Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado Salsa

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

Tender grilled salmon fillets soaked in a bright citrus marinade topped with a refreshing avocado and tomato salsa. This mediterranean-inspired paleo (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 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 lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place 4 salmon fillets (5 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While salmon marinates, mix 1 diced medium ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp sea salt in a small bowl. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and discard marinade. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Serve salmon topped generously with avocado salsa for a fresh, zesty finish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Salmon with Avocado Salsa?

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 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 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 Salmon with Avocado Salsa paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, 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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