This Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe is an absolute celebration of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that effortlessly come together for a delightful dinner. Tender, zesty salmon grilled to perfection pairs beautifully with a luscious tropical salsa bursting with creamy avocado and sweet mango. The fluffy coconut rice adds a dreamy, fragrant backdrop that ties every bite into an irresistible taste of sunshine. This recipe is perfect for anyone eager to impress at the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s healthy, colorful, and bursting with bold textures you will want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, while keeping things impressively simple. From the fresh limes that brighten the salmon to the creamy coconut milk that luxuriously infuses the rice, each component is essential in creating a perfectly balanced dish.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets around 6 ounces each for the best grilling results.
- Limes: Both zest and juice add tangy brightness to the marinade and salsa.
- Olive oil: Helps tenderize the salmon while adding a smooth richness.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for pungent warmth in the marinade.
- Honey: Balances acidity with a subtle natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- Mango: Firm but ripe, diced for juicy sweetness in the salsa.
- Avocado: Provides creamy texture and mellow flavor that complements the mango.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild crisp bite in the salsa.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped to add herbal brightness.
- Jasmine rice: The base for our fragrant coconut rice, producing a light, fluffy grain.
- Canned coconut milk: Adds rich creaminess and subtle tropical flavor to the rice.
- Water: Used with coconut milk to cook the rice perfectly tender.
How to Make Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
Start by whisking together the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is a magical blend that infuses the salmon with zesty, aromatic, and sweet undertones. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up all those flavors for 15 to 30 minutes. This step ensures your salmon will be bursting with bright, balanced taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Rice
While the salmon marinates, it’s time to prepare the coconut rice that will be the perfect canvas for our main ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, canned coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring this rich mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and infused with the subtle sweetness of coconut. After turning off the heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork to keep each grain light and separate.
Step 3: Make the Avocado-Mango Salsa
Next up, create the fresh avocado-mango salsa that’s going to bring a fresh, fruity pop to the dish. Gently toss diced mango, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taking care not to mash the avocado, mix just enough to combine gorgeous, colorful chunks. This salsa adds creamy, sweet, tangy, and herby notes that wonderfully contrast the smoky salmon.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the salmon from the marinade and place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through and beautifully charred with grill marks. The result is a flaky, flavorful salmon with a delightful smokiness that pairs so well with the tropical accents.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Time to bring everything together! Plate a generous helping of the coconut rice, then lay a grilled salmon fillet on top. Finish by spooning a hearty mound of avocado-mango salsa over the salmon. This combination looks stunning and tastes incredible, promising a meal full of contrasts and harmony in every bite.
How to Serve Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or finely sliced red chili can brighten up the plate and add a little zing. Lime wedges served alongside add freshness and allow your guests to adjust the citrus level to their liking.
Side Dishes
To enhance this tropical feast, consider serving with a light green salad or a crisp cucumber and radish slaw. Grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini also complement the flavors without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon and salsa in a bowl over the coconut rice and garnish with edible flowers or toasted coconut flakes. Alternatively, plate it family-style for a casual, convivial vibe where everyone can help themselves to generous portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled lime salmon, avocado-mango salsa, and coconut rice can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salsa chilled to maintain its fresh texture and color.
Freezing
The grilled salmon fillets freeze well without the salsa or rice. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Coconut rice tends to lose its texture after freezing, and the fresh salsa will not fare well in the freezer, so it’s best to make those fresh for serving.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Warm the coconut rice on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive its fluffiness. Enjoy the salsa fresh, as reheating will alter its texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Firm, flaky fish like mahi-mahi, swordfish, or even tuna steaks work beautifully with this marinade and grilling method.
Is it necessary to use fresh lime juice, or can I use bottled?
Fresh lime juice really brightens up this dish and makes a noticeable difference in flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
How spicy is the avocado-mango salsa?
This salsa is mild and sweet with a hint of tang. You can add finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick if desired.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! This entire Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for many dietary preferences.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
Basmati rice is a great alternative, or you can even serve this dish with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of grilled salmon, tangy lime, luscious avocado-mango salsa, and fragrant coconut rice. This Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe comes together with such ease but feels like a special occasion meal. It’s perfect for warm evenings when you want something light, healthy, and packed with sunshine-flavored goodness. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for weeks to come!
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Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice is a vibrant and healthy tropical-inspired meal perfect for any occasion. The juicy, lime-marinated salmon is grilled to perfection and complemented by a refreshing avocado-mango salsa. Served alongside fragrant coconut rice, this dish brings a delightful balance of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Avocado-Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the bright and tangy flavors.
- Prepare the Coconut Rice: While the salmon marinates, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Make the Avocado-Mango Salsa: In a small bowl, gently toss the diced mango, avocado, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and grill marks appear, indicating a perfect sear.
- Serve: Plate the fluffy coconut rice and top with a grilled salmon fillet. Spoon a generous amount of the avocado-mango salsa over the salmon and serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Notes
- If grilling is not an option, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add chopped jalapeño to the salsa if you prefer a spicy kick.
- For a dairy-free and gluten-free meal, ensure the ingredients you use (like honey and coconut milk) meet your dietary needs.
