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Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa

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By Danielle Porter • February 3rd, 2026
Perfectly seared blackened salmon fillet topped with vibrant mango avocado salsa, served over fluffy rice. Save
Perfectly seared blackened salmon fillet topped with vibrant mango avocado salsa, served over fluffy rice. | mealhivehub.com

This dish features tender salmon fillets seasoned with a smoky, spicy blackening blend and quickly seared to lock in flavors. The topping is a refreshing salsa combining ripe mango, creamy avocado, crisp red onion, and a hint of jalapeño, balanced with lime juice and cilantro. Perfect for an easy, colorful meal bursting with taste and contrasting textures.

The first time I made blackened salmon, my entire apartment filled with this incredible smoky aroma that had my neighbor actually knocking on my door to ask what I was cooking. I'd been intimidated by Cajun spices for years, worried they'd overpower everything, but that first bite changed my entire perspective on bold seasonings. The way the spices create that gorgeous dark crust while keeping the salmon perfectly tender inside is pure magic.

Last summer I made this for a dinner party on my patio, and I swear there was a moment of complete silence at the table when everyone took their first bite. My friend Sarah, who claims she doesnt like fish, went back for seconds and actually asked to take home the leftover spice blend. Now its become my go-to for those nights when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference here and I prefer skin-on for that extra crispy factor
  • Smoked paprika: This is the backbone of the blackening flavor and provides that gorgeous deep red color
  • Cayenne pepper: Adjust based on your heat tolerance I usually go light if Im serving guests who are sensitive to spice
  • Ripe mango: Should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy under-ripe mango wont give you that sweet juicy burst
  • Fresh lime juice: Absolutely essential for cutting through the rich salmon and spices while brightening the entire dish

Instructions

Blend your spices:
Whisk together all the spices in a small bowl until completely combined, taking a moment to breathe in that incredible aromatic mixture
Prep the salmon:
Pat the fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels, rub with olive oil, then press the spice blend into both sides until generously coated
Get that sear:
Heat your skillet until its smoking hot, add salmon skin-side down, and let it develop a dark crust without moving it for 3 to 4 minutes
Flip and finish:
Carefully turn each fillet and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is just opaque in the center and has that beautiful blackened crust
Make the salsa:
Gently combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl, being careful not to mash the avocado, and let it sit while the salmon rests
A close-up of spice-crusted blackened salmon with colorful mango avocado salsa garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A close-up of spice-crusted blackened salmon with colorful mango avocado salsa garnished with fresh cilantro. | mealhivehub.com

There's something almost meditative about dicing mango and avocado while the salmon sizzles away in the background. This recipe taught me that cooking seafood at home doesnt need to be complicated or intimidating to be extraordinary.

Getting The Perfect Sear

I learned through many failed attempts that patience is the secret to that restaurant-quality blackened crust. Resist the urge to move the salmon around once it hits the pan, and trust that the spices will create that incredible crust naturally. A cast iron skillet is your best friend here for even, high heat distribution.

Balancing Heat And Sweet

The beauty of this dish is how the cool, sweet salsa tames the fiery salmon. If you're sensitive to heat, start with less cayenne in the spice blend you can always add more but you cant take it away. The natural sweetness of ripe mango is essential for creating that perfect flavor equilibrium.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon is substantial enough to stand alone with just the salsa, but I love serving it over coconut rice for a tropical twist. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and if you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well here too.

  • Let the spice blend sit on the salmon for 15 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor penetration
  • Room temperature salmon will cook more evenly than cold from the fridge
  • Extra lime wedges on the side let guests adjust the acidity to their taste
Blackened salmon with mango avocado salsa resting on a plate, featuring bright citrus and jalapeño notes. Save
Blackened salmon with mango avocado salsa resting on a plate, featuring bright citrus and jalapeño notes. | mealhivehub.com

This recipe has become my answer to weeknight dinners that feel special without requiring hours of preparation. Theres something deeply satisfying about creating such a vibrant, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.

Common Questions

Use a hot cast iron skillet and sear the salmon fillets 3-4 minutes per side with a generous coating of the spice blend to create a flavorful crust.

Yes, reduce or omit the jalapeño in the salsa to make it milder without losing the fresh flavors.

Steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad pair nicely to round out the meal.

Pineapple or papaya work well as alternatives, offering a similar sweetness and texture.

Either works; skin-on can provide extra crispness when seared, while skinless cooks a bit faster and easier to serve.

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Perfectly seared blackened salmon fillet topped with vibrant mango avocado salsa, served over fluffy rice.
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Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa

Spicy seared salmon topped with bright mango avocado salsa for a vibrant main dish.

Prep 20m
Cook 10m
Total 30m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

For the Blackened Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless or skin-on as preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Mango Avocado Salsa

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1
Prepare the Blackening Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to make the blackening spice blend.
2
Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat with the spice blend.
3
Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. When hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down if applicable. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is deeply browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest.
4
Prepare the Salsa: While the salmon cooks, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5
Serve and Garnish: Serve the blackened salmon topped with a generous spoonful of mango avocado salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 390
Protein 33g
Carbs 15g
Fat 22g

Allergy Information

  • Contains fish (salmon).
  • Salsa ingredients are generally allergen-friendly, but always check for cross-contamination or sensitivities.
  • If using store-bought spices, check for hidden allergens.
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Danielle Porter

Home cook sharing easy, healthy recipes and kitchen tips for busy food lovers.