Name: Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 (4-6 oz. each) skinless salmon filets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; Cajun Spice Mix: 2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 tsp dried oregano; 3/4 tsp dried thyme; 3/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit for less heat); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons Spice Rub (from Cajun Spice Mix); 1 mango, chopped; 1 cup chopped pineapple; 1 avocado, chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, minced; 2 tablespoons diced red onion; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, diced; 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste; Lime juice, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 76 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant flavors of this Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe. This dish perfectly balances bold, smoky Cajun spices with the sweet, tropical burst of mango and pineapple salsa. The tender, flaky salmon fillets get a beautiful blackened crust while the fresh mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast, making every bite a celebration of tastes and textures. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is an exciting way to bring something colorful and delicious to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear round glass bowl filled with six pieces of orange salmon fillets covered in a shiny, reddish-brown marinade with visible black pepper and seasoning. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with light reflections on the glass. The marinade looks smooth and rich, coating each piece evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the fragrant spices that create the Cajun rub to the fresh fruits that brighten the salsa with their juiciness and sweetness.

Skinless salmon filets (4, 4-6 oz. each): The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and a meaty texture that soaks up spices beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon + 3 tablespoons): Adds healthy fat for cooking and moisture in the marinade.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the salmon a luscious finish and helps develop a caramelized crust.
Spices for Cajun Spice Mix: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper come together to create a smoky, spicy coating that packs a punch.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons + extra for salsa): Adds bright acidity to both marinade and salsa, balancing richness.
Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the marinade with citrusy notes, enhancing flavor complexity.
Reduced sodium soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts umami and depth without overpowering the fish.
Mango (1, chopped): Brings juicy sweetness to the salsa for a tropical twist.
Pineapple (1 cup, chopped): Adds tropical brightness complemented by a bit of tartness.
Avocado (1, chopped): Rounded creaminess that balances the salsa’s fruitiness and spice.
Red bell pepper (1/2, minced): Adds vibrant color and slight crunch to the salsa.
Red onion (2 tablespoons, diced): Brings a sharp, slightly sweet bite for contrast.
Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten up every mouthful.
Jalapeno (1, seeded and diced): A gentle heat that lifts the salsa without overwhelming.
Salt (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon, to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors in the salsa.

How to Make Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Spice Rub

Start by combining the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, thyme, pepper, and cayenne pepper to create your Cajun Spice Mix. Take two teaspoons of this spice mix and place it in a shallow dish or large freezer bag where you’ll marinate your salmon. To this, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, and the remaining spice blend. This marinade will infuse your salmon with layers of zesty, smoky flavor, tenderizing it perfectly.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place the skinless salmon filets into the marinade, making sure each piece gets coated evenly. Let them marinate at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. This step allows the citrus juices and savory spices to seep into the fish, building a robust flavor base while keeping the salmon moist during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Mango, Pineapple, and Avocado Salsa

While the salmon marinates, chop the mango, pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. Toss these ingredients together in a large bowl. Hold off on adding the avocado until right before serving to prevent it from browning. Add salt and a splash of lime juice to brighten up all the natural sweetness of the fruit and balance the salsa perfectly.

Step 4: Apply the Spice Rub and Cook Salmon

After marinating, remove the salmon from the marinade and gently pat dry with paper towels. Now it’s time to bring out the bold Cajun flavor by generously rubbing the remaining spice mix over all sides of each fillet. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the salmon in the skillet and let it cook for about 4 minutes until it develops a crispy blackened crust. Flip the fillets, add the butter to the pan, and continue cooking for another 3 to 6 minutes depending on your preferred level of doneness. Keep an eye to prevent burning and adjust the heat as needed for that perfect crust.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet and arrange it on plates. Spoon the luscious mango, pineapple, and avocado salsa alongside the salmon, and drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the top for an extra touch of richness. This step pulls together everything beautifully, highlighting a perfect balance of smoky spice and fresh tropical sweetness.

How to Serve Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of light brown cooked grains with a slightly chewy texture as the base layer, topped by a thick, grilled salmon fillet with a crispy and charred orange-brown crust. On top of the salmon sits a colorful salsa made of diced yellow mango, green avocado, red bell pepper, and fresh green herbs, adding a bright burst of colors and fresh texture. A golden fork is piercing the salmon, lifting a piece with some salsa. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the whole scene is bright and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like a wedge of lime or extra cilantro sprigs can elevate this dish, adding brightness and a hint of herbal aroma. Thin slices of jalapeno placed over the salsa offer a little extra kick for spice lovers and create an enticing visual contrast.

Side Dishes

This Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Think fluffy coconut rice, grilled asparagus, or even a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal balanced and allow the flavors of the salmon and salsa to shine as the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish on a mango leaf or over a bed of mixed greens to highlight its tropical roots. You might also try stacking the salsa atop the salmon fillets for a beautiful layered presentation that makes every bite visually delightful. This can make your table feel extra festive and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salmon and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the salsa from making the fish soggy and keeps textures fresh. The salmon will stay good for up to 2 days when refrigerated properly.

Freezing

For best results, it’s not recommended to freeze cooked salmon with the salsa since the fresh fruit can become mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze raw marinated salmon fillets for up to one month. Make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking to maintain the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat cooked salmon gently in a low oven or a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can quickly toughen the fish. Add salsa fresh after reheating to preserve its vibrant flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the cayenne pepper in the spice rub or add more jalapeno in the salsa if you love heat. Adjust gradually to suit your spice tolerance without overpowering the other flavors.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the Cajun mix?

You can use a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend as a shortcut. Just make sure it includes smoked paprika for that authentic smoky flavor, and adjust the amount to taste.

Can this recipe be made with skin-on salmon?

Yes, you can use skin-on salmon. Just cook the fillets skin-side down first to crisp the skin, then flip carefully to finish. The skin adds a delicious texture but requires attentive cooking to avoid sticking.

Is the mango salsa suitable to prepare entirely ahead of time?

Prepare the salsa ingredients ahead, but hold off mixing in the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh and green. This will prevent browning and maintain the salsa’s vibrant look and flavor.

What cooking methods work best for this Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe besides stovetop?

Besides pan-searing, you can also grill the salmon for an extra smoky char or bake it in the oven. If baking, apply the spice rub and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Just add the butter after cooking to keep the rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe is an absolute winner when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of fragrant spices, juicy tropical fruits, and tender salmon creates a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. I encourage you to try it soon and watch as it becomes a favorite crowd-pleaser in your home as well.