Name: Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; 1 teaspoon adobo sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 medium lime, zest and juice; ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; 24 oz salmon filets (4 fillets x 5 ounces each), skin off or on; 1 tablespoon neutral oil; For the Pineapple Tomato Avocado Salsa:; 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced; ½ small red onion, finely chopped; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 2 green onions, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; lime, juice and zest; salt and pepper, to taste; 1 avocado, ripe yet firm, diced small

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that never fails to wow my guests—and completely delight my own tastebuds—it’s this stunning Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade). The marinade is tangy, sweet, just the right amount of smoky, and bursts with bright citrus, making it the kind of meal you’ll crave before you’re even finished licking your plate clean. Paired with a vibrant pineapple tomato avocado salsa, every bite is bold, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth magical. If you want to transform ordinary salmon into a dish that’s downright unforgettable, this is your golden ticket!

Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient, while simple on its own, transforms the salmon into something extraordinary together. Each item is carefully chosen to add depth, brightness, and irresistible texture, so make sure not to skip any for the true Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) experience.

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a savory punch and depth to the marinade.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: For that signature smoky heat—adjust to your spice preference or swap for a milder pepper if desired.
Adobo sauce: A spoonful from the chipotle can delivers bold, flavorful warmth that lingers in the best way.
Honey: Just enough to balance out the heat with a subtle touch of sweetness.
Neutral oil: Helps keep the salmon moist and the marinade perfectly blended; use avocado or canola for best results.
Soy sauce: Adds rich umami and salt, whether you go with regular or low sodium—it really deepens the flavor.
Lime zest and juice: Both parts brighten up every mouthful and beautifully cut through the richness of the fish.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the marinade and the salmon, making every flavor pop.
Salmon filets: Opt for skin-off or skin-on; either way, look for fresh, vibrant fillets if possible.
Neutral oil (for grilling): Brushing the grill keeps the salmon from sticking and helps achieve those dreamy grill marks.
Fresh pineapple: Diced for juicy, tangy sweetness in the salsa that pairs so well with the smoky salmon.
Red onion: Finely chopped, it brings welcome crunch and sharpness to the salsa.
Cherry tomatoes: Quartered to release a burst of fresh, sunny flavor with every bite.
Green onions: Both the green and white parts for a gentle oniony spark throughout the salsa.
Fresh cilantro: Roughly chopped, it brings grassy, herbal notes for irresistible flavor.
Lime juice and zest (for salsa): A second hit of zing ties the whole dish together.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch at the end ensures perfect seasoning in the salsa.
Avocado: Ripe yet firm, cut small for creamy, buttery bites in the colorful salsa.

How to Make Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade)

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine your minced garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, neutral oil, soy sauce, fresh lime zest, and juice along with kosher salt. Give it all a vigorous whisk until the marinade looks creamy and even. Don’t be shy—taste and adjust with a little extra lime or a splash more soy sauce if that’s your vibe. This is the backbone of your Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade), so make it sing!

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets as dry as possible, and then snuggle them into a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour in every last drop of your marinade, gently ensuring each piece is fully coated from edge to edge. Squeeze the air from the bag, zip it up, and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for about two hours—long enough to absorb all that flavor, but not so long the acids start to cook the fish. Let it come to room temp for 30 minutes before grilling so the salmon cooks evenly.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Tomato Avocado Salsa

While the salmon is soaking up the incredible marinade, toss together the diced pineapple, red onion, cherry tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and a hearty sprinkling of lime zest and juice in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and taste for perfect balance. Right before serving, gently fold in the avocado so it stays bright and creamy. This salsa is fresh, sweet, tangy, and makes Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) the ultimate summer meal.

Step 4: Grill the Salmon

Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates well with neutral oil. Take the salmon out of the marinade, letting excess drip off—too much leftover marinade can burn from the honey’s sugars. Grill the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until charred and delicious and the internal temperature reaches 125 to 130 degrees for just-right medium. Rest the salmon a couple of minutes off heat so the juices settle and every bite is moist and tender.

Step 5: Add a Little Extra Kick (Optional)

If you love saucy salmon, you can boil the leftover marinade in a small saucepan for a few minutes, then brush it on the salmon right before serving. This adds another layer of flavor and a lovely glossy finish to every filet. Just remember to boil it thoroughly to ensure it’s safe to use.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Place each salmon filet on a plate, hit with a bit of salt and fresh black pepper, and top generously with the pineapple tomato avocado salsa. Serve with extra lime wedges and your favorite sides for a true crowd-pleaser! Whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) delivers.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade)

Garnishes

Garnish this dish with a flourish of freshly chopped cilantro, extra lime zest, and a few more slices of avocado on the side. A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of flaky salt right before serving turns Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s as beautiful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this salmon with coconut cilantro lime rice or fluffy jasmine rice for something cozy, or go light with a crisp, leafy salad and plenty of grilled vegetables. Roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf complement the flavors without stealing the show. No matter what you pair it with, Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) shines brightest when served with simple, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling inspired? Flake the grilled salmon gently and pile it into warm tortillas for an epic taco night, or serve it as a bowl over grains and lightly dressed greens. For a showstopping dinner party, plate the fillets atop a bed of salsa and finish with colorful edible flowers or extra citrus for wow factor. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) when you put your creative spin on it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the salmon cool to room temperature, then transfer it (and any leftover salsa) into airtight containers. Stored separately, both will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen a bit as they sit, so day-two salmon is still a treat!

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon fillets for up to a month—just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing gently back to life. While the salsa is best fresh, you can freeze extra salmon for easy, flavor-packed meals anytime cravings hit.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a 300 degree oven or in a skillet with a splash of water or oil, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can easily dry it out. A quick pan sear is best for reviving the crispy edges and keeping Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chipotle peppers or adobo sauce?

Absolutely! If you don’t have chipotle peppers or want a less spicy version, smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne works in a pinch, along with extra lime for balance. You’ll lose a bit of that unique smokiness, but Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) is flexible and still delicious with these swaps.

Is it better to leave the skin on or off the salmon?

Both work well, but skin-on fillets are a bit easier to grill without breaking apart. The skin also adds lovely texture if you crisp it up on the grill. Either way, the marinade infuses the fish with so much flavor that Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) is always a hit.

Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling?

Yes! If grilling isn’t in the cards, just lay the marinated salmon on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’ll still capture all the flavors that make this Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) special.

How far ahead can I make the salsa?

The salsa is best made fresh, especially since avocado can brown. But you can prep all the ingredients (except avocado) a few hours ahead and fold in the diced avocado just before serving. This way, your Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) keeps its vibrant look and taste.

What’s the ideal internal temperature for the salmon?

For juicy, flakey salmon, aim for an internal temp of 125 to 130 degrees for medium, or up to 140 degrees for well done. A quick rest after grilling lets the juices distribute and gives you the perfect Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) every single time.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade), you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again for both easy weeknights and showoff occasions. The flavors are dazzling, the prep is mercifully simple, and the results never let you down. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy salmon—trust me, your dinner table has never looked (or tasted) better!

Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This grilled salmon recipe features a flavorful chipotle-honey marinade that pairs perfectly with a fresh pineapple tomato avocado salsa. A delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue!

Instructions

Marinate Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, oil, soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Marinate salmon fillets in the mixture for 2 hours.
Pineapple Tomato Avocado Salsa: Combine pineapple, red onion, cherry tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, lime zest, and juice. Fold in avocado.
Grilling the Salmon: Preheat grill, remove salmon from marinade, grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Rest before serving.
Serve: Plate salmon, top with salsa, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle peppers.
Make sure not to over-marinate the salmon to prevent the honey from burning on the grill.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American