These Salmon Tacos are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Flaky salmon is seasoned with chili powder and cooked to perfection, then nestled in warm tortillas with a creamy slaw and fresh avocado. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Healthy: This recipe combines the richness of salmon with the fresh flavors of a creamy slaw and avocado, creating a delicious and nutritious meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal cooking, these tacos are a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: You can customize these tacos with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, pico de gallo, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Salmon Tacos:
- Fresh salmon: Skin on or skinless, for a healthy and flavorful protein source.
- Chili powder: Adds a touch of warmth and spice to the salmon.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Olive oil and butter: Used for cooking the salmon.
For the Slaw:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the slaw dressing.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the spice.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and a citrusy flavor.
- Salt: To taste.
- Green cabbage or coleslaw mix: Finely shredded, for a crisp and refreshing base.
- Scallions: Chopped, adds a mild onion flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: Roughly chopped, for a fresh herb flavor.
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas: Medium-sized, for wrapping the filling.
- Avocado: Chopped or sliced, adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Lime wedges: For serving, adds an extra citrusy boost.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Salmon Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon and Make the Slaw
If possible, take the salmon out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly. While the salmon is warming up, prepare the slaw. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add the shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix), chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro. Toss to combine and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Season the salmon with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon) and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, flip the salmon, and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Remove the salmon from the skillet and peel off the skin, if desired. Break the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the cooked salmon and top with the prepared slaw and chopped or sliced avocado. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality salmon: The better the quality of your salmon, the better the flavor of the tacos.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Cook just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Warm the tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to fold without breaking.
How to Serve Salmon Tacos

- Main Course: These Salmon Tacos are a delicious and satisfying main course on their own.
- Appetizer: Cut the tortillas into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers for parties or gatherings.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack them in lunchboxes for a fun and healthy lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the tacos are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating:
Reheat the salmon gently in the oven or microwave to prevent it from drying out. Warm the tortillas before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
While this recipe is specifically designed for salmon, you can experiment with other types of fish, such as cod or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, you can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. However, the salmon may not be as crispy as the pan-fried version.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the salmon with grilled or pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Use a spicier chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for the salmon. You can also add more sriracha to the slaw dressing.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Salmon Tacos that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Salmon Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Salmon Tacos are a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy fresh salmon. Flaky salmon, a vibrant slaw with a touch of heat, and creamy avocado come together in warm tortillas for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Slaw:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (see note)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving:
- 8 medium corn tortillas
- 1 large avocado, chopped or sliced
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep Salmon: If possible, let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Make Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add shredded cabbage, scallions, and cilantro. Toss to coat and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cook Salmon: Season salmon with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat, flip, and cook for 2-4 minutes more, or until cooked through.
- Assemble Tacos: Remove skin from salmon (if desired) and break it into pieces. Warm tortillas. Fill each tortilla with salmon, slaw, and avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Yield: This recipe makes about 8 tacos.
- Slaw: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise in the slaw to your preference.
- Serving: Serve with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa or hot sauce.
- Storage: Store leftover salmon and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg