These Blackened Salmon Tacos are topped with the most delicious and fresh blood orange avocado salsa. They come together in 20 minutes or less, and you only need 9 ingredients! They’re topped with crumbled queso fresco cheese and extra cilantro and lime too!
It’s been WAY too long since I’ve shared a taco recipe. Like the last one was in SEPTEMBER. Who even am I? So crazy, considering they are one of my favorite foods. If not my favorite! I have no words to describe how amazing these tacos are.
Part of that has to do with my crazy love for blood oranges. I’m sure you didn’t know that because I haven’t really talked about it. Haha. Not. These palomas were such a hit over the holidays, and same goes for this champagne sangria! And don’t even get me started on this salad. Soooo good!
And if you want to see everything I’ve ever made with blood oranges, it’s all here!
I figured this would be a good time to share these tacos, since winter citrus season is almost over! Normally, I’d be really sad about this, but I am SO incredibly ready for sunshine and warmer weather. This winter has been tough to get through.
The combination of flavors in these is unreal and it’s the only thing I want to eat ever again. I know I’m being *slightly* dramatic but it’s really true. I just love them so much!
The salmon is coated in Cajun seasoning, and then quickly seared in a pan. The salsa is only five ingredients and comes together in minutes. Blood oranges, avocado, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. And salt! I resorted to eating it with a spoon it was so good.
No exaggeration.
I know you will too. It’s amazing how the simplest of ingredients can come together to make the most delicious tasting things. It’s definitely how I view and approach food and cooking. As long as you have real, fresh ingredients, you don’t need much to make them taste incredible. Some herbs, a little citrus, and a little salt is all you need.
And I mean, how gorgeous is this salsa?!
I also topped these with some crumbled queso fresco, which is my favorite cheese to serve with Mexican food. It’s similar to cotija but it’s softer and not as “aged” tasting. It’s a slightly salty, super soft crumbly cheese and it’s absolutely delicious.
It takes these tacos to the next level!
The wonderful thing is that the whole recipe is only about ten ingredients (actually nine!) and takes about twenty minutes or less to make. I don’t think I could love them any more!
And Taco Tuesday is conveniently tomorrow!
Blackened Salmon Tacos with Blood Orange Avocado Salsa
These blackened salmon tacos are topped with the most delicious and fresh blood orange avocado salsa. They come together in 20 minutes or less, and you only need 8 ingredients! They're topped with crumbled queso fresco cheese and extra cilantro and lime too!
Ingredients
- 2 blood oranges, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, pitted and diced
- juice of 1/2 a lime
- 3 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for serving
- pinch of salt
- 1 pound salmon filet
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend*
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese, for serving
- lime wedges for serving
- your favorite tortillas for serving*
Instructions
For the salsa, combine the blood oranges, avocado, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and salt in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Taste to season with extra salt if desired, and let marinate while you prepare the salmon.
Rub the salmon filet with the Cajun seasoning on all sides. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the salmon and sear for 3-4 minutes or so per side, or until cooked through, depending on the thickness of your filet.
Break the salmon apart into chunks and place in the tortillas. Spoon the salsa over the tacos, followed by a sprinkle of queso fresco and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges!
Recipe Notes
*I found my Cajun seasoning at Whole Foods, but it is pretty readily available at all supermarkets. It might be labeled as blackening seasoning too!
*I like to char my tortillas over an open flame on my gas stove. I like to do this for extra flavor, but it is totally optional! You could grill the tortillas on an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill as well!
This post was originally published on 1/22/18, but was updated with new photos and text on 3/11/19!
YUM! I love citrus with fish! That salsa looks sooooo amazing. Where do you find queso fresco? I have the hardest time finding it around here. Queso blanco? Everywhere. But I can’t find queso fresco!
Thanks Elizabeth!! I get it at Whole Foods or Wegmans! Both always have it when I go! Which is almost every day lol.
This is an excellent recipe and I is very well balanced. This a keeper for me and will be making many more times !!
Thank you so much Charles! I’m so happy to hear that!
Beautiful tacos! How do you get the char around the edges? It makes them look super fancy!
Thank you! I char them on my gas stove (very carefully)!