Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
A vibrant grilled salmon dish topped with a refreshing avocado and cucumber salsa, perfect for a clean Whole30 dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, diced ripe avocado
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 small, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside half the mixture for salsa.
- Step 2: Brush 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with half of the marinade and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill salmon skin-side down for 5-6 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix diced 1 medium avocado, 1 diced medium cucumber, 1/4 small finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and the reserved garlic-lime marinade. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Plate each salmon fillet and spoon generous amounts of the avocado cucumber salsa on top. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cucumber 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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