Sweet, smoky BBQ salmon paired with a bright, juicy mango avocado salsa – this BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa dish is bursting with flavor, freshness, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or summer cookout. I love how the richness of the salmon balances with the zesty salsa, creating a meal that’s as vibrant in taste as it is on the plate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
½ cup BBQ sauce (I go with my favorite kind for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
1 ripe mango, diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Then, I pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them with olive oil, seasoning each with salt and pepper.
I place the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush each one generously with BBQ sauce.
The salmon bakes for 12 to 15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork. If I want a slightly caramelized top, I broil them for an extra 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
While the salmon cooks, I prepare the salsa. I mix the diced mango, avocado, red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl and gently toss.
Once the salmon is done, I serve it topped with a generous spoonful of mango avocado salsa.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Around 360 kcal per serving
Variations
Sometimes I swap the mango for pineapple for a slightly different tropical flavor.
For a spicier kick, I add a bit of finely chopped jalapeño to the salsa.
If I’m grilling instead of baking, I cook the salmon over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.
I’ve also tried this with a honey BBQ sauce, which adds a nice sweet glaze.
For a lower-carb option, I skip the BBQ sauce and season the salmon with smoked paprika and garlic instead.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the salsa separate to maintain its texture and freshness.
To reheat the salmon, I warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. I avoid microwaving because it can dry out the fish. The salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for a day in the fridge with the avocado lightly coated in lime juice to prevent browning.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque in the center. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, I thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking. It works just as well.
What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
I like using a smoky or slightly sweet BBQ sauce. It pairs perfectly with the tangy salsa, but any favorite kind will work.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I can prep the salsa and marinate the salmon a few hours ahead, but I always cook the salmon just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the BBQ sauce I use is gluten-free, the whole recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
This BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something flavorful, fresh, and quick to make. It’s colorful, healthy, and always a hit at the table. Whether it’s a weeknight or a summer evening with friends, this dish delivers big on taste without taking hours in the kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
BBQ Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and smoky BBQ salmon fillets topped with a fresh, zesty mango avocado salsa. This colorful and healthy dish is quick to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
½ cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ripe mango, diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. For a caramelized top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- While salmon cooks, prepare the salsa: in a bowl, combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Gently toss to mix.
- Serve salmon hot, topped with a generous spoonful of mango avocado salsa.
Notes
Swap mango with pineapple for a different tropical flavor.
Add finely chopped jalapeño to the salsa for a spicy twist.
Grill the salmon over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side instead of baking.
Use honey BBQ sauce for a sweeter glaze.
For a lower-carb version, skip the BBQ sauce and use smoked paprika and garlic instead.
Store leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat salmon in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes; avoid microwaving.
Salsa is best fresh, but can be stored for one day if avocado is coated in lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salsa
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
