Grilled Wild Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

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

Wild salmon fillets grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a fresh paleo meal. This mediterranean-inspired paleo ready in about 22 minutes pairs wild salmon fillets, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 wild salmon fillets with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until grill marks form and edges start to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and grill for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by blending 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 garlic clove, and 2 tbsp water in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled salmon topped with generous spoonfuls of avocado cilantro sauce for a bright, rich flavor contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Wild Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce 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 Wild Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

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 Wild Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

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 Wild Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce 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 Wild Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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