Not only is salmon exceptionally good for you as it contains heart-healthy omega 3s, but in tacos with a delicious salsa dresses it up in the tastiest way possible! Get as creative as you like and add some sour cream or guacamole. If you’re looking for extra flavor, my guacamole, pico de gallo and corn cucumber avocado salsa are great pairings with these tacos too.
The salsa contains just the right amounts of the perfect ingredients, combined with the ideal amount of lemon juice to give it just the right taste with the salmon and the tortillas. As long as you use corn tortillas, this dish is gluten free. Always be sure to double check whether your tortillas are gluten free if you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
Heart- and brain-healthy omega 3s are packed inside these amazingly delicious tacos. Not only are they delicious, but these exquisite salmon tacos are protein and nutrient packed! Protein helps keeps you satiated and each bite you take of the salmon, tortilla, and salsa, will make you drool and want seconds, even thirds!
How to Make the Best Salmon Tacos
To make the tastiest salmon tacos, you will need to thaw out the salmon, if frozen. Add the salmon to a baking sheet and marinate it in butter, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and pepper. Bake the fish in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until you touch it with a fork and it flakes apart. If it’s red in the center, it’s not done cooking. It should be pink, like the photos shown in this post.
To make the best salsa, add one 15-oz. can of corn kernels, drained, along with one 15-oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed, to a large bowl. Combine with a chopped tomato, a half cup of chopped onion, one-half cup chopped fresh cilantro, and one tablespoon lemon juice. This is a savory and healthy salsa that perfectly complements the salmon!
Add the cooked salmon in each warmed corn tortilla. Top the fish with the salsa and serve with limes, avocados, chopped cilantro, or any other topping, for a delicious and healthy meal!
If you like this, then you’ll love these Mexican-inspired recipes:
Mexican Street Corn (Elotes Mexicanos)
Reasons to Eat More Protein
Did you know eating more protein helps reduce appetite and hunger levels? Protein reduces the level of the hunger hormone ghrelin and boosts the levels of peptide YY, a hormone that makes you feel full, according to Healthline’s article.
Protein increases muscle mass and strength as it’s the building block of your muscles. Keep your protein intake high if you want to prevent muscle loss during weight loss. As if you really needed another reason to eat salmon, it’s good for your bones. Those who consume more protein tend to maintain better bone mass as they age. Lastly, protein helps reduce cravings and late-night snacking. If you’re contemplating eating another salmon taco, you have a good reason to do so!
Benefits of Cilantro
The salmon tacos include a salsa that contemplates the fish. One of the salsa ingredients is healthy and flavorful cilantro. Cilantro is known as a superfood because it is packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, K, and C, as well as powerful antioxidants. Looking beyond its nutritional value, cilantro is jam-packed with the antioxidants know as polyphenols. Polyphenols are key as they reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage that could have otherwise contributed to premature aging as well as increased disease risk, according to Healthline’s article.
Traditional medicine has used many parts of the coriander plant (including cilantro leaves) to treat pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, and diabetes. Cilantro may offer cardiovascular benefits, such as regulating blood pressure and heart rhythm. So, if you have diabetes and hypertension, eat lots of cilantro!
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Salmon Tacos, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Salmon Tacos
Ingredients
Salmon
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning
- black pepper freshly ground
- 4 salmon fillets (about 3oz each) thawed if frozen
Salsa
- 15 oz canned corn kernels drained
- 15 oz canned black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 6-inch tortillas
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Place the butter in a microwave-safe container and heat until melted—about 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and pepper.
- Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet and evenly spread the butter and lemon juice mixture over the four pieces. Bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. Use a fork to touch the salmon and if it’s flaky, then it’s done.
- Meanwhile, combine the corn, beans, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lemon juice in a medium bowl to prepare the salsa.
- Use a fork to flake the cooked salmon into smaller pieces.
- Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and warm them in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Add even amounts of salmon, salsa, and grated cheddar among the warmed tortillas. Wrap into tacos and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
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