Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salad

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

Tender grilled salmon marinated in garlic and lime paired with a refreshing avocado and cilantro salad for a light Whole30 seafood dish. This seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and grill skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While salmon grills, combine 2 diced ripe avocados, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/2 diced cucumber in a bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled salmon fillets topped with the avocado-cilantro salad for a fresh and satisfying Whole30 meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Cilantro 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.

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