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These Blackened Salmon Tacos are bursting with flavor, featuring crispy blackened salmon, tender fajita veggies, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing. With a zesty Cajun seasoning crust on the fish, and the freshness of avocado and roasted tomatoes, these tacos offer a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 limes (1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 lb salmon fillets (skin removed)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
8 corn tortillas
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
Cilantro lime dressing (for drizzling)

Directions

Prep the salmon:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix lime juice and Cajun seasoning. Rub this mixture all over the salmon fillets.
Cook the veggies:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Cook the salmon:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the seasoned salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until blackened and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, roughly chop the salmon into pieces.
Roast the tomatoes:
While the veggies and salmon are cooking, place grape tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 5-10 minutes until they begin to burst and char slightly.
Assemble the tacos:
Warm the corn tortillas and layer each one with sautéed veggies, blackened salmon, roasted tomatoes, avocado slices, and drizzle with cilantro lime dressing. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrients (per 2 tacos)

Calories: 514 kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 62mg
Sodium: 228mg
Potassium: 1144mg
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 1871 IU
Vitamin C: 60mg
Calcium: 87mg
Iron: 3mg

Why These Blackened Salmon Tacos Are a Must-Try

These Blackened Salmon Tacos stand out for their bold flavor profile, which combines the rich, smoky heat of Cajun seasoning on the salmon with the cool creaminess of avocado and the tang of the cilantro lime dressing. The fajita veggies—sautéed red bell peppers and onions—add a delightful texture and sweetness that balance the spice, while the roasted tomatoes bring an extra burst of flavor.

What makes this recipe truly special is its speed and simplicity. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a meal that feels vibrant, indulgent, and satisfying. There’s no need for complicated steps or ingredients—just a few fresh components and a quick cooking method, and you’re ready to enjoy these delicious tacos. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfectly Blackened Salmon

The secret to the flavor of these tacos lies in the blackened salmon. The salmon fillets are coated with a mixture of lime juice and Cajun seasoning, which gives them a bold, spicy, and citrusy flavor. The blackening process involves cooking the salmon in a hot skillet with a generous amount of oil, which allows the seasoning to form a flavorful crust on the fish. The result is perfectly crispy edges with a juicy, tender interior. The seasoning not only adds heat but also a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

The Cajun seasoning brings a wonderful kick, but if you prefer something milder, you can adjust the seasoning or even opt for a different spice blend that suits your taste. The lime juice adds a refreshing citrus element that brightens up the richness of the salmon and cuts through the heat from the seasoning.

Sautéed Fajita Veggies

The sautéed veggies in these tacos—red bell peppers and onions—are the perfect complement to the salmon. These veggies are lightly cooked in oil until they are crisp-tender, bringing a sweet, savory contrast to the spicy fish. The combination of the warm, slightly caramelized vegetables and the smoky salmon creates a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.

The veggies also add color and nutritional value to the tacos, making them not only tasty but also full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Roasted Tomatoes

While the salmon and veggies cook, the grape tomatoes are roasted in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. This brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly charred, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. As the tomatoes roast, they start to burst, releasing their juices and infusing the tacos with their rich, tangy flavor. The roasted tomatoes add a pop of freshness and juiciness, rounding out the overall taco experience.

The Cilantro Lime Dressing

To tie everything together, a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing adds a creamy, zesty finish to the tacos. The dressing’s tangy lime flavor and fresh cilantro enhance the flavors of the salmon, veggies, and tomatoes, adding a cooling element to balance the spices. You can use store-bought dressing, or for an extra touch of freshness, make your own by combining Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.

Assembling the Tacos

Once all the components are ready, assembling the tacos is a breeze. Start by warming the corn tortillas and then layer each one with the sautéed veggies, blackened salmon, roasted tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the top and garnish with more lime wedges for added flavor. These tacos are simple to assemble but pack an incredible punch of flavor in every bite.

Nutritional Benefits of Blackened Salmon Tacos

These Blackened Salmon Tacos are not only delicious but also provide some impressive nutritional benefits. Each serving contains 21 grams of protein, primarily from the salmon, which is an excellent source of high-quality protein that supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full. The healthy fats from the salmon (and avocado) provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and inflammation reduction.

The tacos are also rich in fiber, with 9 grams per serving, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. The vitamin C (26 mg) from the tomatoes and vitamin A (1871 IU) from the vegetables and salmon help boost immune function and support healthy skin and eyes. The iron content (3 mg) from the salmon is essential for oxygen transport, and the calcium (87 mg) from the cheese and tortillas supports bone health.

While the tacos do contain 30 grams of fat, much of this comes from healthy sources like avocado and salmon. You can adjust the fat content by using less oil or cheese if desired, but the fat in these tacos is part of a balanced, nutritious meal.

Customizing Your Blackened Salmon Tacos

This recipe is highly customizable to suit different preferences or dietary needs:

Add more vegetables: Feel free to include spinach, zucchini, or corn for extra veggies and texture.
Adjust the heat: If you want a spicier kick, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Use different tortillas: While corn tortillas are used here, flour tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option also work great.
Add cheese: If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Cotija) over the tacos for an added layer of richness.

Serving Suggestions

These Blackened Salmon Tacos are great on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides:

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Roasted corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime is the perfect complement to these tacos.
Cilantro Lime Rice: A light and fragrant rice dish to accompany the tacos and soak up any extra sauce.
Guacamole and Chips: For a fun, fresh side, serve these tacos with homemade guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips.

Conclusion

Blackened Salmon Tacos are a fun, flavorful, and healthy twist on traditional tacos. The combination of spicy Cajun-seasoned salmon, sautéed fajita veggies, roasted tomatoes, and creamy avocado wrapped in a warm corn tortilla makes for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends and family, these tacos are sure to impress. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect option for busy nights.

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