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    Home » Main Dishes » Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salsa

    Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salsa

    Published: Jul 17, 2022 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    Summer means grilling and this moist, tender Cajun Grilled Salmon couldn't be easier or tastier. Its spicy, smoky flavor is perfectly complimented with a topping of fresh, cool cucumber salsa. Make the salsa ahead of time and dinner is on the table in 30!

    Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salsa on top.

    Cajun Spiced Salmon

    I'm a big fan of grilling in the summer, not only for its great flavor but how quick and easy it is. This grilled salmon is no exception. It has a simple, light coating of olive oil and cajun spice and takes just 12 minutes to cook. That no muss, no fuss prep makes this one of my favorite BBQ dinners!

    I love to take grilled favorites like fish, chicken, or pork and make them into new dinners with just the addition of fresh, flavorful salsas. Pineapple salsa lends a tropical edge to grilled fish, chicken, or fish tacos, while peach salsa is the perfect fit for grilled pork. Opt for a red pepper salsa for another salmon topping or stick with this delicious cucumber salsa. Make it a day ahead and dinner is on the table in 30!

    Closeup of grilled salmon on wooden board.

    Why This is the Best Cajun Grilled Salmon Recipe

    • Easy to make
    • Quick - just 12 minutes from grill to plate
    • Incredibly moist
    • Just the right amount of spice
    • Healthy and delicious
    Bowl of cucumber salsa.

    Why You'll Love This Cucumber Salsa Recipe

    This crisp cucumber salsa is loaded with flavor. It's not a tomato salsa with cucumber - the cucumber is the star! It's a crisp cucumber salsa that's perfect for salmon or any fish.

    There's so much freshness to enjoy in this cucumber melon salsa with cantaloupe, avocado, cilantro, jalapeno, lime, and mint.

    Cajun Grilled Salmon Ingredients

    Ingredients for Cajun Salmon recipe.

    You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this grilled cajun salmon recipe:

    • Salmon Fillets
    • Olive Oil
    • Cajun Seasoning

    Best Salmon For Grilling

    You can grill any fresh salmon including whole, fillets, and steaks. Canned is already cooked and best for making salmon patties.

    Any of these salmon species are great for grilling:

    • Alaskan Salmon
    • Coho Salmon
    • King Salmon
    • Norwegian Salmon
    • Scottish Salmon
    • Sockeye Salmon
    • Wild Salmon

    Cucumber Salsa Recipe Ingredients

    Cucumber Salsa recipe ingredients.
    • Cucumber
    • Plum tomato
    • Red onion
    • Sweet onion
    • Cantaloupe
    • Avocado
    • Fresh cilantro
    • Jalapeno
    • Lime juice - fresh squeezed is best
    • Salt
    • Fresh ground black pepper
    • Fresh mint

    Cucumber Salsa Variations

    • Cucumber Corn Salsa - add ¼ cup of corn kernels
    • Cucumber Mango Salsa - substitute the cantaloupe with mango
    • Cucumber Peach Salsa - substitute the cantaloupe with peaches
    • Cucumber Pineapple Salsa - substitute the cantaloupe with fresh or canned pineapple
    • Cucumber Watermelon Salsa - substitute the cantaloupe with watermelon
    • No tomatoes - omit the tomato to make this cucumber salsa without tomatoes.

    How to Season Grilled Salmon

    It is best to season salmon just before grilling. For this recipe, you will rub the fillets with olive oil then sprinkle cajun seasoning on top.

    How to Make Cucumber Salsa

    Steps to make salsa with cucumber.
    1. Place all chopped ingredients except avocado into a large bowl.
    2. Sprinkle with lime juice.
    3. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
    5. 20 minutes prior to serving, add avocado.
    6. Stir and refrigerate. If the salsa needs more moisture, add a bit more lime juice.
    Spoonful of salsa with cucumber over grilled salmon.

    Fresh, cool salsa is the perfect accompaniment to take a little of the heat from the cajun salmon. Top the fresh grilled salmon fillets with a little salsa and serve the remainder in a bowl on the side.

    How to Grill Cajun Salmon

    How to prep and grill salmon steps.
    1. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil.
    2. Sprinkle cajun seasoning on the flesh side only.
    3. Ready to grill.
    4. Heat grill to high, about 450 degrees then place salmon, flesh side down on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. Turn and grill for an additional 4 minutes.
    Grilled cajun salmon showing flakiness.

    Just look at that delicious flaky fish and that fresh salsa, yes please! Now take a bite and savor the spicy and super moist perfectly grilled salmon with its topping of cool cucumber salsa. It's the perfect easy-to-make dinner for summer. Enjoy!

    Recipe Tips

    • Select pieces that are similar in size. Center-cut salmon is great for grilling.
    • Leave the skin on the salmon to help hold together the flesh when grilling.
    • Remove any pin bones before grilling. Feel for them and use pliers or tweezers to remove them.
    • Don't overcook fish or it will be dry. To see if it is done, gently press on it with a fork or your fingers. It is done when the flesh separates and flakes easily.

    What to Serve with Cajun Salmon

    Are you wondering what would be a good cajun grilled salmon side dish? Spicy cajun salmon sides should be light and not compete or conflict with the cajun grilled salmon seasonings or toppings. Here are some great ideas for grilled salmon side dishes:

    • Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes
    • Grilled Corn on the Cob
    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Rice

    Cajun Grilled Salmon Leftovers

    How to Store Leftover Grilled Salmon

    Store any leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    What to Make with Leftover Grilled Salmon

    Cajun spiced salmon leftovers can be used to make a delicious grilled salmon dinner. Here are some ideas:

    • Grilled Salmon Salad - Fresh crisp greens, cucumber, tomato, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
    • Grilled Salmon Tacos - Change up Taco Tuesday in a unique way.
    • Grilled Salmon Wrap - Tortillas filled with spicy salmon, lettuce, and tomatoes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it better to grill salmon in foil or not?

    Grilling salmon in foil is one way to keep it moist. However, make sure you don't grill it for too long as it can make it dry. It's done when it separates and flakes when lightly pressed with a fork or your finger.

    Can you put salmon directly on the grill?

    Yes, you can grill salmon on the grill grates. Be sure they are cleaned and oiled before placing the salmon on the grates.

    What is the white stuff on cooked salmon?

    The white stuff is albumin. It's a protein that is in liquid form when raw but coagulates and becomes semi-solid when cooked.

    Can you freeze cucumber salsa?

    Yes! It's a great way to preserve fresh salsa so you can enjoy it throughout the year.

    Can you can cucumber salsa?

    Yes! It's a great way to preserve salsa for long periods. You can double or triple the recipe to make a large batch for canning cucumber salsa.

    More Great Salmon Recipes

    Baked Asian Salmon with Maple Glaze is sweet, tender and ready in 30.

    Crab Stuffed Salmon is covered with cheese and baked for a healthy, filling meal.

    Foil Baked Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning is a flavorful, easy no-fuss dinner.

    Cajun Blackened Salmon from Flavor Mosaic

    Find lots of salmon recipes here on 2CM!

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    Closeup of grilled salmon with salsa.

    Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salsa

    Grilled cajun salmon is a little bit spicy & a little bit smoky. Top with delicious fresh cucumber melon salsa for the perfect pairing.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Salsa Chill Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 398kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    Salmon

    • 8 oz. salmon fillets skin left on one side (each fillet about 4-oz)
    • Olive oil
    • Cajun seasoning like Emerils

    Cucumber Lime Salsa

    • 1 plum tomato, chopped small
    • ¼ cup red onion, chopped
    • ¼ cup sweet onion, chopped
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 1 medium cucumber, chopped small
    • 1 jalapeno, minced
    • ¼ cup lime juice
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ fresh cantaloupe, chopped small
    • 2 Tablespoons mint, chopped fine
    • 1 avocado, cut into small cubes

    Instructions

    Cucumber Salsa

    • Mix all ingredients except avocado together, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marry flavors.
    • Add avocado during the last 20 minutes then stir. Place back in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If the salsa is not moist enough, a little more lime juice can be added.

    Grilled Salmon

    • Turn grill to high, close cover, and wait until grill reaches 450 degrees.
    • Lightly coat the flesh side of the salmon with olive oil then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
    • Place salmon directly on the hot part of the grill, flesh side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. Turn and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
    • When done, place your spatula between the skin and the flesh of the fish and lift it off the grill. If you like to eat the crunchy skin you can now take that off the grill as well.
    • Serve with a small amount of salsa over each serving of fish. Serve additional salsa on the side.

    Notes

    RECIPE TIPS
    • Select pieces that are similar in size. Center-cut salmon is great for grilling.
    • Leave the skin on the salmon to help hold together the flesh when grilling.
    • Remove any pin bones before grilling. Feel for them and use pliers or tweezers to remove them.
    • Don't overcook fish or it will be dry. To see if it is done, gently press on it with a fork or your fingers. It is done when the flesh separates and flakes easily.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 1642mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 3450IU | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

    This post has been updated with new photos and step-by-step directions. It was first published on April 26, 2017.

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    Comments

    1. Colleen says

      April 28, 2017 at 8:42 am

      I'm not a fan of salmon, but just hand over the entire bowl of that Cucumber Lime Salsa...I won't have any problems polishing it off!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        May 01, 2017 at 11:00 am

        This cucumber lime salsa would be perfect on any kind of fish or chicken. I like to serve it as a topping for lighter shrimp tacos too.

        Reply
    2. Wendy says

      April 26, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      An easy and delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        April 27, 2017 at 6:29 pm

        Thanks Wendy! Our grill is always going year round at our house, so easy to do & so good too!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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