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Chili Lime Salmon With Mango Salsa - Bright, Fresh, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on if possible
  • Limes: 2 limes (zest and juice)
  • Chili powder: 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (plus a little for the pan)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Mango: 2 ripe mangoes, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 small, diced
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Jalapeño or serrano: 1, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • Additional lime: 1 (for the salsa)
  • Optional extras: Avocado, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber for mixing into the salsa; lime wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven or pan: Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. If pan-searing, keep a large skillet ready and preheat it over medium-high just before cooking.
  2. Mix the rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add lime zest from 1 lime, juice of 1 lime, olive oil, and honey. Stir to form a loose paste.
  3. Season the salmon: Pat salmon dry. Spread the chili-lime mixture evenly over the top and sides of each fillet. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you make the salsa.
  4. Make the mango salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Add the juice of 1 lime, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss gently and taste. Adjust salt or lime as needed.
  5. Cook the salmon (oven method): Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet. Roast for 9–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily but is still slightly translucent in the center. For a light char, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
  6. Cook the salmon (pan-sear option): Heat a thin layer of oil in the skillet. Place salmon skin-side up first for 2–3 minutes to build a crust. Flip and cook skin-side down for 3–5 minutes more, until just cooked through.
  7. Rest and plate: Let salmon rest 2 minutes. Spoon mango salsa on top or serve on the side. Add lime wedges for squeezing and a sprinkle of extra cilantro if you like.