Grilled Citrus-Marinated Rio Grande Salmon with Avocado Salsa

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

Salmon fillets marinated in bright citrus juices and grilled to perfection, topped with a fresh avocado and tomato salsa inspired by the Rio Grande region. This latin american-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, fresh orange juice, fresh 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 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 salmon fillets and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove salmon from marinade and grill skin-side down for 5-6 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, combine 1 diced medium avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small seeded minced jalapeño in a bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Plate the grilled salmon fillets and spoon the avocado salsa generously on top. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the fish for added brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Rio Grande 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Rio Grande 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Rio Grande 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Rio Grande 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Rio Grande Salmon with Avocado Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten 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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