15-Minute Salmon Tacos

Why This Is The Best Salmon Tacos Recipe 

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is a cinch to make. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in 15 minutes.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet appearance and complex flavors, this recipe is actually quite easy to make. It's a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special.
• Unforgettable Flavors: The combination of flaky salmon, creamy avocado, and tangy slaw is a flavor-packed sensation that you won't soon forget. It's a dish that's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
• Family Favorite: These salmon tacos are a hit with the whole family. They're a great way to get your kids to eat more fish, and they're so tasty that they'll be asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients

Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Salmon filets: The star of the dish, the salmon filets provide a rich, flaky texture and a delicious, hearty flavor.
• Tortillas: These serve as the vessel for our delicious fillings, providing a soft, comforting wrap. You can choose from wheat, corn, or almond tortillas, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage adds a wonderful crunch to our tacos, as well as a fresh, light flavor.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado gives our tacos a creamy, satisfying base. It's packed with healthy fats and adds a wonderful, buttery texture.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to our tacos. I recommend using an English cucumber for a milder, sweeter flavor, but a regular cucumber will work just fine, too.
• Olive oil: This is used to dress our cabbage slaw, adding a light, fruity flavor and helping to bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
• Lemon juice: A few tablespoons of lemon juice add a bright, tangy flavor to our mashed avocado, helping to cut through the richness and making it even more delicious.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro is sprinkled on top of our tacos, adding a fresh, herbal note. It's optional, but I highly recommend it as it really brings all the flavors together.

Tips For Making the Best Salmon Tacos

• Choose the right salmon: For this recipe, I recommend using fresh salmon filets. However, you can also use frozen filets, just make sure to properly thaw them before cooking.
• Don't overcook: Salmon is best when it's just cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry. For this recipe, bake the salmon in a preheated 400 F oven for about 15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
• Customize your slaw: The cabbage and cucumber slaw not only adds a refreshing crunch to your tacos but also can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or radishes for extra flavor and color.
• Choose your tortilla: You can use wheat, corn, or almond tortillas for this recipe. Each will give a different flavor and texture to your tacos.

Serving Suggestions

• For a complete meal, serve these salmon tacos with a side of Mexican rice and black beans. The earthy flavors of the beans and the savory rice perfectly complement the freshness of the tacos.
• Want a refreshing twist? Try serving these tacos with a side of mango salsa. The sweet and tangy flavors of the salsa will add a tropical touch to your meal.
• If you're looking for a light, yet satisfying, dinner option, pair these salmon tacos with a simple side salad. The crisp, fresh greens will balance out the rich flavors of the tacos.
• For a casual get-together or a family dinner, set up a taco bar with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and extra cilantro. Let everyone customize their tacos to their liking.

Recipe Variation Ideas 

• Spicy: If you're a fan of heat, this variation is for you. Add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the mashed avocado. You can also sprinkle some chopped jalapenos on top of your tacos for an extra kick.
• Tropical: If you enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of the tropics, you'll love this variation. Add fresh mango or pineapple chunks to your tacos. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the savory salmon.
• Cheesy: Add a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or cotija on top of your tacos. You can also melt some Monterey Jack cheese on the tortillas before adding the other ingredients.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerating: Simply store the flaked salmon, cabbage slaw, and mashed avocado in airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, I don't recommend freezing your salmon tacos. Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of the salmon and the slaw, resulting in a less enjoyable dish.