Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Tomato Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh salmon fillets marinated in bright citrus and herbs, grilled to flaky perfection, topped with a zesty avocado and tomato salsa. This whole30-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon 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 380 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While salmon marinates, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl to make the salsa.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove salmon from marinade and grill skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until grill marks form and skin is crisp.
  5. Step 5: Flip salmon carefully and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Serve each salmon fillet topped generously with avocado-tomato salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Tomato 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-Tomato 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-Tomato 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-Tomato Salsa 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.

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