Name: Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 rainbow bell peppers, seeded and chopped; 1 medium onion, peeled and roughly chopped; 4 salmon fillets (approximately 1 1/2 pounds); 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (2-3 limes); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil); 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 64 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, fresh, and bursting with zesty flavor, then this Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe is going to become your new go-to. The bright hues of rainbow bell peppers paired with tender salmon fillets soaked in a tangy, herbaceous marinade make every bite a delight. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights or a casual dinner with friends, and packed with wholesome ingredients that create an irresistible balance of smoky, citrusy, and slightly sweet notes. Ready to dive into a meal that feels gourmet but comes together with surprising ease? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal baking tray lined with parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are four pieces of raw salmon fillets, each light pink with visible white fat lines, arranged in a loose grid pattern. Around the salmon, there are chopped vegetables in bright colors: red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, along with chunks of white onion. The vegetables are spread evenly around the salmon, filling most of the tray surface. The overall look is fresh and vibrant, with a mix of smooth salmon and textured, colorful vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness. From the crisp sweetness of bell peppers to the zing of fresh lime juice and the fragrant punch of cilantro, every element works together to elevate this dish.

Rainbow bell peppers (3, seeded and chopped): Add a sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast to your salmon.
Medium onion (1, peeled and roughly chopped): Brings savory depth and a slight caramelized sweetness when roasted.
Salmon fillets (4, about 1 1/2 pounds): The star protein, rich and flaky, perfectly absorbs the flavors around it.
Fresh lime juice (1/2 cup, about 2-3 limes): Adds the essential citrus brightness that ties everything together.
Chopped fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, plus more for garnish): Infuses the dish with a fresh herb aroma and vibrant green color.
Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade coat and tenderize while adding subtle richness.
Water (2 tablespoons): Lightens the marinade, ensuring every bite is juicy but not overwhelmed.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity of lime with delicate sweetness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and draws out natural moisture.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky heat that complements the fish beautifully.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and warmth to the marinade.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes subtle color and a hint of smoky flavor.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by lining a broiler-safe sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent any sticking and make cleanup effortless. Preheat your oven to the broil setting on high heat. This method ensures a quick cook and that beautiful slight char on your vegetables and salmon, locking in flavor and texture.

Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables and Salmon

Spread the chopped bell peppers and onion evenly across the baking sheet. Then, nestle the four salmon fillets among the veggies, making sure there’s some space so everything roasts evenly. This setup encourages the peppers and onions to caramelize just right while the salmon cooks to perfection.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, water, honey, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika. Whisk vigorously until smooth. The honey might resist at first, but keep stirring or gently warm it beforehand to help it blend seamlessly. This marinade will soak the salmon and veggies with a zingy, flavorful punch.

Step 4: Marinate the Salmon and Vegetables

Pour your fragrant marinade evenly over the prepared baking sheet, coating both the salmon and vegetables well. Toss the peppers and onions gently to ensure every piece gets a glaze of that delicious mixture. Don’t forget to carefully flip the salmon to coat the other side; every bit of fish should be kissed by the marinade’s tangy goodness.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Slide the sheet pan into your broiler-safe oven and cook for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for salmon that flakes easily with a fork, signaling it’s juicy and done. Watch the edges of the peppers; they should just begin to char, adding a wonderfully smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the zesty lime and fresh cilantro.

Step 6: Serve Hot with Garnishes

Once out of the oven, your Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe is ready to shine. Sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor. If you like, add lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze right before eating. This finishing touch amps up the citrus brightness and adds a playful touch of acidity.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side metal baking trays with a white marbled surface underneath. Each tray holds three large rectangular pieces of raw pink salmon, spaced evenly among chopped red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, white onion chunks, and lime slices placed on top of and around the fish. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the food. The left tray shows the ingredients before cooking, with bright fresh colors and moist textures, while the right tray shows the cooked dish with salmon and vegetables slightly charred, deeper orange and brown tones, and garnished with fresh green herbs and lime slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it invites simple garnishes that make the dish pop. Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the salmon brings lively green flecks and a burst of herby freshness. Lime wedges not only decorate your plate but also offer a tangy, customizable squirt of citrus to brighten your bite with every forkful.

Side Dishes

Look for sides that complement the vibrant profile without overpowering it. A fluffy bed of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa echoes the fresh notes, while a green salad with avocado and a light vinaigrette adds creaminess and crunch. Roasted sweet potatoes or black beans can also round out the meal and add a satisfying heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your salmon atop crunchy tostadas with a smear of avocado crema and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Or, turn it into colorful bowls by pairing the roasted veggies and salmon with a scoop of mango salsa and a handful of tortilla strips. These fresh layouts bring vibrant flavors and exciting textures to the table, perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even deeper as it rests, making for delicious, quick lunches or dinners the next day. Just be sure to store the salmon and vegetables together to keep the marinade’s magic intact.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked salmon fillets separately in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To keep the texture and flavor at their best, it’s best to freeze only cooked salmon rather than raw.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) wrapped in foil to retain moisture, or warm briefly in the microwave at medium power. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep that tender, flaky texture. Adding a fresh squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of cilantro after warming refreshes the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator before starting. Using fresh or thawed salmon ensures even cooking and the best flavor absorption from the marinade.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro is key in this recipe for that bright herbal note, but if you don’t have any, try substituting with fresh parsley and a little additional lime zest to keep some of that freshness.

Can I make this recipe without honey?

Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent alternatives that provide the same subtle sweetness needed to balance the tartness of the lime juice.

Is broiling the only way to cook this dish?

Broiling is ideal for quick cooking and that slight char on the veggies, but you can also bake the salmon and vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes if you prefer a gentler heat.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a mild kick thanks to chili powder, which adds smoky warmth rather than heat. If you love more spice, feel free to add cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe is an absolute joy to make and enjoy, perfect for those who crave bright, wholesome flavors in a fuss-free meal. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and watch how this effortless combination turns a regular dinner into a celebration of fresh, vibrant tastes.