Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Tomato Salad
Tender grilled salmon marinated in a bright citrus blend paired with a fresh avocado and tomato salad for a light Whole30 seafood meal. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, fresh orange juice, fresh 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 weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 2 medium, diced ripe avocados
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lime zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) skin-side down and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, combine 2 diced ripe avocados, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and gently toss.
- Step 4: Plate grilled salmon with a generous serving of avocado and tomato salad on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Tomato 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 Tomato Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado and Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato Salad whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
