If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal to shake up your dinner routine, this Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, flaky salmon with a zesty slaw and creamy avocado-yogurt sauce, these tacos bring together a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its bright colors and bold, lively taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays an essential role – from the spiced salmon cubes that deliver a savory punch, to the crisp cabbage slaw that adds crunch and freshness. Every ingredient enhances the overall flavor, making this dish an unforgettable experience on your plate.
- 1 ½ pound salmon fillet: Choose a center-cut fillet for even cooking and a firm texture that holds up well in tacos.
- 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning: A spice blend that infuses warmth and depth into the salmon.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the salmon cook evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- ½ medium avocado: Creates a creamy base for the sauce, balancing the spices perfectly.
- ½ cup plain yogurt: Adds tang and smoothness to the avocado sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste for best results.
- 1 large lime (juiced): Adds zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped): Gives a fresh, herbal note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- 10 oz cabbage (shredded): Provides crunchy texture and a vibrant base for the slaw.
- 12 small tortillas (corn or flour): Soft, warm vessels that hold all the flavors together.
- ¼ cup red onion (chopped): Offers a sharp bite and color contrast in the slaw.
- 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 lime (cut into wedges): Perfect for extra squeezing on top before serving.
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped): Additional sprinkle for garnish and fresh flavor.
How to Make Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Pat the salmon fillet dry to ensure it roasts perfectly without steaming. Cut the salmon into one-inch cubes, then place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the fish. Toss gently to coat all pieces with the oil and spices, then spread them out so they roast evenly. Bake for about 7 minutes until cooked through but still tender.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce
While the salmon roasts, get going on the sauce by blending avocado, plain yogurt, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and kosher salt until smooth and luscious. This sauce is the creamy, tangy heart of the tacos, providing cool relief from the warm spices on the salmon. Keep it ready to drizzle or spread inside the tortillas.
Step 3: Make the Crunchy Cabbage Slaw
In a large bowl, add the shredded cabbage and give it a gentle squeeze with your hands to soften it just a little. Toss the cabbage with the creamy avocado sauce until everything is evenly coated and deliciously vibrant. Taste and adjust salt if needed—a simple step that makes all the difference. This slaw adds freshness, texture, and a hint of zing that complements the salmon beautifully.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble
Finally, warm your tortillas either over a gas stove flame for a slight char or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for softness. To assemble the tacos, layer a generous spoonful of the slaw, then top with the perfectly roasted salmon pieces. Add thin slices of jalapeño and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Don’t forget to offer lime wedges and any additional salsa or hot sauce for those who like an extra kick. Your salmon fish tacos are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate the tacos by adding visual appeal and texture. Fresh lime wedges are a must; a quick squeeze over the top adds essential brightness that ties all the flavors together. A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro leaves adds a burst of herbal freshness. For those who love a bit of heat, additional thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce complements the mild, buttery salmon perfectly.
Side Dishes
To turn this Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe into a full feast, consider serving it alongside light and refreshing sides. A tangy black bean and corn salad pairs wonderfully, offering a cool contrast to the warm tacos. Mexican-style rice, charred street corn (elote), or creamy guacamole with chips also make great companions, balancing spicy, creamy, and fresh flavor notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the taco components buffet-style so everyone can build their own. Lay out bowls of salmon, slaw, avocado sauce, jalapeños, and garnishes on a colorful platter. Alternatively, try serving the tacos open-faced on a large wooden board, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Mini tortillas can be used to create bite-sized appetizer tacos for parties—easy to enjoy and full of flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe, store the cooked salmon and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and the textures intact. The salmon is best eaten within 2 days to maintain its flaky and delicious taste, while the slaw should be consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
Freezing leftovers is possible but not ideal for the tacos assembled as a whole since the tortillas and slaw don’t freeze well. Instead, freeze the cooked salmon cubes alone in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results without drying it out.
Reheating
To reheat salmon for your tacos, do so gently to preserve moisture—an oven at low heat (around 275 degrees Fahrenheit) or a quick steam in a pan with a lid works wonders. Avoid microwaving directly unless necessary, and if you do, use short bursts to prevent overcooking. Warm the tortillas separately just before serving to keep them pliable and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salmon with another type of fish?
Absolutely! While salmon brings a rich, buttery flavor, you can use firm white fish like cod or tilapia. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some fish cook faster than salmon.
What if I don’t have plain yogurt for the sauce?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be excellent substitutes and will still give you that creamy tang needed to balance the spices and acidity.
Are these tacos suitable for meal prep?
Yes, prepping the salmon and slaw in advance can save time on busy days. Keep components separate until serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Can I make the slaw spicier?
Definitely! Add extra jalapeño slices or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cabbage slaw for more heat. Adjust to your taste.
What type of tortillas works best for this recipe?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas offer a traditional, slightly nuttier flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and pliable. Choose based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines ease, health, and vibrant flavors in every bite. Once you try it, you’ll see how quickly it becomes a favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Go ahead, bring a little sunshine and spice into your kitchen with this fantastic dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
Salmon Fish Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delicious and vibrant Salmon Fish Tacos featuring tender baked salmon cubes seasoned with taco spices, topped with a creamy avocado yogurt sauce and crisp cabbage slaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 ½ pound salmon fillet (center cut, cut into 1 inch cubes)
- 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- ½ medium avocado
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 1 large lime (juiced)
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
Slaw
- 10 oz cabbage (shredded)
- ¼ cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
Others
- 12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
- Season and Bake Salmon: Place the salmon on a cutting board, pat dry, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Transfer to the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly, and toss gently to coat. Spread the salmon in a single layer. Bake for 7 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Make Avocado Yogurt Sauce: While the salmon bakes, combine avocado, plain yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and kosher salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a rich, tangy sauce for the tacos.
- Prepare Cabbage Slaw: Place shredded cabbage in a bowl and gently squeeze with your hands to soften it slightly. Add the avocado-yogurt sauce and mix well. Adjust salt to taste as needed for balanced flavor.
- Heat Tortillas and Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas by toasting on a gas stove or microwaving briefly until flexible. Build each taco by layering slaw first, then baked salmon pieces, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and optionally add salsa or hot sauce for extra heat. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra jalapeños or hot sauce as desired.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker sauce.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and used in salads or wraps.
- To soften cabbage more, you can massage it with a little lime juice and salt for extra flavor.
