If you're craving a meal that's vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavor, then this Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both quick to make and satisfying, combining smoky grilled fish with a refreshing twist of creamy avocado salsa.

The dish shows three pieces of cooked salmon with a deep orange color and a slightly charred, spiced surface. On top, there is a chunky salsa made from diced light green avocado and pieces of purple-red onion, adding contrast with its fresh, creamy texture. The food sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The salmon's texture is firm with some flakes visible where it has broken apart under the salsa photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this dish has quickly become one of my favorites to fire up on the grill. There’s something about the spicy, smoky salmon paired with that cool, zesty avocado salsa that just works every single time.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes of hands-on time plus marinating—it’s perfect for busy nights.
Bold, Balanced Flavors: The smoky spices on the salmon complement the creamy, tangy salsa beautifully.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, fiber, and fresh ingredients to fuel your body.
Perfect for Grilling: Whether you’re a grill master or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you head to the store, a quick note: fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in this dish. Choose wild or responsibly farmed salmon for the best flavor and texture, and pick a creamy, ripe avocado to keep the salsa silky and fresh.

Flat lay of fresh salmon fillets with skin on, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of colorful spices including reddish paprika, light brown cumin, pale onion powder, dark black pepper, and reddish ancho chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a ripe avocado cut into cubes, slices of vibrant red onion, two whole bright green limes, and a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillets: The star of the dish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and perfect for grilling.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist during grilling.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and balances the spices.
Ancho chili powder: Adds a smoky heat without overpowering the dish.
Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone to the spice rub.
Ground paprika: Boosts color and gives a subtle sweetness paired with smokiness.
Onion powder: Adds a mellow savory depth to the seasoning blend.
Ground black pepper: Gives a bit of sharpness and complexity to the flavors.
Avocado: Cubed for creaminess and to balance the spicy salmon.
Red onion: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp crunch in the salsa.
Limes: Their bright juice ties the salsa together with zesty acidity.
Fresh cilantro: Injects herbaceous freshness into every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap in different herbs, or add another fresh element, feel free to get creative!

Extra Heat: If you love a fiery kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or toss some diced jalapeños into the avocado salsa. I love the bright, spicy contrast it adds!
Herb Swap: Don’t have cilantro or prefer a different flavor? Fresh basil or mint can bring a refreshing twist to the salsa that’s just as delicious.
Seasonal Freshness: During the summer, adding diced mango or pineapple to the salsa gives it a lovely sweetness and tropical vibe — perfect for a backyard BBQ.
Serving Ideas: For a low-carb option, serve the salmon and salsa over a bed of mixed greens or with cauliflower rice. If you want more carbs, warm corn tortillas turn this into a fun taco night.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

The dish shows two pieces of cooked salmon on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface beneath. Each salmon piece has a warm orange-pink color with a slightly charred, darker seasoning on top, creating a textured look. On top of the salmon are chunky green avocado pieces mixed with small, diced light purple onion, and bits of white onion, forming a fresh, uneven layer. The avocado mixture has a creamy feel, sitting loosely on the salmon. The plate edges curve gently with a soft shadow, making the food stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Perfect Spice Rub

Start by combining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl. This smoky, well-balanced blend brings out the salmon’s natural richness with just the right touch of warmth. Mixing the spices evenly at this stage ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Season and Marinate Your Salmon

Brush your 2 lbs of salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon olive oil to help the spices stick and keep the fish moist on the grill. Rub the spice blend all over the salmon, coating every side thoroughly. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinating time lets the robust spices sink into the fish, building layers of delicious flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Avocado Salsa

While the salmon marinates, toss 1 cubed avocado, ½ diced red onion, the juice of 2 limes, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro together in a bowl. Stir gently so the avocado stays creamy but well-coated in the zesty lime. Chill this salsa until you’re ready to serve — it’s the perfect creamy, tangy complement to the smoky fish.

Step 4: Get Your Grill Ready

Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. A clean, well-heated grill helps prevent the salmon from sticking and cooks it evenly. Keeping your grill lid closed while cooking maintains a steady temperature and helps the fish cook more gently.

Step 5: Grill to Flaky Perfection

Place the salmon fillets skin side down (if your fillets have skin) on the grill and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Watch for the edges to become opaque and the center to start flaking. Use a fork to gently press the top of the fish — if it flakes easily, it’s ready. For the most precise result, check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F. Remember to keep that grill lid down as much as possible to keep the heat steady.

Step 6: Serve with a Generous Spoonful of Salsa

When your salmon is grilled to perfection, transfer it to plates and top each fillet with a generous scoop of your vibrant avocado salsa. The creamy, tangy salsa is a fresh finish that balances the smoky, spicy fillets beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, homemade feast!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly every time.

Perfect Grill Prep: Make sure your grill is clean and fully preheated to between 350 and 375°F before placing the salmon—this prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the 30-minute marinating time. It really lets the smoky, spiced rub soak into the salmon so you get a deeper, richer flavor.
Check Doneness Without Guesswork: Use a fork to gently press the top of the salmon. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. For absolute certainty, use a meat thermometer—145°F is the magic number.
Keep the Lid Closed: Resist the urge to keep lifting the grill lid. Keeping it closed helps maintain consistent heat for juicy, tender salmon every time.

How to Serve Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a fresh mix of chunky avocado pieces and small cubes of purple-red onion. The avocado is bright green with a smooth texture, while the red onion adds purple and white contrast, scattered evenly throughout. Small bits of green herbs are lightly mixed in, giving a fresh and colorful look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the image shows a close, clear view of the vibrant ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add some fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or finely sliced green onions gives a nice fresh pop of color and flavor. For a bit of crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas work beautifully as well.

Side Dishes

Complement this dish with a light and refreshing side, like a crisp mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini add great texture and balance. You can also serve it alongside simple cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled salmon and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep well for up to 2 days, while the avocado salsa is best enjoyed within 24 hours to avoid browning and loss of freshness.

Freezing

The salmon fillets can be frozen uncooked if you want to prep in advance—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the avocado salsa, as avocado doesn’t freeze well and will lose its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat the salmon, gently warm it in a low oven (around 250°F) for about 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and flaky, or briefly in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the fish. Serve with freshly prepared avocado salsa for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salmon with the skin on or off?

Yes! Both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets work well with this recipe. Skin-on helps hold the fillet together during grilling and adds extra flavor, but skinless is great if you prefer not to eat the skin.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the salmon in a grill pan on your stovetop or bake it in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Just watch the time carefully so the fish stays moist and tender.

How do I prevent the avocado salsa from browning?

Adding fresh lime juice right before serving helps prevent browning by slowing oxidation. If prepping salsa a few hours ahead, keep it tightly covered and refrigerated.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! This Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe is naturally gluten free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Spicy Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa Recipe becomes a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s quick to prepare, full of bold flavors, and wonderfully healthy. Enjoy the smoky spice balanced with fresh, creamy avocado—the kind of meal that feels light yet deeply satisfying. Happy grilling and here’s to delicious, vibrant dinners all year round!