Description
This Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa and Aji Verde is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining smoky, spicy salmon with a fresh, tangy orange cabbage slaw and a creamy, zesty green sauce. The perfectly baked and broiled salmon pairs beautifully with the citrus salsa and herbaceous aji verde, creating a refreshing and balanced meal ideal for a healthy dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon filet (skinless or skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (Siete preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Spritz of avocado oil
Orange Salsa
- 3 large navel oranges, peeled and cut into chunks (pith removed)
- Small wedge purple cabbage, finely shredded or pulsed (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup minced red onion (small wedge)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Juice of 2 limes (2–3 tablespoons)
- Half of a jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Aji Verde Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
- Half of a jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt, to taste
To Serve
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Make Orange Salsa: Combine the shredded purple cabbage, chopped cilantro, minced red onion, olive or avocado oil, lime juice, jalapeño, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Use your hands to massage and soften the cabbage for better texture.
- Add Oranges Before Serving: Just before serving, add the freshly cut orange chunks to the cabbage mixture to prevent them from turning pink.
- Make Aji Verde Sauce: In a blender, combine olive oil, mayonnaise, cilantro leaves and stems, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Prep Salmon: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and position an oven rack near the top. Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Mix the taco seasoning, brown sugar, and chipotle powder. Coat the salmon evenly with this seasoning blend and spritz with avocado oil.
- Bake Salmon: Place the salmon on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake near the top rack for 5 minutes. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until the salmon reaches medium doneness (about 135°F internal temperature).
- Serve: Plate a bed of rice and a side of aji verde sauce. Flake chunks of the cooked salmon over the rice, then top with a generous scoop of orange salsa. Enjoy the harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle powder quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- If you prefer skin-on salmon, cooking times may vary slightly; ensure internal temperature for safety.
- For a brighter salsa, add orange chunks just before serving to avoid discoloration.
- The aji verde sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Serve with warm rice to soak up the delicious sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: chipotle salmon, orange salsa, aji verde, baked salmon, Mexican salmon recipe, healthy salmon dish, citrus salsa, cilantro sauce
