Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa

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

Tender salmon marinated in vibrant citrus juices, grilled to perfection, and topped with a refreshing avocado salsa for a nutrient-packed Whole30 meal. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to infuse citrus flavor.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado salsa by mixing 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled salmon topped generously with the avocado salsa for a bright, Whole30-friendly entrée.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa?

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 Salsa 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 Salsa 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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