If you’re looking to wow your tastebuds and guests with something fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying, Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado is the dish for you. Imagine perfectly grilled salmon fillets crowned with zippy tomato, basil, and creamy avocado bruschetta—each bite is a little summer celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Showstopper Flavor: The combination of smoky grilled salmon and zesty, creamy avocado bruschetta makes every bite utterly irresistible.
- Fast & Fuss-Free: Dinner perfection in just 20 minutes, thanks to straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with good fats, lean protein, and tons of vegetables—this is nourishment you’ll crave.
- Gourmet Without the Stress: Looks and tastes restaurant-worthy, but you can make it easily any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado is that every ingredient truly counts—simple, wholesome, and each one shines. These pantry staples and fresh picks come together into a dish that’s bursting with flavor, color, and nourishing goodness.
- Wild Salmon Fillets: Go for wild-caught if you can—the richness and depth of flavor just can’t be beat for grilling.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: These keep the salmon perfectly seasoned and balance the tangy bruschetta topping.
- Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking so you get those gorgeous grill marks without any fuss.
- Red Onion: Adds a sweet sharpness for contrast in the bruschetta.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooths out the salad and brings authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of tang that brings the tomatoes and avocado to life.
- Vine Ripe Tomatoes: Choose the juiciest, most fragrant tomatoes you can find for maximum color and flavor.
- Garlic: Just a hint of pungency rounds out the bruschetta without overpowering.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped basil keeps it ultra fresh and aromatic.
- Avocado: Diced avocado adds irresistible creaminess and a buttery richness that’s the perfect pairing for salmon.
Variations
The beauty of Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado is how endlessly customizable it is—mix and match flavors or make swaps based on what you have and what you love. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Chicken Instead of Salmon: Grill chicken breasts or thighs and top with the same vibrant avocado bruschetta—it’s just as delicious.
- Vegan Version: Swap the salmon for grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based twist.
- Different Herbs: Try fresh mint or parsley instead of basil to change up the herbaceous notes in the bruschetta.
- Citrus Kick: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the avocado mixture for extra brightness.
How to Make Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado
Step 1: Make the Onion-Balsamic Mixture
Start by combining your finely chopped red onion, a good glug of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes—this little mingle softens the onion and infuses it with flavor, making the bruschetta top-notch.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Basil Bruschetta Base
Chop your tomatoes and place them in a large bowl, then stir in minced garlic and fresh chopped basil. Pour in the marinated onion-balsamic mixture, sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper, and gently toss it all together. Letting the bruschetta stand for at least 10 minutes lets the flavors meld for even tastier results!
Step 3: Grill the Salmon
Preheat your grill to medium-high and spritz the grates generously with cooking spray (this is your best insurance for tidy fillets!). Season the salmon with kosher salt and pepper, then lay them skin-side down. Close the grill lid and resist the urge to flip—let them cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes, until perfectly tender and just cooked through. The skin might char, but that’s your secret to succulent, juicy fish beneath.
Step 4: Finish the Bruschetta & Assemble
Remove the salmon fillets and cover with foil for 2–3 minutes (this helps the juices settle). Now, add the diced avocado to your bruschetta base and gently toss to keep those gorgeous chunks intact. Top each salmon fillet with a generous mound of avocado bruschetta—and get ready for applause.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado
- Grate Care: Oil your grill grates very well so the salmon lifts away cleanly, keeping each fillet picture-perfect.
- Salmon Watch: Cook your salmon just until it flakes with a fork (usually right at 8-10 minutes)—overcooking dries it out, and the skin will help keep it succulent.
- Avocado Timing: Add the avocado right before serving so it stays vibrant and creamy, never mushy or brown.
- Season Smart: Taste your bruschetta before topping the salmon—ripe tomatoes vary in sweetness, so adjust the vinegar, salt, or basil as needed for a flavor burst.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado
Garnishes
Brighten things up with extra chopped basil, a few microgreens, or even a dusting of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top is not only beautiful but adds a little tangy sweetness to bring it all together.
Side Dishes
This lively dish is practically begging for light, fresh companions—think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled asparagus, or a mound of fluffy quinoa. Crusty bread is never a bad idea to mop up every last bit of that delicious avocado bruschetta, either.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual backyard gatherings, serve the salmon and avocado bruschetta atop crostini for amazing finger food. Feeling fancy? Plate the fillets on individual boards with a scattering of colorful edible flowers and a wedge of lemon for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon and avocado bruschetta separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon will keep for up to 2 days, but for the freshest bruschetta, enjoy within 24 hours, as the avocado will start to lose its vibrancy.
Freezing
While grilled salmon freezes well, avocado bruschetta does not—so if you want to save some for later, freeze the salmon on its own (well-wrapped or in an airtight container) for up to a month. Add a fresh batch of avocado bruschetta when you’re ready to serve again for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently—either in a low (275°F) oven, covered loosely with foil for just a few minutes, or a quick zap in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Be sure not to overheat so it stays moist and flaky. Add the fresh avocado bruschetta after reheating, never before!
FAQs
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Can I make Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook the salmon on a grill pan or even bake or broil it in your oven. The key is to achieve a lightly charred exterior and keep the salmon tender inside.
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How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
Add the avocado just before serving and toss it gently with a little balsamic and olive oil. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon or lime juice over the diced avocado to preserve that gorgeous green color.
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What other fish can I use for this recipe?
Almost any firm, hearty fish—such as arctic char, steelhead trout, or even halibut—can work well in place of salmon in Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness!
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check packaged ingredients and side dish selections if you’re serving someone with allergy concerns.
Final Thoughts
If you try just one new recipe this season, let it be Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado—it’s easy enough for a quick weeknight meal, but impressive enough for company. Give it a go and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a plateful of fresh flavors that never get old. Enjoy every delicious, nourishing bite!
Print
Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines perfectly grilled salmon with a flavorful avocado bruschetta topping. It’s a perfect dish for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 wild salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- black pepper
- cooking spray
For the avocado bruschetta:
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- kosher salt (and fresh black pepper to taste)
- 2 medium vine ripe tomatoes
- 2 small cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 4 ounces diced avocado (from 1 small Haas)
Instructions
- Prepare the avocado bruschetta: Combine onion, olive oil, balsamic, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the tomato mixture: Chop tomatoes and place in a large bowl. Combine with garlic, basil, onion-balsamic mixture, and additional 1/8 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Grill the salmon: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high. Oil the grates generously. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then grill skin-side-down for 8 to 10 minutes until just cooked through.
- Assemble the dish: Remove salmon from the grill, cover with foil, and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Add avocado to the bruschetta mixture. Serve each salmon fillet topped with avocado bruschetta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with avocado bruschetta
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 4g
- Sodium: Approx. 350mg
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10g
- Fiber: Approx. 5g
- Protein: Approx. 30g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 80mg
