The combination of the smoky, spicy salmon with the cool and creamy avocado salsa is an explosion of flavors. The spice rub adds a deep, rich flavor to the salmon, while the tangy lime juice cuts through the heat. The avocado salsa provides a refreshing balance, with its creamy texture and zesty kick from the lime and cilantro, making each bite a perfect harmony of bold and fresh ingredients. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and packed with nutrients—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for extra heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the salmon fillets, then generously rub the spice mix onto both sides of the fillets. Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, or use a grill pan if cooking indoors. Make sure the grill is hot before adding the fish to get a good sear.
- Grill the Salmon:
- Place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the fillets still have skin. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. For a crispy exterior, avoid flipping the salmon too often.
- Prepare the Avocado Salsa:
- While the salmon is grilling, prepare the salsa by combining the diced avocado, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl. Add the lime juice, salt, and pepper, gently tossing the ingredients together to avoid mashing the avocado. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the salmon is perfectly grilled, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the grilled spicy salmon fillets topped with a generous spoonful of fresh avocado salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the Grilled Spicy Salmon with Avocado Salsa with a side of Mexican-style rice, grilled vegetables, or a light quinoa salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal. You can also serve it in tacos with corn tortillas for a fun twist!
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy dish!
