Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled salmon marinated in fresh citrus juice served alongside a cooling avocado and cucumber salad dressed with fresh herbs and olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While salmon marinates, combine 1 diced medium cucumber, 1 diced large ripe avocado, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill salmon for about 5 minutes per side until opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled salmon topped with the avocado and cucumber salad alongside for a refreshing balance of flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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