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Cilantro Lime Fish Taco Salad - Bright, Fresh, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Fish: 1 to 1.5 pounds firm white fish (cod, halibut, mahi-mahi, or tilapia)
  • Spice blend for fish: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lime and oil: Zest of 1 lime, juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little for the pan)
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup finely chopped, divided (some for dressing, some for salad)
  • Greens: 6 cups chopped romaine or a mix of romaine and shredded cabbage
  • Slaw mix-ins: 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage (if not using a mix), 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
  • Veggies and toppings: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen), 1 avocado (sliced or diced), 1/2 cup pickled red onions (optional), 1 jalapeño thinly sliced (optional)
  • Crunch: 1 to 1.5 cups crushed tortilla chips or baked tortilla strips
  • Dairy (optional): 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar/Monterey Jack
  • Yogurt-lime dressing: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey or agave, 1 small garlic clove grated, pinch of salt, splash of water to thin

Method
 

  1. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Zest one lime over the mixture and rub with your fingers to release the oils.
  2. Season the fish: Pat fish dry. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the lime juice. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly on both sides. Let it sit 10 minutes while you prep the salad.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, remaining lime juice, honey, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of water until pourable. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Adjust salt and sweetness to taste.
  4. Assemble the base: In a large bowl, combine romaine, shredded cabbage (if using), red onion, cherry tomatoes, and corn. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half of the remaining chopped cilantro. Toss lightly.
  5. Cook the fish: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high with a thin film of oil. Add fish and cook 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily and is opaque. Squeeze a little lime over the top. Remove to a plate and let rest 2 minutes, then flake into large pieces.
  6. Dress the salad: Drizzle some dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. You want it lightly dressed—save the rest for serving.
  7. Build the bowls: Divide salad among bowls. Top with warm flaked fish, avocado, jalapeño (if using), pickled onions, and cotija. Sprinkle with tortilla chips for crunch and the remaining cilantro.
  8. Finish and serve: Add an extra squeeze of lime and a final spoonful of dressing. Serve right away while the fish is still warm.