Name: Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Lime wedges and extra chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a fresh, zesty dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but is effortless enough for a busy weeknight, you’ll fall head over heels for this Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe. Perfectly tender salmon fillets are infused with a tangy, herby marinade and cooked to delicate, flaky perfection. The punch of lime and cilantro brightens every bite, while garlic and honey add depth you’ll keep dreaming about. Whether you bake or pan-sear, this dish comes together quickly and is as stunning to present as it is delicious to devour!

Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few kitchen staples and a handful of vibrant, fresh ingredients, you can unlock a world of flavor. Each component in this Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe plays a key role in building that crave-worthy balance of brightness, savoriness, and subtle sweetness.

Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, center-cut fillets for the juiciest and most flavorful results—skin on or off is your call!
Olive oil: This helps keep the salmon moist while also allowing the marinade flavors to permeate the fish.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a tangy kick that lifts all the other flavors.
Lime zest: Don’t skip the zest—it delivers aromatic citrus notes you can’t get from juice alone.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves impart deep, savory undertones.
Fresh cilantro (finely chopped): These vibrant herbs provide a signature fresh, earthy pop that makes the salmon sing.
Honey: A drizzle of honey brings gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lime.
Ground cumin: Just a touch adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of gentle heat and depth.
Lime wedges & extra chopped cilantro (optional): Perfect for garnishing and adding a burst of color and extra freshness at serving time.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by combining the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Give everything a vigorous whisk until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly emulsified. This beautiful marinade is the star of the Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe, ensuring every bite carries brightness and depth.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade right over them, making sure every fillet is well-coated. Pop them in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes—30 if you have the time. The longer the salmon sits, the more it absorbs the tangy, herby flavors.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven or Skillet

While the salmon is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F if baking, or set a skillet over medium heat if you prefer pan-searing. Both methods work wonderfully for this Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe, so go with what suits your mood (or schedule) best.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon to Perfection

Take the salmon from the marinade and place the fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet or into your hot skillet. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or pan-sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Your golden rule: salmon should flake with a fork, remaining juicy and just-cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Immediately transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates. Finish each piece with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime from the wedges. These final touches make the those gleaming fillets pop with color and fragrance—showcasing everything you love about this Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

Once plated, the salmon comes to life with vibrant garnishes. Scatter plenty of chopped fresh cilantro across the top and nestle in a few lime wedges. For a little “wow,” you could also add a dusting of lime zest or even thinly sliced jalapeños for color and a gentle, spicy kick.

Side Dishes

The Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe is wildly versatile—this main dish partners beautifully with anything from fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to roasted sweet potatoes or tender-crisp asparagus. For a full-on flavor fiesta, try serving alongside a hearty black bean salad or simple avocado slices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping meal, break the salmon fillets into chunks and tuck them into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage for easy salmon tacos. Or, flake over mixed greens with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of the reserved marinade for an irresistible salad that keeps things light but satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra cooked salmon, let it cool to room temperature (but no more than 2 hours out), then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 2 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

You can certainly freeze leftover Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe portions if needed. Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying, for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it at 50 percent power in 30-second bursts. Be cautious not to overheat, which can make the salmon tough.

FAQs

Can I make the Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe with frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon fillets in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them dry before marinating. The marinade will still infuse plenty of flavor, and the baking or searing times remain nearly the same.

Is it better to bake or pan-sear the salmon for this recipe?

Both methods work beautifully! Baking is more hands-off and produces evenly cooked fillets, while pan-searing develops an irresistible golden crust. Choose whichever method matches your time and texture preferences.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lime juice works in a pinch, fresh lime juice and zest really make this Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe sing. The aroma and taste of fresh citrus are hard to beat and truly bring out the dish’s vibrancy.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or toss in a little chopped jalapeño. You can also serve with thinly sliced chilies on top for an extra layer of heat that balances the tangy, herby flavors.

Is the Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Marinate and cook the salmon as directed, let cool, and portion into lunches with your favorite sides. It holds up well for a couple of days in the fridge and is just as delicious eaten cold or gently reheated.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe is the kind of meal that turns a simple dinner into a celebration of bright, bold flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it—whether for a special weekend meal or a quick, weeknight win. Dive in, have fun with the garnishes, and don’t forget to let the fresh, zippy marinade work its magic!

Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cilantro Lime Salmon recipe is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. The zesty marinade infuses the salmon with a burst of citrus and herbaceous flavors, making it a standout meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Marinade:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

Lime wedges and extra chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
Cook the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (or heat a skillet over medium heat). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet or in a skillet, skin-side down. Bake for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Serve: Serve hot with lime wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
For extra flavor, spoon some of the remaining marinade over the salmon before baking.
Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist and tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Pan-Searing
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American