Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

  • Top with avocado salsa and enjoy!

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Use a salmon side or pre-cut salmon fillets — both work!
  • Make sure your grill is clean and preheated before adding the salmon.
  • Start the salmon skin-side down to help it release from the grill more easily.
  • Keep the lid down as the salmon cooks to maintain a consistent temperature.
  • Only flip the salmon once!
  • Salmon is cooked through when it reaches 145°F internally at the thickest point.

Storage:Store grilled salmon with avocado salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1fillet Calories: 456kcal (23%) Carbohydrates: 10g (3%) Protein: 47g (94%) Fat: 26g (40%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g Monounsaturated Fat: 12g Cholesterol: 125mg (42%) Sodium: 692mg (30%) Potassium: 1447mg (41%) Fiber: 5g (21%) Sugar: 2g (2%) Vitamin A: 517IU (10%) Vitamin C: 16mg (19%) Calcium: 59mg (6%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

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How to Make Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Step by Step

Season the Salmon: Mix 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper together. Rub 2 pounds of salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and this seasoning mix. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

Make the Salsa: Combine 1 cubed avocado, ½ of a sliced red onion, the juice of 2 limes, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Chill until serving time.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

Grill the Salmon: Preheat the grill to medium (350-375°F). Grill the salmon to desired doneness (about 3-4 minutes per side). Top with avocado salsa and enjoy!

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Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

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Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Healthy Salmon Recipe!) - The Cookie Rookie® (2025)

FAQs

Are avocado and salmon healthy? ›

Similar to salmon, avocados also contain omega-3 fatty acids, but it's a specific kind typically found in plants. This particular omega-3 fatty acid is called ALA, and when paired with salmon, not only makes for a delicious meal, but also creates a robust dosage of healthy fats.

What is the secret to best salmon? ›

Starting your salmon skin-side down, and cooking it until it is well rendered, lightly browned, and crisp, and then turning the salmon to finish the cooking, will make for a terrific dining experience.

What makes salmon taste better? ›

Sugar + acid is your friend.

There's a reason for it! For one, it's delicious. But from a scientific standpoint, the sugar and acid cut through salmon's fishiness. Glazes add a ton of flavor while taming the salmon.

Is salmon belly fat unhealthy? ›

Salmon is well-known for being a source of omega-3 fatty acids. So, don't hesitate if you see a strip of salmon belly on your plate. These healthy fats aren't like pork fats at all. They help develop a healthy brain, manage heart disease, and lower blood pressure.

Is there anything unhealthy about avocado? ›

Avocados contain substances called polyols or sorbitol which are carbohydrates that may affect people who have sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome,” she explained. “If they eat too much avocado in one sitting, it can cause bloating, diarrhea or intense pain in the gut.”

What not to do when cooking salmon? ›

5 Common Mistakes That We All Make When Cooking Salmon
  1. Not removing pin bones. Fact: Most salmon fillets have pin bones in them. ...
  2. Mistreating the skin. ...
  3. Using the wrong pan. ...
  4. Overcooking your fish. ...
  5. Reheating leftover salmon.
May 17, 2021

Is it better to grill or bake salmon? ›

Grilling

Grilling salmon imparts a smoky flavor and creates beautiful grill marks. The heat from the grill caramelizes the exterior, creating a delicious crust while keeping the flesh tender and moist. Because grilling is a relatively quick cooking method, it retains the fish's nutritional value.

Is salmon better in the oven or pan? ›

For smaller, crispy, skin-on Salmon; a crispy pan sear is recommended. For bigger fillets, and succulent, skin-off King Salmon; the best method would be cooking in an oven.

What to put on salmon before cooking? ›

Chefs and home cooks have a few different methods for seasoning salmon before cooking. These are some of the most popular methods. Our favorite spices to use with this type of fish are paprika, chile/chili powder, garlic powder/salt, cumin, onion, and ginger.

What kills the fishy taste in salmon? ›

How to Control Salmon's Fishiness with a Milk Bath. You can also lessen salmon's strong flavor by soaking it in a milk bath for 20 minutes and then draining it and patting it dry before cooking. The casein in milk binds to the TMA, and when drained away, it takes the culprit that causes fishy odor with it.

Does salmon taste better with butter or oil? ›

Butter makes everything better, and the oil is key for helping create the crispy exterior. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil to avoid burning it. Lemon. A finishing squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds freshness and brightness.

How does Rachael Ray cook salmon? ›

directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375. Rub the salmon with the olive oil. Place on foil-or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover with the dill and herbes de Provence. Spread the mustard on top ot cover completely.
  2. Bake the salmon until opaque, about 15 minutes.

Do you grill salmon covered or uncovered? ›

While you can grill salmon without foil (see these classic Grilled Salmon Fillets and Cedar Plank Salmon for recipes), for a foolproof method that works especially well for a large piece of salmon, use the foil packet method. Using foil to make a packet around the salmon keeps the salmon moist when grilling.

Can we eat avocado and fish together? ›

Whether you start with salmon, shrimp or crab (or tilapia or scallops or add your fave here), a seafood-avocado pairing is a sure-fire recipe for culinary success. Creamy avocado adds just the right amount of richness to a seafood dish, balancing spiciness or acidity and lending an irresistible textural dimension.

Is salmon good or bad for weight loss? ›

Is salmon good for weight loss? It absolutely can be. Salmon is high in protein and fairly low in calories: there's about 25.4g of protein and 182 calories in a 100g serving of wild salmon, and 22.1g of protein and 206 calories in 100g of farmed salmon. This makes either option a great addition to a weight loss diet.

Are avocados healthy or fattening? ›

Compared with other high-fat foods, avocados are a healthy option. An 80g portion counts towards your 5-a-day and contains vitamins, minerals and fibre.

How much protein is in salmon and avocado? ›

Salmon avocado roll

Mashed avocado is rolled up with raw salmon, white rice, sushi vinegar, avocado, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, seaweed, and lettuce ( 10 ). Two to three pieces (100 grams) of salmon avocado roll contain ( 10 ): Calories: 179. Protein: 5.8 grams.

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