These Salmon Tacos are crazy delicious and will have your taste buds dancing! Ready in less than 30 minutes they're nutritious, packed with protein, and served with a zesty fresh fish taco slaw.
Now if you've been here a while, you'll know I eat a mostly vegetarian diet and occasionally a little seafood sometimes. I've been trying to eat fish more often lately, so I have been experimenting with different recipes that don't taste so fishy…if you know what I mean 😉. These salmon tacos have been one of my new favorite meals to incorporate due to the spice rub on the salmon and creamy fish taco slaw combined together which means they don't have an overpowering fishy flavor.
They’re bright, colorful and taste just as good as they look. These will impress everyone! The salmon is marinated in a delicious spice rub to make a simple version of blackened salmon, using paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder and more. Then served in your favorite tortilla with avocado and the taco slaw. Every mouthful is filled with different flavors and textures that work so well together. I'm not kidding when I say you want more with each bite! I was obsessed with fish tacos when we travelled to Hawaii years ago, so had to recreate my own using salmon instead of mahi mahi fish.
Not only do these salmon tacos taste amazing, but they're also healthy and nutritious. Packed with protein, healthy fats, omega3’s and nutrients from the salmon and other ingredients too. You know I'm all about healthy eating that still tastes delicious…the fish taco slaw is creamy, yet light and fresh, made with Greek yogurt as the base with a touch of mayo which keeps it healthier and not so heavy either. It also adds protein and calcium, it's zesty and fresh from the lime juice and cilantro which I absolutely love.
Salmon has always been my favorite fish, even well before I started eating a mostly vegetarian diet, so its been the easiest fish for me to start eating again. There are so many dishes you can make with salmon using different flavors and sauces to marinate it. If you love salmon too, you must also try my teriyaki salmon, or air fryer salmon bites which you can make into another favorite dish, my salmon bowl, which is like a poke bowl using cooked fish.
Table of Contents
What makes this recipe special
- Quick & Easy: Simple steps and ingredients to make the perfect dinner in less than 30 minutes
- Crazy Delicious: The spice rub and zesty creamy slaw make every bite pop with flavor
- Healthy & Nutritious: The salmon is packed with protein, omega 3’s and healthy fats along with the fresh slaw
- Family-Friendly: Adults and kids, even picky eaters will love these! You can also use the same ingredients to make a salmon bowl instead of tacos
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Salmon is the star today! It’s one of my favorite fishes that’s flaky, tender, and high in protein, omega 3’s and healthy fats. Sliced into chunks and marinated in a spice rub similar to blacked salmon, then either pan fry, bake, or make airfryer salmon bites
- Spices rub - paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic, chili powder. This blend adds warmth, depth and a little smokiness for a slightly blackened flavor. Feel free to adjust with more chilli powder for heat
- Tortillas, use either corn or flour tortillas for this salmon taco recipe. I prefer small tortillas when making tacos. You can also substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free if needed
- Avocado is sliced and placed into the tacos adding a delicious creaminess
- Sauces, since the fish taco slaw is nice and creamy, the salmon tacos don't require any sauce, but you can of course drizzle your favorite hot sauce, sriracha aioli or even a crema sauce
Taco Slaw
- Carrots, purple and green cabbage adds crunch and a beautiful mix of color. You can also use a pre made coleslaw or cabbage slaw mix if you want to save more time
- Green onions and fresh cilantro adds freshness and brightness, and also a mild subtle bite. You can also add pickled red onions for extra flavor
- Greek yogurt, mayonnaise and lime juice makes a creamy, zesty dressing with a light tang. Substitute with sour cream or keep it 100% yogurt base for a healthier option
- Jalapeño or pickled jalapeño (optional). For a spicy kick, or leave them out if serving kids or prefer it not spicy
How to make Salmon Tacos
These easy salmon tacos come together in under 30 minutes with juicy spiced salmon, creamy slaw and avocado, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Follow my simple steps below (note quantities are listed in the recipe card below)
Cut salmon into ~1-inch (2.5cms) cubes, removing bones and skin. Place in a bowl
Mix spices with olive oil in a small bowl
Pour over salmon and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes
While the salmon marinates, prepare the slaw. Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl
Thinly slice cabbage and carrots, then chop green onions and cilantro (include stems). Optional spice - finely dice fresh or pickled jalapeños
Add veggies to the dressing and toss
Taste and adjust with a bit more mayo if needed. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes while cooking the salmon
Slice the avocado
Heat tortillas on a pan - I prefer to do it at the same time the salmon is cooking
Heat a skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of oil. Add salmon in a single layer
Cook for 4–7 minutes, flipping halfway once browned. If you prefer the air fryer, see recipe here
To assemble, add avocado slices and slaw to each tortilla, then top with 2–3 salmon cubes (or flake it). Finish with lime juice and optional sriracha aioli or mayo. Enjoy!
What to serve in Salmon tacos
- Fish taco slaw or coleslaw
- Pickled red onions
- Avocado slices
- Pico de gallo
- Mango salsa or pineapple salsa
- Black beans
- Corn
- Crema, chipotle mayo, sriracha aioli or hot sauce
- Cheese
- Extra sprinkle of cilantro
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the salmon bites for at least 10 minutes while you prep the slaw for the best flavor - you can also marinate for a few hours if you have the time
- Pan fry, bake, grill or air fry the salmon bites - all work great
- I like to flake the salmon with the back of a fork when assembling the tacos
- Toast your tortillas in a dry skillet or carefully over an open flame for 1-2 minutes until charred and warmed through
- Prep the taco slaw ahead to let the flavor develop for at least 10 minutes before serving
Storage Instructions
- These are best enjoyed fresh if assembled, however you can store leftover salmon and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bear in mind the slaw won't be as crunchy if it has been dressed already
- Reheat salmon in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through or enjoy cold
- Freezing is not recommended for the slaw, but the salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month
FAQs
Pair with lighter sides like a edamame salad, pickled onions or a simple salsa with chips work best to keep the meal balanced and fresh
Salmon, white fish including tilapia, cod and mahimahi
Crema sauce or your favorite hot sauce, avocados, shredded cheese, corn, cilantro, or even pickled red onions
Absolutely! Spray or brush with oil then grill over medium heat until cooked through
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Salmon Tacos:
More Salmon Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Salmon Tacos (Healthy, Delicious under 30 Minutes)
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1lb / 450g salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- *Optional ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
Fish Taco Slaw
- 1 cup each shredded carrot, purple and green cabbage
- 2 green onions
- Half a bunch of cilantro
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 whole lime
- Jalapeño or pickled jalapeño (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assemble
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 avocado
- Lime wedges
*Optional sriracha aioli or spicy mayo for serving
Instructions
- Slice the salmon into large cubes (~1 inch / 2.5cms). Remove any bones, I prefer to also remove the the skin, then place in a bowl
- Add spices to a small bowl with the olive oil and whisk to combine
- Pour the marinade over the salmon cubes and mix to coat. Leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes or longer if you have the time
- Whilst the salmon is marinating, prepare the fish taco slaw. Add the dressing ingredients - Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, lime juice with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk togetherMore detailed slaw recipe here
- Thinly slice the cabbage and carrots using either a mandolin or sharp knife. Slice the green onions and cilantro - including the stems. *Optional finally dice fresh or pickled jalapenos for spice
- Add the chopped veggies to the dressing and toss. Taste for seasoning and add the 3rd spoon of mayonnaise if needed. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes while cooking the salmon
- Heat a skillet to a medium-high heat with a light drizzle of oil or oil spray. Place down salmon cubes in a single layer and cook for 4 -7 minutes, flipping halfway when you see it has a nice brown char (cook time depends on how cooked you prefer your salmon). *If you prefer to air fry the salmon bites - refer recipe here
- Whilst salmon is cooking, slice the avocado and heat tortillas on a skillet or carefully using the open flame on the stove top
- Assemble tacos by adding avocado slices, taco slaw and 2-3 pieces of the salmon cubes - I prefer to then roughly flake the salmon with the back of a forkGarnish with a squeeze of lime juice and optional drizzle of sriracha aioli or mayo and enjoy your delicious salmon tacos!
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