Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad

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

Fresh salmon fillets marinated in a zesty citrus blend and grilled to perfection, served alongside a refreshing avocado and cucumber salad for a light Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs salmon fillets, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Grill salmon skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and salmon is cooked halfway through. Flip and grill an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While salmon grills, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1 medium diced English cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 small finely diced red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and toss gently.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled salmon fillets with a generous scoop of avocado cucumber salad on the side for a bright, Whole30-approved meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad 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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