Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe
These Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw offer a delicious and vibrant meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender, spice-rubbed salmon cubes are baked to perfection and paired with a creamy avocado and cabbage slaw, all served on warm corn tortillas and topped with crumbled cotija cheese and tangy pickled red onions. This recipe is flavorful, nutritious, and ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Creamy Slaw
- 1 avocado, mashed or pureed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
Salmon and Tacos
- 1 pound fresh salmon, skin removed, cut into 1/2″-1″ cubes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Corn tortillas, warmed
- Crumbled cotija cheese, for topping
- Pickled red onions, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine the mashed avocado, lime juice, vinegar, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Add Cabbage: Gently fold the shredded cabbage into the avocado mixture, combining it carefully to coat the cabbage without wilting it. Set aside while preparing the salmon.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: In another medium bowl, add the cubed salmon along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, ancho chili powder, sea salt, and olive oil. Toss gently with your hands until the salmon is evenly coated with the spice blend.
- Arrange Salmon on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. In the final minute, switch the oven setting to broil to give the salmon a browned, slightly crispy finish. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas, then add a generous scoop of the creamy slaw followed by the baked salmon cubes. Top with crumbled cotija cheese and pickled red onions to finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the slaw to keep the cabbage crisp and fresh.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chipotle chili powder.
- Salmon can also be cooked on a stovetop skillet if you don’t want to use the oven.
- Warm corn tortillas on a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for best texture.
- Pickled red onions can be store-bought or easily made at home with vinegar, sugar, and sliced red onions.
Keywords: salmon tacos, easy salmon recipe, creamy slaw, baked salmon, Mexican tacos, quick dinner, healthy tacos