Salmon Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
Salmon Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

This post is going to be a midweek sob fest, so let me reassure you before we begin: there’s a taco recipe at the end! And the tacos are super quick and so delicious that Mike and I have eaten them for dinner four nights in a row! It’s all gonna be okay!

Now for the depressing story. I love Susie’s Senior Dogs, an organization that advertises senior rescue dogs on social media to increase their chances of getting adopted. Yesterday they shared Kooper, a deformed dog with many health issues at the overwhelmed and underfunded high-kill Miami-Dade Animal Shelter. Kooper immediately won my heart because of how sweet he seemed despite his unhappy circumstances.

5 from 1 reviews
Salmon Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
These tacos are fast, simple, and AMAZING. If you whip up the Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Sriracha Aioli the night before to let the flavors meld, dinner prep is only 20 minutes. As a bonus, when you sub in a low-carb sweetener (I use Swerve), this dinner is low-carb.
Author:
Serves: 8-9 tacos
Ingredients
Cilantro-Lime Slaw Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • fresh lime juice from half a lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha
  • 4 teaspoons Swerve sweetener (or sugar if you prefer)
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 red onion, very finely minced
  • about 5 1/4 cups slaw mix (bagged cabbage and carrot shreds)
Sriracha Aioli Ingredients:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha
  • fresh lime juice from half a lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Swerve sweetener (or sugar if you prefer)
  • pinch salt
Taco Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound salmon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8-9 low-carb tortillas (I use Mama Lupe's; or corn tortillas if you prefer)
  • chopped cilantro
  • sliced jalapeños, for topping
Instructions
  1. Make the Cilantro-Lime Slaw: (Note: It's best if you can prepare the slaw and Sriracha Aioli a few hours to a full day in advance.) In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, rice vinegar, garlic, Sriracha, and Swerve sweetener until the sweetener is dissolved. In a large bowl, toss the cilantro, red onion, and slaw mix together to mix. Add the mayonnaise mixture about a cup at a time, tossing as you go, until all your vegetables are coated to your preference. I ended up adding all my dressing, but could've probably used a little less. Cover tightly and chill until ready to serve tacos.
  2. Make the Sriracha Aioli: Whisk together the Sriracha aioli ingredients and cover tightly. Chill until ready to serve tacos.
  3. Make the salmon: Whisk together the cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, and salt. Rub the spice mix on the salmon (on both sides if it's skinless, but on just the exposed side if it's skin-on.) Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the fish in skin side down and cook without disturbing for 4-5 minutes before turning over and cooking for 4 minutes on the other side (thicker cuts might need 6-7 minutes per side). Remove the fish from the heat, tent it with foil, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. The fish will flake apart easily when done.
  4. Assemble the tacos: Fill each tortilla with slaw, a few hunks of salmon, a small handful of fresh cilantro, a few slices of jalapeño, and a drizzle of Sriracha aioli.

Salmon Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw: a delicious, quick, and simple (low-carb!) weeknight dinner recipe.

39 Comments on Salmon Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

  1. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
    February 11, 2015 at 2:39 am (9 years ago)

    Poor Kooper. That made me so sad. We have 7 furry family members, 6 of whom are rescue. The 7th came to us as a puppy via a local family in town. He’s our first non rescue animal, and likely our last, because so many animals need homes.
    Your tacos though, made me happy. I love any kind of fish tacos! These look delicious! Sending lots of foodie love your way!

    Reply
  2. Brian @ A Thought For Food
    February 11, 2015 at 8:58 am (9 years ago)

    Fish tacos are my absolute favorite… and they remind me of warm sunny days and margaritas and EVERYTHING I could use right now (I type this as more snow comes down on us).

    Reply
  3. julia
    February 11, 2015 at 9:10 am (9 years ago)

    I love the idea of salmon tacos! I haven’t tried that before but it is now on my list!

    Reply
  4. Kirsten
    February 11, 2015 at 11:14 am (9 years ago)

    Julie,
    Poor Kooper, I’m glad he was surrounded by love. We hit the jackpot with our latest addition, Robert Barker. He’s both a purebred, was rescued from a neglect situation (weighing 18 pounds full grown!), and happens to be the same breed I grew up with–Basset hound–so I am feeling very blessed.
    Perhaps all of our previous rescues (a bonded pair of mature wiener dogs, a mixed pup, and a bonded pair of composting guinea pigs) gave us the karma that brought RB into our home.

    These tacos look wonderful–must be if you ate them 4 nights in a row! I’ve been smitten by shrimp lately and keep eyeing the tortillas in the fridge with nefarious thoughts.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Kristina
    February 11, 2015 at 11:57 am (9 years ago)

    hurt and mistreated animals pull at my heart like no other thing, I wish I could help them all. we always rescue, and have had several happy dachshunds as a result.

    your photos are stunning, these tacos look bright and vibrant!

    Reply
  6. Melissa Falk
    February 11, 2015 at 12:46 pm (9 years ago)

    Love fish tacos. These are making me hungry. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Sabrina Modelle
    February 11, 2015 at 2:22 pm (9 years ago)

    UG, Kooper. Are you kidding me? One of my dearest friends lost her senior rescue dog this week. I loved little Bugsy so much- and even met him (with my Ruby) on the day she adopted him. We didn’t know if he’d make it home that day much less the three wonderful years he did. Anyway, Kooper died the day after Bugsy and it was just too much for me. Sigh. Poor boy.
    Anyway, fish tacos are some consolation. Perhaps I’ll try yours tonight. XOXO

    Reply
  8. Gina
    February 11, 2015 at 9:55 pm (9 years ago)

    What a sad story about Kooper. We have a rescue dog, and it’s so sad to think that something like this could have ever happened to her! I like reading your blog because you always write about issues that are so important– it’s what makes your blog a must-read for me whenever you publish something.

    Reply
  9. Jane S
    February 12, 2015 at 10:49 am (9 years ago)

    I am a huge fan of Susie’s Senior Dogs, so was familiar with Koopers story. What a tragedy, and I’m sure this happens more often than we know. Even though we have always chosen our puppies from rescue organizations, after following SSD, we now know how many older dogs are in need of homes…so we will be looking for an older dog the next time we are ready to add to our family!
    Julie, thank you for highlighting this important issue!
    And now…TACOS!!

    Reply
  10. Cyndi @ My Kitchen Craze
    February 12, 2015 at 1:33 pm (9 years ago)

    Awww poot doggy. I wished we were dog people cause we would totally adopt. My mom would adopt every dog if she could. On another note, these tacos looks amazing! I would eat them every night for dinner too. Delicious! Pinned. 😉

    Reply
  11. Michele West
    February 12, 2015 at 5:17 pm (9 years ago)

    This just breaks my heart:( We were given our dog, Rufus, as a puppy at a local park by a family giving them away. I like to think that we saved him from a very uncertain future and he’s going on 11 years strong! I will certainly keep Susie’s in my heart when we are ready to add to our animal family.

    BTW – The taco’s look delish!

    Reply
  12. Stephanie Serleth
    February 13, 2015 at 4:32 pm (9 years ago)

    I just made the cauliflower pancake with the shrimp and siracha mayo. Oh, it was so wonderful! My husband kept asking if I was sure there wasn’t more. Thank you, I think I will make it every day!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      February 13, 2015 at 7:15 pm (9 years ago)

      Yayyyyy! That makes me so happy to hear, Stephanie! We LOVED that dish so much and I’m so glad you did too! Thank you for letting me know!

      Reply
  13. Emily R
    February 18, 2015 at 11:49 am (9 years ago)

    Made these tacos last night for dinner – SO TASTY. I was eating the slaw by the spoonful. We added avocado to ours. So good! Thanks for the amazing recipe!

    Reply
  14. Rachel
    February 25, 2015 at 12:20 pm (9 years ago)

    Gosh I just love you and your blog SO MUCH!!! My family dog growing up was a poodle from a breeder because my family just didn’t know any better. Now that I know so much more about the situation of dogs and cats in the U.S., I can’t imagine adding to the problem! We have two AWESOME dogs, one my boyfriend adopted from a city shelter in Philadelphia almost 12(!!) years ago, and a 10-month-old pup who stumbled into our yard last summer from the abandoned house across the street (she’s 10 months now… she was only eight weeks old when we found her!) They are both such unique and amazing dogs and I try to proselytize about adopting from a shelter whenever I can. The overabundance of unwanted dogs (it hurts me to write the phrase “unwanted dogs”) is REALLY bad in Oklahoma, much worse than where I grew up in Minnesota (like, rescues here actually send dogs up north to be adopted)… it’s heartbreaking.

    But on a lighter note, these tacos look amazing and I even have salmon in my freezer! Yes!!! 🙂

    Reply
  15. liz
    March 3, 2015 at 9:54 pm (9 years ago)

    just made these tonight – they were great! personally I didn’t think the rub on the salmon brought anything to the party, but the coleslaw and the aioli totally rocked it! thanks for the great recipe! it’s a keeper!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      March 3, 2015 at 10:30 pm (9 years ago)

      Oh weird! I find it so spicy and sweet and amazing. MMmm. But I’m glad you loved the tacos overall 🙂

      Reply
  16. JT
    May 3, 2015 at 8:11 pm (9 years ago)

    This was what was for dinner tonight and it was delicious. I used what was in my fridge so instead of mayo I used greek yogurt, instead of rice vinegar I used balsamic, substitutions didn’t seem to hurt it any. I also put a slice of avocado on each taco and it added a little bit of cool to the taste. Thank you for this great add to the rotation!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      May 3, 2015 at 8:44 pm (9 years ago)

      I’m so glad you enjoyed them, JT!

      Reply
  17. Ann
    July 8, 2015 at 9:48 am (9 years ago)

    This recipe is amazing! So delicious! I want to make this for my mom but she’s not a salmon fan. Have you used or suggest another kind of fish?

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      July 8, 2015 at 10:24 am (9 years ago)

      I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy it! I haven’t tried any other fish, so I can’t recommend any, but I’m anxious to hear if you find something that is perfect!

      Reply
      • Ann
        July 12, 2015 at 10:48 pm (9 years ago)

        It was great with tilapia! 😉

        Reply
        • Julie Ruble
          July 12, 2015 at 11:03 pm (9 years ago)

          Hooray!!! So glad to hear it!

          Reply
  18. Shelly
    January 8, 2016 at 10:29 pm (8 years ago)

    I made these tonight! Im talking best fish tacos my hubby and i have ever had! Thank you

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      January 8, 2016 at 10:40 pm (8 years ago)

      Yay!! That is so great to hear, Shelly! I’m so glad!

      Reply
  19. Haley M
    February 26, 2016 at 6:53 pm (8 years ago)

    I’m trying this recipe out now and I am so excited to try it! Also, have to mention that I rescued my dog and am so happy I did! She’s an angel (most of the time!) 🙂

    Reply
  20. Steven
    February 28, 2016 at 3:23 pm (8 years ago)

    Rescuing dogs is fantastic, but it’s also important to support responsible breeders who strive to breed healthy happy pups

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      February 28, 2016 at 3:48 pm (8 years ago)

      I really can’t articulate how strongly I disagree. There is no such thing as a responsible breeder when 2.4 million healthy, adoptable pets (including purebreds) are euthanized in American animal shelters each year. There is no such thing as a responsible breeder when you can get a dog of any breed, age, health, temperament, appearance, sex, etc., at a rescue. There is no such thing as a responsible breeder when dogs are bred for characteristics that negatively impact their health and happiness. Breeders are businesses, and dogs are commodities to them whether they feel self-congratulatory about “treating them well” or not. They are businesses that shouldn’t exist, that cause tremendous suffering, and that I will never recommend supporting.

      Reply
  21. Cindy
    July 11, 2019 at 8:24 pm (5 years ago)

    I just made these and everyone loved them! Husband, 11 year old, and mother (she doesn’t like too spicy). I didn’t add the jalepeno, but did add some slices of avocado. They were absolutely delicious! The slaw balanced with the aioli for the perfect amount of heat. Thanks for the great recipe! By the way…I very rarely leave reviews or comments, but this one earned it!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      July 15, 2019 at 2:05 am (5 years ago)

      I’m so glad to hear that, Cindy! Hooray! Thank you for leaving a comment to let me know!

      Reply
  22. Sabrina
    March 31, 2022 at 12:06 pm (2 years ago)

    My family loves salmon so I’m always looking for new unique delicious ways to make it. This recipe was amazing & did not disappoint. It was packed with SO much flavour & was a huge hit. Thanks for this, it’s a keeper!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      April 13, 2022 at 10:29 am (2 years ago)

      So glad you loved it!! It’s one of my favorites!

      Reply
  23. Tammy
    June 7, 2022 at 5:09 pm (2 years ago)

    I have made these for years now. Everyone that I fix them for loves, and wants them again. We are having them for dinner again tonight. They are a family favorite!!
    Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      June 7, 2022 at 6:01 pm (2 years ago)

      So glad to hear this! One of my favorite dinner recipes!

      Reply
  24. Chloe
    December 15, 2022 at 9:02 pm (1 year ago)

    Stumbled on this recipe and made it tonight. I didn’t have cabbage, so I subbed Dino Kale – otherwise I did everything to the recipe SO gooooooddd!!!! For the kids I put salmon/cheese and sour cream on a tortilla and my picky eater finished every bite! A keeper

    Reply
  25. Katina
    December 28, 2022 at 3:22 am (1 year ago)

    Just thought I would share that I have had this recipe saved on my Pinterest for many years now and have gone back to find it more times than I can count. I’ve made this for birthday parties and many other get togethers with friends and family. I get the best reviews and going by my own opinion, from someone who is not a huge salmon fan, these tacos are delicious and soo flavorful. I live in Alaska, and I cling to salmon recipes that I really love since we can get wild salmon so readily and low cost here.

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      December 28, 2022 at 1:40 pm (1 year ago)

      That makes me so happy to hear, Katina! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply

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