Taco Spiced Salmon with Cilantro Slaw

This Taco Spiced Salmon with Cilantro Slaw is one of those meals that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s ready in just 20 minutes! The salmon is coated with a smoky taco spice rub, baked to perfection, and served alongside a refreshing cilantro slaw that brings everything together.

The other thing I love about this meal is all the ways you can serve it! Plate up the whole piece of salmon piled with slaw for an impressive dish for guests. Turn it into salmon tacos, lettuce wraps, or tostadas for an easy weeknight meal. Or make a quick and easy salmon rice bowl for a great meal prepped lunch or dinner.

Before You Get Started

Set yourself up for success with these simple tips:

• Decide How You’ll Serve It: You can enjoy it as tacos by flaking the salmon into soft tortillas with a scoop of slaw, serve it over a bed of rice with your favorite toppings for a hearty rice bowl, wrap it in lettuce for a light and low-carb option, or pile it onto crispy tostadas for a crunchy twist. Choose your favorite or mix it up!
• Keep an Eye on the Oven: Salmon cooks fast! Bake it at 400°F for 12–15 minutes to achieve perfectly tender, flaky results. Pro tip: Slightly undercook it for juicier salmon, as it will continue to cook after being removed from the oven.
• Get Ahead with the Slaw: Save time by mixing the slaw ingredients while the salmon bakes. This not only makes dinner faster but also allows the flavors in the slaw to meld together for the perfect refreshing side.

Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this easy sheet pan recipe:

• Salmon: This recipe works with a center-cut fillet or individual fillets.  If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen salmon works perfectly—just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Or swap in another fish.
• Taco spice rub: A smoky, flavorful blend of ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and kosher salt. Use store-bought taco seasoning if you’re short on time, but reduce the salt since pre-made blends are often salted.
• Coleslaw mix: Pre-shredded coleslaw mix keeps things easy and adds a satisfying crunch. Shred your own cabbage and carrots for extra freshness, or use a broccoli slaw mix for a different texture.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness to the slaw. No avocado? Use a dollop of guacamole or skip it and add a creamy element like sour cream or yogurt to the slaw instead.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the slaw a signature zesty flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, try fresh parsley or extra green onions instead for a milder taste.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the slaw and ties everything together. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh limes add the best flavor.
• Green onions: Add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish. Thinly sliced red onions or chives also work as an alternative.
• Cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the slaw seasoning. If you don’t have cumin, a pinch of ground coriander or chili powder can do the trick.
• Optional creamy element: For a richer slaw, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. This makes the slaw extra indulgent and balances the citrusy tang of the lime. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan mayo or avocado-based dressing.

How to Make Taco Spiced Salmon with Cilantro Slaw

This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re using the oven, air fryer, grill, or skillet, here’s how to make it step-by-step for perfectly cooked salmon every time.

1. Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, oregano, and ground coriander. This smoky, earthy blend acts like your homemade taco seasoning and brings bold flavor to the salmon.

2. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to ensure the spices stick. Rub the salmon with a bit of olive oil melted butter, or cooking spray, then generously coat it with the spice rub. Make sure every inch of the salmon is covered for the best flavor. If you’re using skinless salmon, season both sides for even flavor.

3. Choose Your Cooking Method:

Now it’s time to cook your salmon! Choose your preferred method below for perfectly spiced salmon.

• Oven-Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the salmon skin-side down (if applicable) and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remember, the salmon will continue to cook as it rests, so don't let it overcook.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.  Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
• Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F–400°F). Place it on the grill, skin-side down (if applicable), and cook for 7–10 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your liking. 
• Skillet: Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down (if applicable), and cook for 4–5 minutes per side or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. 

4. Make the Slaw

While your salmon is cooking, mix up the slaw. In a small bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mix and season with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. For a creamy slaw, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream. You can also use a dairy-free option like avocado-based dressing or vegan mayo.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Plate your salmon and top with a generous helping of cilantro slaw for a vibrant, healthy meal. Want to mix it up? Turn the salmon and slaw into tacos by flaking the salmon into soft tortillas—perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner! Bonus Tip: Make extra salmon and slaw for meal prep! The salmon is perfect for salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

Make It Yours

This salmon is so easy to personalize to work for any household or preference.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the spice rub or add some sliced jalapeños to the slaw. Vinegar also adds a little kick!
• Extra toppings: Add sliced radishes, cucumber, crumbled queso fresco, pickled red onions, lime zest, a drizzle of avocado crema, or even sriracha sauce for an extra-special touch.
• Change up the slaw: Change up the slaw and serve it with pineapple salsa, corn salsa, or add some freshly diced mango to the slaw for a sweet kick.

Serving Ideas

As I mentioned, this salmon is super versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on your mood or the occasion. Here are a few ideas to mix it up:

• Tacos: Flake the salmon and serve it in soft corn or flour tortillas, topped with a generous scoop of cilantro slaw, fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
• Bowls: Layer the salmon over a bed of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option), and top with the slaw and any extras you like, such as avocado, black beans, corn, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Wraps: For an easy handheld meal, wrap the salmon and slaw in a large leafy lettuce wrap or a tortilla. Add extra veggies like shredded carrots or jicama for crunch.
• Tostadas: For a crispy base, top baked tostada shells with the refried beans (or chipotle spiced yogurt), salmon, and slaw. Drizzle with a bit of sour cream or avocado crema and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Side Dish Ideas

Don't miss out on adding a delicious side dish.

• Beans and Rice: A simple side of seasoned black beans and fluffy white or brown rice pairs perfectly with this taco-spiced salmon. You can add a little lime and cilantro to the rice for extra flavor.
• Corn or Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob, either plain served as Mexican street corn with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, is a perfect accompaniment to balance the flavors of the salmon.