Name: Easy Salmon Tacos: Ditch Sadness, Devour in 30
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet, skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 12 corn tortillas; Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, hot sauce

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, listen up! If you’re anything like me, you CRAVE those nights where dinner is both ridiculously easy AND secretly healthy. And trust me, these Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw? They’re IT. Seriously. They’re ready faster than you can say “Taco Tuesday!”

I’ve been making these for years, tweaking them here and there until they’re absolutely perfect. My family? Obsessed. Even my picky eater asks for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). The flaky salmon with that cool, creamy slaw… wow! The flavors just POP.

Plus, let’s be real, tacos are just FUN, right? And these aren’t just any tacos; they’re packed with good-for-you salmon and a slaw that’s actually good for you (thanks, cabbage!). We’re talking weeknight winner, people. So ditch the takeout menu and get ready to make the most amazing Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, who has time for complicated dinners during the week? Not me! These tacos are ready in under 30 minutes. From fridge to table? Bam! Dinner is served. Less time cooking, more time Netflixing (or, you know, spending time with your family… maybe).

Healthy and Delicious

Okay, let’s be honest – sometimes “healthy” equals “boring.” But NOT here! We’re talking flaky salmon (hello, omega-3s!) and a slaw that’s loaded with veggies. These tacos are packed with flavor and good-for-you stuff. Win-win!

Customizable Flavors

Don’t like spice? No problem! Want to kick it up a notch? Go for it! You can totally adjust the chili powder and hot sauce to your liking. And toppings? Sky’s the limit! Avocado, salsa, a squeeze of lime… make these tacos YOURS!

Perfect for a Crowd

Got friends coming over? No sweat! This recipe is super easy to double (or triple!). Just throw a few extra salmon fillets in the oven, and you’re good to go. Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, right?

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Ingredients for Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for these amazing Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty simple list!

1 pound salmon fillet, skinless (look for a nice, thick piece!)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling goodness)
1 teaspoon chili powder (adds a lil’ kick!)
1/2 teaspoon cumin (warm and earthy, yum!)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
1 cup shredded cabbage (pre-shredded is fine by me!)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, for maximum creaminess!)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best, trust me)
1 tablespoon honey (a touch of sweetness balances the slaw)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (fresh, please!)
12 corn tortillas (street taco size are my fave!)
Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, hot sauce (get creative!)

How to Make Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Okay, ready to get cooking? These Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw come together so quickly, it’s almost ridiculous. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!

Preparing the Salmon

First things first, let’s get that salmon ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your salmon fillet and pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better, trust me.

Now, place the salmon on a baking sheet (I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup!). Drizzle it with that tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to really season it! I like to rub the spices in a little to make sure everything’s coated evenly.

Pop that baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Careful not to overcook it – nobody wants dry salmon! Once it’s cooked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before flaking it with a fork.

Making the Creamy Slaw

While the salmon’s baking, let’s whip up that creamy slaw! In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed!

Once the slaw is mixed, pop it in the fridge to chill while you finish up the salmon. Chilling the slaw helps the flavors meld together and makes it even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Assembling the Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Alright, the home stretch! Time to assemble these beauties. First, warm up your corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat (about 30 seconds per side), in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds), or even over a gas stovetop flame (just be careful not to burn them!).

Once the tortillas are warm and pliable, it’s taco time! Fill each tortilla with some of that delicious flaked salmon. Then, top it with a generous spoonful of that creamy slaw. And finally, add any extra toppings you like – avocado slices, salsa, a drizzle of hot sauce… go wild!

Serve those Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw immediately and enjoy! Seriously, these are SO good. You’ll be hooked, I promise!

Tips for the Best Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Don’t Overcook the Salmon

Okay, this is HUGE. Overcooked salmon is sad salmon. You want it cooked through, yes, but still nice and moist. The easiest way to tell? It should flake easily with a fork. If it’s dry and tough? Oops! Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes and adjust from there. Better to undercook slightly and add a minute or two than to ruin the whole thing, ya know?

Chill the Slaw

Seriously, don’t skip this! Chilling the slaw for at least 15 minutes (or even longer!) makes a HUGE difference. The flavors meld together, the cabbage gets a little softer, and it’s just…better. Plus, that cool slaw is the perfect contrast to the warm salmon. It’s all about the balance, people!

Warm Your Tortillas

Cold, stiff tortillas? No, thank you! Warm tortillas are pliable and delicious. My favorite way is to char them slightly over a gas flame – just be careful! You can also warm them in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds. Whatever you do, don’t skip this step! It makes a world of difference.

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Variations for Your Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up. These Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw are just begging for some fun variations!

Spicy Salmon Tacos

Want to add some heat? Easy peasy! Just sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on the salmon before baking, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slaw. Boom! Spicy tacos!

Grilled Salmon Tacos

Feeling like firing up the grill? Go for it! Just grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s seriously amazing.

Different Slaw Variations

Cabbage getting boring? No problem! Try adding some shredded carrots, red onion, or even some diced bell peppers to the slaw. And for a different twist, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette. So many possibilities!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Side Dishes

These Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw are fantastic on their own, but if you’re looking to make it a full-blown meal, I’ve got some ideas! Some simple rice and beans are always a winner. Or how about a light and refreshing side salad? Perfect!

Drink Pairings

Okay, let’s talk drinks! A cold beer is always a good choice with tacos. But if you’re feeling fancy, margaritas are a must! Or, for something non-alcoholic, some refreshing lemonade? Yes, please!

Storing Leftover Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep everything fresh so you can enjoy these Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw again tomorrow!

Storage Instructions

Okay, pro tip: store the salmon, slaw, and tortillas separately. That way, nothing gets soggy! Keep the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. The slaw should also go in an airtight container. And the tortillas? Just pop them in a zip-top bag.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave. Warm those tortillas up again in a dry skillet or the microwave. Then, assemble your tacos and enjoy! Just don’t reheat the slaw – it’s best cold!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Can I use a different type of fish?

Totally! While I’m obsessed with salmon in these Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw, you could definitely use another fish. Something like cod or mahi-mahi would be amazing. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different fish cook at different rates. But honestly? Salmon is the bomb!

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

You betcha! In fact, I highly recommend it! Making the slaw a few hours ahead of time (or even the night before!) gives the flavors a chance to really meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You might need to give it a little stir before serving, but trust me, it’s worth it!

What are some other toppings I can add?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides the usual suspects (avocado, salsa, hot sauce), try adding some pickled onions for a tangy kick. Or some crumbled cotija cheese for a salty bite. Or even some grilled corn for a touch of sweetness. Get creative and have fun with it!

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Nutritional Information for Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Okay, friends, just a little disclaimer before we dive in here: The nutritional information for these Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw can vary A LOT depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands, different sizes, you get the idea! So, while I can give you a general idea, it’s definitely not an exact science. Keep that in mind, okay?

Enjoy Your Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw!

Alright, taco lovers, that’s it! I really hope you enjoy these Easy Salmon Tacos with Creamy Slaw as much as my family does. If you make them, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media. Happy taco-ing!