These delicious salmon tacos are a treat for your taste buds! They’re filled with tender salmon and topped with a fresh pineapple avocado salsa that adds a burst of flavor.
Who knew tacos could taste so fancy? I love how easy they are to make, and the salsa is like a party in your mouth! Serve them up, and watch everyone smile. 🌮🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star here, but you can substitute it with trout or tilapia if you prefer. Canned salmon could work too; just make sure you drain it well.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives the salmon a great flavor. If you’re out, use taco seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas add a nice texture, but you can go for flour tortillas if that’s your preference. Gluten-free options are also available in most stores.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best, but you can use canned or frozen if you need convenience. Just drain it well! Mango is a yummy alternative too.
Avocado: If avocados are hard to find, you can use diced cucumber instead for a crunchy substitute.
How Do You Grill Salmon Perfectly for Tacos?
Grilling salmon can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll be a pro! First, make sure your grill or skillet is nice and hot. This helps create a beautiful sear on the salmon.
- Brush salmon with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t flip too soon to avoid breaking the fish!
- When it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready. Let it rest for a minute before cutting. This keeps it juicy!
Salmon Tacos & Pineapple Avocado Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tortillas:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Pineapple Avocado Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime, plus extra lime wedges for serving
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes or Tajín seasoning (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes of cooking. The total time to enjoy these tasty Salmon Tacos, including preparation and cooking, is about 20-25 minutes. Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Season:
Start by preheating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This spice mix will add lots of flavor to your salmon!
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil on both sides. Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over the salmon, ensuring it’s well-coated. This is where the magic begins!
3. Cook the Salmon:
Place the salmon on the grill or in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown crust. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for a minute.
4. Make the Pineapple Avocado Salsa:
While your salmon is cooking, it’s time to whip up the salsa! In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced pineapple, avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if you’re adding some heat), and lime juice. Give it a gentle stir, then taste it and adjust the salt as needed.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm your tortillas on the grill, skillet, or directly over a flame – until they are soft and slightly charred. This adds a lovely texture and flavor!
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now, break or cut the salmon into bite-sized chunks and divide them evenly among the warm tortillas. Top each piece of salmon with a generous scoop of your delicious pineapple avocado salsa.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to add a little extra zing, sprinkle chili flakes or Tajín seasoning on top. Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for a squeeze of fresh juice.
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Avocado Salsa! 🥑🌮🍍
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag under cold water for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before seasoning for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple?
If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple (just drain it well) or even mango as a delicious alternative. Both will add a sweet, fruity flavor to your salsa!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon will be good for up to 3 days, while the salsa should be consumed within 2 days for the freshest taste. Reheat the salmon gently before serving again!
Can I Make The Salsa Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pineapple avocado salsa a few hours in advance. Just toss everything together and store it in the fridge. To keep the avocado from browning, consider squeezing a little extra lime juice on top before sealing it.