These easy salmon tacos can be made in 20 minutes for a healthy weeknight meal the whole family will love! Made with taco-seasoned tender, flaky salmon piled inside warm corn tortillas, topped with a creamy, crunchy cilantro lime slaw. It’s a quick, no fuss salmon tacos recipe that is a must try!
If you like quick and easy, healthy weeknight recipes then you are going to love these salmon tacos. You can make them in 20 minutes, the salmon is seasoned well and roasted to perfection before flaking it into gorgeous chunks of fish piled inside charred corn tortillas.
For the finishing touch and to add a cool, crunchy topping, we love a creamy cilantro lime slaw on top of the salmon with a nice drizzle of more lime juice and some cilantro. It really is the perfect combinations of flavors.
Pair it with a grapefruit margarita mocktail and you have a wonderful weeknight dish everyone will go crazy for!
Plus, what is better than taco night! This salmon recipe is so foolproof that even my kids can make it.
Why you’ll love this salmon tacos recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in 20 minutes!
- Flavorful and delicious – the salmon is perfectly seasoned, tender and juicy.
- Creamy and crunchy topping – the creamy, refreshing, and tangy slaw is amazing!
- Healthy – this salmon tacos recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and packed with protein!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon – fresh, wild-caught salmon is best. You can use a large flank of salmon like I did or filets. If you use smaller portions of salmon then they will take less time to cook.
- Avocado oil – to allow the seasoning to stick to the salmon and help it crisp up when it is roasted.
- Taco seasoning – You can use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought to give the salmon incredible flavor.
- Green cabbage – store-bought, shredded cabbage works in a pinch, or you can buy and shred your own. Shredded romaine lettuce also works.
- Cucumber – to add some for extra crunch to the slaw. Diced green bell peppers will also work.
- Cilantro lime dressing – I made homemade cilantro dressing but store-bought will also work. I like Primal Kitchen brand.
- Corn tortillas – I used sprouted corn tortillas that are gluten-free but any will work in this recipe. You can even use flour tortillas.
- Cilantro – for the slaw as well as a garnish for the tacos.
How to make salmon tacos
You can make these salmon fish tacos in 20 minutes in only a few simple steps.
- Season and cook the salmon. Pat the salmon dry and brush it with avocado oil all over. Place it skin-side down on the baking sheet and sprinkle it with the taco seasoning. Use your hands to rub the seasoning all over the salmon. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Per the recipe card below.
- Make the coleslaw. In a medium bowl combine the shredded cabbage, diced cucumber, cilantro, and the dressing and toss to coat everything in the dressing.
- Assemble the tacos. Chunk the salmon up using a fork, char some tortillas on the stovetop then pile the salmon into the tortillas and top with the slaw. Enjoy!
If you are new to cooking salmon and are intimidated by roasting it then I suggest trying it in the air fryer since it is a little easier and quicker.
What to serve with salmon tacos
The mild taco seasoning of the salmon makes it ideal for pairing it with other mexican inspired dishes. The creamy cilantro slaw is the perfect topping for these tacos but here are a few other ideas for what to serve with them.
- Fresh tomato salsa and tortilla chips
- Spicy mango salsa
- Creamy green goddess dressing
- Avocado ranch dressing
- Fennel Apple Slaw
Storing suggestions
If you have leftover cooked salmon then you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 375 degrees for 5-6 minutes.
You can also store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will frozen salmon work in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. You’ll just need to thaw it well and dry it before you prepare it.
Can I use flour tortillas?
Any tortillas you like will work for these salmon tacos. I prefer to use 6-inch tortillas that are corn or flour.
Can the salmon be cooked in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the salmon easily in the air fryer by following this air fryer salmon recipe.
More healthy salmon recipes to try
- Quick and easy salmon salad
- Air Fryer Cajun Salmon
- Salmon patties
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Did you make this salmon tacos recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.
Print
Easy Salmon Tacos – 20 Minute Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy salmon tacos are the best healthy and easy meal everyone will love! They are topped with a creamy cilantro lime slaw and served inside warm corn tortillas. This will become your new favorite taco recipe!
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 1.5 pound piece of salmon or 3 (5 ounce) salmon filets
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper – to taste
For the slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup diced cucumber – seeds removed
- ⅔ cups cilantro lime dressing
For assembling the tacos
- 5–6 yellow corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Fresh torn cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the salmon. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon dry with a clean paper towel and place it onto the baking sheet. Drizzle it with the oil then sprinkle on the taco season and use your hands to rub it into the salmon, making sure it gets seasoned all over. Place the salmon into the oven and cook it for 8-10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to broil then cook it for 2-3 more minutes. Note: The salmon will be done once it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F at the thickest part of the salmon.
- Mix up the slaw. Add all of the slaw ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine. Set aside.
- Assemble the tacos. Once the salmon is done cooking, remove it from the oven then use a fork to break it up into large chunks. Warm and char the tortillas over a flame on the stovetop or in a pan. Fill the tortillas with some chunks of cooked salmon and top with a spoonful of the creamy slaw. You can sprinkle on some more lime and cilantro too!
Notes
- Salmon – you can use one large piece of salmon or 3 salmon filets. The cook time will vary based on the size and thickness of the salmon you are using.
- Storing – you can store any leftover salmon or slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minute
- Category: Healthy Dinner Idea
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
I don’t even care for salmon, but my mouth is watering!
Thank you!