Grilled Citrus-Marinated Snapper with Avocado Salsa

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

Fresh snapper fillets marinated in a bright citrus blend then grilled to flaky perfection and served with a creamy avocado salsa for a vibrant seafood entree. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) snapper fillets, orange juice, 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 350 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 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk together.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 snapper fillets into the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While fish marinates, prepare avocado salsa by gently tossing 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 minced seeded small jalapeño in a bowl. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove snapper from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Serve snapper fillets topped with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Snapper 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 Snapper 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 Snapper 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 Snapper 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.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Marinated Snapper with Avocado Salsa?

Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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