An easy weeknight dinner that's also fit for company? These Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Salmon Tacos are delicious for any occasion. Plus, the apple cucumber salsa adds the perfect crunch!
(This recipe for Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Salmon Tacos was originally published in March 2011, but was updated with new photos and content in 2020).
The other day, I saw a picture of fish tacos online and got an instant and serious craving for them. As in, I dreamt about them at night. And thought about them upon waking up. So, of course, I decided I had to make them for dinner immediately.But
I wanted something a bit more unique than the typical fish taco. At first, I thought about doing tilapia or a white fish, but then I got the idea to use salmon instead. I ended up finding a recipe on Food and Wine for Chipotle-Rubbed Salmon Tacos. Which included an apple-cucumber salsa. Helloooooo, heavenly dinner!
I actually started cooking at about 4:45pm because I was so excited to eat. Also, I've had a margarita mix from Crate and Barrel sitting in my kitchen, staring at me, for a few weeks and thought tonight would be the perfect night for a delicious dinner and a frozen margarita.
And after a long week, this girl needed a night in with good food, a few laughs, and my friends from The Bachelor (jk they're not there to make friends!). Don't judge.
CHIPOTLE-RUBBED GRILLED SALMON TACOS WITH APPLE CUCUMBER SALSA RECIPE
One of the best things about these grilled salmon tacos? They look kind of fancy, but they're super easy to make! That means they're perfect for both a weeknight dinner or a dinner party with friends.
There are a couple steps to follow, but they mostly consist of mixing ingredients together. And cooking the salmon (which, in case you didn't know, is super easy!). Then you just assemble the tacos and you're good to go!
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lime juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the orange zest, sugar, and the chili powder.
Rub each piece of salmon with about a teaspoon of olive oil followed by the chili powder mixture and let it stand for about 10 minutes or so.
Before grilling the salmon, place your tortillas in foil and bake for 8 minutes until they're warmed through.
Place your salmon in a grill pan over high heat and let cook on each side for about 3 minutes per side, until they're deliciously browned and cooked through. Mmmm.
With a pair of tongs or your spatula, gently break the salmon into smaller pieces.
Now make that apple cucumber salsa! Again, it's super easy and just requires some chopping of the apples, cucumbers, red pepper, and red onion and mixing everything together.
To build the tacos, simply spread a layer of the mashed avocado on the tortilla and top it with the chipotle salmon, apple cucumber salsa, and a small handful of cabbage. A drizzle of the lime mayonnaise seals the deal and makes this the perfect Thursday night dinner.
These grilled salmon tacos could happen in my kitchen whenever it wants to. Really. They felt like vacation.
But see how pretty they are? Wouldn't they also be super fun for serving at a dinner party? I'm all about different variations on tacos (I could eat a form of taco every single night!) and these grilled salmon tacos just shot way high up on my list.
And you know that eating the rainbow is one of the best things you can do for your health. Not only are you getting your omega-3s, you're also packing in lots of vitamins thanks to the brightly colored veggies in these chipotle salmon tacos.
I love that the apple cucumber salsa adds a nice crunch and and mashed avocado and mayo/lime juice drizzle a little creaminess.
If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner that's also fit for company, make these chipotle-rubbed grilled salmon tacos ASAP!
And if your goal is to eat a different taco every night (wanna do it with me??), you can start with my Flank Steak Tacos with Strawberry Mint Salsa or my Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos. And I can't wait to make these Crockpot Chicken Tacos from Julie's Eats and Treats!
What's your favorite easy, but "fancy" dinner?
📖 Recipe
Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Salmon Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 lb. salmon filet, skins removed and cut in half
- 1 Tbsp, plus 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 tortillas
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed
- Apple Cucumber Salsa (recipe below)
- 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
Apple Cucumber Salsa
- 1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored, and roughly diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and roughly diced
- ½ small red onion, roughly diced
- ½ small red bell pepper, roughly diced
- 1 ½ Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lime juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the orange zest, sugar, and the chili powder.
- Rub each piece of salmon with about a teaspoon of olive oil followed by the chili powder mixture and let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes or so.
- Before grilling the salmon, place your tortillas in foil and bake for 8 minutes until they’re warmed through.
- Place your salmon in a grill pan over high heat and let cook on each side for about 3 minutes per side, until they’re deliciously browned. With a pair of tongs or your spatula, gently break the salmon into smaller pieces.
- To build tacos, spread a layer of mashed avocado on a tortilla and top it with the chipotle-rubbed salmon, apple cucumber salsa, a small handful of cabbage, and a drizzle of the lime mayonnaise.
Apple Cucumber Salsa
- In a bowl, toss apple, cucumber, onion, and red pepper. Stir in vinegar and sugar and season with salt.
Notes
- Recipe lightly adapted from Food & Wine.
Erica says
The tacos look perfect! We haven't had Mexican in a while and I am CRAVING it- we actually might go out to Mexican this weekend. I'm not a big salmon fan- but I think a shrimpy version sounds lovely. And that apple-cucumber salsa? How cool. I missed idol tonight! My mom and I were taking a cooking class- I need to catch up
DessertForTwo says
Annnnnd now I have a huge fish taco craving. Perfect 🙂
Maria @ Scandifoodie says
This sounds really good! Love the flavour combinations!
peachkins says
I love all kinds of salsa. I'd definitely give that apple cucumber salsa a try some time!
Michelle says
I totally understand what you're talking about with cravings. Sometimes I'll see something on a blog and then HAVE to make it as soon as possible and can't stop thinking about it!
Simply Life says
Oh I am loving everything about this! What a great idea!
Joanne says
You do realize that this is going to proceed to keep ME up at night. Oh these look so good. After my exam today, I'm going to need quite a few of these and about 20 margaritas. Seems like a good way to kick off the weekend!
Shannon says
I adore fish tacos. I've never thought about using salmon (which is insane because that's totally one of my most favorite types of fish). And that whisk is ADORABLE!
briarrose says
I love this salsa.....definitely on my must be made and noshed list. 🙂
Jenn's Food Journey says
I crave fish tacos about once every week 🙂 Love them! Everything looks wonderful....great, now I'll be thinking about fish tacos all day!!
brandi says
I've had (and love) fish tacos, but never with salmon! These look so good.
Elina (Healthy and Sane) says
Yesssssss. Absolutely gorgeous. I love fresh and flavorful food like that. I may be craving these all night too. 😉
PS - I forget - have you entered my giveaway yet?
Lauren says
I want this RIGHT NOW! Looks delicious...on my to-make list!
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MichellePC says
These look so refreshing, and perfect for spring!
Monique says
that salmon looks gorgeous!
Melissa says
Oh hai dinner! These look AMAZING! Can't wait to try - nice one Chels!
amy says
This looks delish! Having sushi tonight in observance of lent and meatless Fridays, but will be a sure menu item next Friday 🙂
Megan says
That pig whisk is adorable! And the corn salad sounds amazing and is making me what summer to get here already!
Lauren @ Healthy Food For Living says
These sound fantastic! I adore fish tacos, and love the idea of using salmon.
This is the first season of Idol I've watched, and I'm totally hooked. Last night's episode was great! I'm so glad Casey is staying :).
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy says
Holy yum. Amazing. When's dinner?
Greg @ Starvingkitten says
Great idea and execution! I have been craving fish and am about to head out for a Friday fish sandwich which are available on every corner on Pittsburgh during lent 🙂
Naomi says
I'm glad my picture inspired you! Those fish tacos look amazing, I'm definitely going to have to try them with salmon the next time!
Mary says
These look and sound near perfect. I didn't know I was hungry till I got here. I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary
Janel says
Passed this along to my friend who is obsessed bigtime with fish tacos!