Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salsa

Name: Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salsa
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz. salmon fillets (skin left on one side (each fillet about 4-oz)); Olive oil; Cajun seasoning like Emerils; 1 plum tomato, (chopped small); 1/4 cup red onion, (chopped); 1/4 cup sweet onion, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, (chopped); 1 medium cucumber, (chopped small); 1 jalapeno, (minced); 1/4 cup lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 fresh cantaloupe, (chopped small); 2 Tablespoons mint, (chopped fine); 1 avocado, (cut into small cubes)

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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

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

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
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

Place all chopped ingredients except avocado into a large bowl.
Sprinkle with lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper.
Stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
20 minutes prior to serving, add avocado.
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

Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil.
Sprinkle cajun seasoning on the flesh side only.
Ready to grill.
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.

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:

Grilled Broccoli
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Rice
Steamed Green Beans

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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