These Grilled Salmon Skewers are a perfect combination of smoky, flavorful fish and a creamy, zesty cilantro sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with deliciousness, they make an ideal healthy meal for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling on a summer evening or looking for a light, flavorful dinner, these skewers deliver both taste and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Salmon Skewers are not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with vibrant flavors. The smoky rub gives the salmon a bold taste, while the creamy cilantro sauce adds a cool and refreshing contrast. The inclusion of avocado in the sauce makes it rich and creamy without being heavy. This dish is quick, healthy, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests. Grilled Salmon Skewers

Ingredients

For the Salmon Skewers:

2 lbs. salmon fillet, cubed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced

For the Cilantro Sauce:

½ cup plain Skyr (or full-fat plain yogurt)
½ avocado
1 lemon, juiced
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup water
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Salmon Skewers:

Prepare the Salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cubed salmon with olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until the salmon is evenly coated.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the salmon cubes and lemon slices onto metal skewers, alternating between salmon and lemon slices for added flavor.
Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well (or use a grill basket). Grill the skewers for about 4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Rest the Skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

For the Cilantro Sauce:

Make the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the Skyr (or yogurt), avocado, lemon juice, cilantro, jalapeño, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

Serve:

Serve the grilled salmon skewers with fresh lemon wedges and the cilantro sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
Herb Variations: Try adding parsley, mint, or basil to the cilantro sauce for a different herbal twist.
Grill Vegetables: Pair these skewers with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Salmon Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of fish, feel free to swap the salmon with trout, mahi-mahi, or even shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover salmon skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cilantro sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on a grill for a few minutes to keep the smoky flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?

Yes, you can use wooden skewers, but be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning on the grill.

Can I bake the salmon skewers instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Broiling is another option for a quicker cook time.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If the salmon looks opaque and separates easily, it’s ready.

Can I make the cilantro sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cilantro sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, so add a bit more water or olive oil to thin it out if needed.

Can I use a different kind of sauce with the salmon?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor profile, you could try a tahini sauce, a yogurt-based tzatziki, or a balsamic glaze for a different twist.

Can I make this recipe without the jalapeño?

Yes, if you prefer a milder sauce, simply omit the jalapeño. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, with the richness of avocado and the freshness of cilantro and lemon.

Can I make the salmon skewers on a grill pan?

Yes, you can cook the skewers on a grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the pan to prevent sticking, and cook for about 4 minutes per side until the salmon is cooked through.

How can I make these skewers even more flavorful?

To add more depth of flavor, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes to 1 hour with the olive oil, spices, and lemon before skewering and grilling.

Conclusion

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cilantro Sauce are the perfect healthy and flavorful dinner option. With a smoky rub, a creamy cilantro sauce, and a simple grilling technique, these skewers offer a delicious and easy way to enjoy salmon. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, these skewers will be a hit at the table!

Grilled Salmon Skewers

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Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

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Description

These Grilled Salmon Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. Marinated with a smoky rub and served with a creamy cilantro sauce, they’re the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue. Light yet satisfying, these skewers are a delicious, protein-packed meal.

Instructions

For the Salmon Skewers: Prepare the Salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, ancho chile powder, cumin, kosher salt, and ground pepper until evenly coated.
Skewer the Salmon: Thread the salmon cubes and thin lemon slices onto metal skewers, alternating between salmon and lemon slices.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well (or use a grill basket to prevent sticking).
Grill the Skewers: Grill the salmon skewers for about 4 minutes per side, until the salmon is just cooked through and has grill marks. Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
For the Cilantro Sauce: Make the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine Skyr (or yogurt), avocado, lemon juice, cilantro, jalapeño, and olive oil.
Blend the Sauce: Process until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.
Serve: Serve the grilled salmon skewers with fresh lemon wedges and the creamy cilantro sauce on the side.

Notes

For a spicier kick, you can add more jalapeño to the cilantro sauce.
The salmon skewers pair wonderfully with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt instead of Skyr for a tangier sauce.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Grilled Salmon Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients