Easy Grilled Salmon with Corn Salsa is a fresh, flavorful meal that’s perfect for warm-weather dinners or anytime you want a healthy, satisfying dish. Tender grilled salmon is paired with a vibrant corn salsa made with charred corn, cilantro, lime, and cotija cheese for a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Fresh, bright flavors with smoky grilled salmon.
- Perfect for family dinners or outdoor cookouts.
- Naturally gluten-free and high in protein.
- Simple ingredients with restaurant-quality results.
- Great option for a healthy grilled salmon meal.
- Ideal for summer entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Corn Salsa
- 4 ears corn, shucked
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 ounce cotija cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Salmon
- 1½ pounds salmon fillet, cut into 4 equal portions with pin bones removed
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Grill the Corn
Preheat your grill or grill pan over high heat.
Place the corn directly on the grill and cook, turning every few minutes, until lightly charred on all sides. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before slicing the kernels from the cobs.
2. Make the Corn Salsa
In a medium bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, cotija cheese, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
3. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry using paper towels.
Brush both sides lightly with canola oil and season generously with kosher salt.
4. Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon skin-side up on the hot grill.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until it releases easily from the grill grates. Flip carefully and cook another 3–5 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your preferred doneness.
This Easy Grilled Salmon with Corn Salsa develops a beautifully crisp exterior while remaining moist and tender inside.
5. Serve
Transfer the salmon to serving plates.
Spoon the corn salsa generously over each fillet, garnish with extra cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Preheat the grill thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Dry salmon well before oiling for better browning.
- Use fresh sweet corn for the best flavor.
- Leave the skin on during grilling for easier handling.
- Don’t flip the salmon until it naturally releases.
- Add diced avocado or jalapeño to the salsa for extra flavor.
- Fresh lime juice provides the brightest taste.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, High Protein, Low Carb
Notes
- Feta cheese may be substituted for cotija if preferred.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
- Leftover corn salsa also pairs wonderfully with tacos or grilled chicken.
- Add a sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika for a mild kick.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 435
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 390mg
FAQ
Can I make the corn salsa ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day in advance and refrigerate until serving.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling.
What other fish works well with this salsa?
Halibut, mahi-mahi, cod, trout, and tilapia are all excellent choices.
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet produces excellent results.
Is this a healthy grilled salmon recipe?
Yes. It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables while remaining naturally gluten-free.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. The salsa is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing.
Reheating
Warm the salmon gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals. Add fresh salsa after reheating.
Similar Recipes
Easy Grilled Salmon with Corn Salsa
Ingredients
For the Corn Salsa
- 4 ears corn shucked
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 ounce cotija cheese crumbled
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Salmon
- 1½ pounds salmon fillet cut into 4 equal portions with pin bones removed
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
Grill the Corn
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over high heat.
- Place the corn directly on the grill and cook, turning every few minutes, until lightly charred on all sides. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before slicing the kernels from the cobs.
Make the Corn Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, cotija cheese, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry using paper towels.
- Brush both sides lightly with canola oil and season generously with kosher salt.
Grill the Salmon
- Place the salmon skin-side up on the hot grill.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until it releases easily from the grill grates. Flip carefully and cook another 3–5 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your preferred doneness.
- This Easy Grilled Salmon with Corn Salsa develops a beautifully crisp exterior while remaining moist and tender inside.
Serve
- Transfer the salmon to serving plates.
- Spoon the corn salsa generously over each fillet, garnish with extra cilantro, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feta cheese may be substituted for cotija if preferred.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
- Leftover corn salsa also pairs wonderfully with tacos or grilled chicken.
- Add a sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika for a mild kick.
Conclusion
Easy Grilled Salmon with Corn Salsa is a simple yet elegant recipe that combines perfectly grilled salmon with a fresh, colorful topping bursting with summer flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy grilled salmon recipe, an easy seafood dinner, or a memorable summer salmon dinner, this dish delivers every time. Fire up the grill, gather your fresh ingredients, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.