Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos

Name: Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 corn tortillas; 2 fillets of salmon (about 1 pound); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 2 limes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 avocado, sliced; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Extra lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: World Feast | Global Banquet

I absolutely love making Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos for a fresh and flavorful meal. The combination of perfectly grilled salmon with vibrant lime and cilantro truly transforms my taco nights. Each time I prepare these tacos, I enjoy experimenting with toppings like avocado and crunchy cabbage, which adds a delightful texture. With a quick cooking time of only 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings, and the zesty flavor always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Created by

Mia

Last updated on 2026-02-19T19:39:18.716Z

While making these Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos, I discovered how simple cooking techniques can enhance flavor. I recommend using fresh, wild-caught salmon if available; it makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture. A proper marinade with lime juice not only infuses flavor but also keeps the salmon moist while grilling.

Pairing the tacos with fresh toppings such as cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocados elevates them to a whole new level. Don’t skip the tortillas; warm corn tortillas really complement the smoky, zesty salmon perfectly.

        Why You'll Love These Tacos
        The smoky flavor of grilled salmon pairs beautifully with zesty lime.
Each taco is customizable with fresh toppings to suit your taste.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

      

Selecting the Right Salmon

Choosing the right salmon is essential for the best flavor in your tacos. For grilling, I recommend using wild-caught salmon if possible, as it tends to have a richer taste and firmer texture than farmed varieties. Look for fillets that are bright in color and free of any discoloration or unpleasant odor. If the skin is on, it will help keep the salmon moist during grilling, providing you with a flavorful and juicy filling for your tacos.

Consider the thickness of your salmon fillets when grilling. Thicker pieces may require a couple of extra minutes on the grill to ensure they're cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F. If you notice the edges of the fillets turning golden, that’s a good sign that they’re close to perfect. Overcooking can cause salmon to become dry, so keep a close eye on it!

Taco Assembly Tips

The assembly of your Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos is where you can really personalize your dish. Start by warming the corn tortillas on the grill; this helps to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable. A good tortilla should be warm enough to roll without cracking, usually about 30 seconds per side. If you prefer softer tacos, you can wrap them in a clean kitchen towel after warming to retain moisture while you finish grilling the salmon.

When adding toppings, consider layering for both flavor and presentation. Begin with the flaky salmon, then add the avocado slices, which not only provide creamy texture but also balance the acidity of the lime juice. A generous pinch of shredded cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, while fresh cilantro elevates the overall flavor with its bright notes. Don't be shy with the toppings—each bite should offer a burst of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

To make these delicious tacos, gather your ingredients:

For the Tacos

4 corn tortillas
2 fillets of salmon (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

1 avocado, sliced
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Extra lime wedges for serving

Now that you have everything ready, let's proceed to the steps!

Instructions

Here’s how to grill your salmon and assemble the tacos:

Marinate the Salmon

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon fillets, coating them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.

Grill the Salmon

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

Warm the Tortillas

While the salmon is grilling, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for a minute on each side until they are pliable.

Assemble the Tacos

Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill and flake it with a fork. Place a generous amount of salmon on each tortilla, followed by slices of avocado, shredded cabbage, and chopped cilantro.

Serve

Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider grilling some lime halves alongside the salmon to squeeze over the tacos before serving.

Customizing Your Tacos

These Grilled Salmon Lime Tacos are incredibly versatile, allowing for various topping options based on what you have available or your dietary preferences. If you're looking to add a bit of heat, consider diced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy salsa. For a creamier texture, you could top the tacos with a dollop of sour cream or a zesty yogurt sauce. Alternatively, try adding pickled onions or radishes for an extra tangy crunch that complements the rich salmon.

Vegetarians can easily substitute the salmon with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. Prepare these substitutes with the same marinade to ensure they absorb similar flavors. Just grill the portobellos for about 4-6 minutes per side or until they are tender and deliciously charred, creating a robust taco that remains satisfying.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning ahead, you can marinate the salmon up to 2 hours in advance. Just ensure you keep it properly covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent contamination. Marinating it for too long, however, can make the fish overly citrusy, so stick to the recommended time for the best results. The cilantro can also be chopped and stored in an airtight container to save prep time right before serving.

Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. While it may not be quite as juicy as when freshly grilled, incorporating it into a salad or serving it with a different grain base can offer a new twist on your meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges work best, but feel free to add your favorite toppings!

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

While the grilled salmon is best fresh, you can marinate the salmon a few hours in advance.

→ Is it possible to bake the salmon instead of grilling?

Absolutely! You can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.