Mango Salsa Grilled Fish

Featured in: Evening Table Recipes

Enjoy a light and vibrant dish featuring tender grilled white fish fillets seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Paired with a fresh mango salsa combining diced mango, red onion, and cilantro, this meal is served in crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb twist. The bright flavors of lime juice and optional jalapeño add zest and heat, while avocado slices contribute creaminess. Quick to prepare and perfect for a refreshing main course.

Updated on Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:32:24 GMT
Fresh grilled fish tacos nestled in crisp lettuce shells and topped with a colorful mango salsa — a healthy, gluten-free Mexican-inspired meal. Save
Fresh grilled fish tacos nestled in crisp lettuce shells and topped with a colorful mango salsa — a healthy, gluten-free Mexican-inspired meal. | dailyhlib.com

These Mango Salsa Grilled Fish Tacos in Lettuce Shells offer a refreshing, vibrant twist on a classic favorite. By replacing heavy tortillas with crisp lettuce leaves and topping flaky grilled fish with a sweet and tangy mango salsa, you create a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a light, gluten-free, and low-carb dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Fresh grilled fish tacos nestled in crisp lettuce shells and topped with a colorful mango salsa — a healthy, gluten-free Mexican-inspired meal. Save
Fresh grilled fish tacos nestled in crisp lettuce shells and topped with a colorful mango salsa — a healthy, gluten-free Mexican-inspired meal. | dailyhlib.com

Whether you are hosting a summer gathering or simply prepping a quick weekday meal, these tacos bring the bright spirit of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Fish: 500 g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or halibut), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, juice of 1 lime.
  • Mango Salsa: 1 large ripe mango (peeled and diced), 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped), 1 small red bell pepper (diced), 1 small jalapeño (seeded and minced, optional), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, salt to taste.
  • Lettuce Shells & Assembly: 8 large crisp lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, or iceberg), 1 small avocado (sliced), extra lime wedges for serving.
Product image
Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the fish fillets. Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the salsa.
Make the Mango Salsa
In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.
Grill the Fish
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the fish fillets for 3–4 minutes per side, or until opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Flake the fish gently with a fork into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Tacos
Lay out lettuce leaves on a platter. Divide the grilled fish evenly among the leaves. Top each with mango salsa and a few avocado slices. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a high-quality grill pan or outdoor grill to achieve a perfect sear on the fish. Essential tools for this recipe include mixing bowls, a sharp knife for dicing the mango, and a spatula or tongs for carefully flipping the delicate fillets.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a different tropical flavor, swap the mango for diced pineapple or papaya. If you prefer a bit more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. For added texture and crunch, try adding thinly sliced radishes or shredded cabbage to your lettuce shells.

Serviervorschläge

Pair these zesty tacos with a crisp dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican lager to complement the citrus and spice. Always serve with extra lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of acidity.

Save
| dailyhlib.com

This nutritious meal provides 225 calories, 8g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 23g of protein per serving, making it a perfectly balanced dish for a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner!

Product image
Check doneness of meats, candy, and baked goods instantly for safer, perfectly cooked results.
Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

What type of fish works best?

White fish such as tilapia, cod, or halibut are ideal due to their mild flavor and firm texture that grills well.

Can I make the salsa spicier?

Yes, include the jalapeño seeds or add extra minced jalapeño to increase the heat to your preference.

How should the fish be seasoned?

A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice creates a zesty and smoky flavor profile.

Are there alternatives to lettuce shells?

You can use romaine, butter, or iceberg lettuce leaves as crisp vessels, or substitute with cabbage leaves for added crunch.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Light sides such as thinly sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, or a simple green salad complement the fresh flavors without overpowering them.

Mango Salsa Grilled Fish

Zesty grilled fish with mango salsa in crisp lettuce shells offers a fresh and flavorful low-carb option.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
10 minutes
Total duration
30 minutes
Created by Declan OBrien


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary info No dairy, No gluten, Low carb

Needed ingredients

Fish

01 1.1 lb white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or halibut)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 Juice of 1 lime

Mango Salsa

01 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
02 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 small red bell pepper, diced
04 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
05 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
06 Juice of 1 lime
07 Salt to taste

Assembly

01 8 large crisp lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, or iceberg)
02 1 small avocado, sliced
03 Extra lime wedges for serving

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub spice mixture evenly over fillets and allow to marinate for 10 minutes while preparing salsa.

Step 02

Make the Mango Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño if using, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly and season with salt to taste. Set aside until ready to serve.

Step 03

Grill the Fish: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill fish fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until opaque and flaking easily with a fork. Remove from heat and rest for 2 minutes, then gently flake into bite-sized pieces.

Step 04

Assemble the Tacos: Lay lettuce leaves on a platter. Divide grilled fish evenly among leaves and top each with mango salsa and avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Tools you'll need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or tongs

Allergy details

Look into every ingredient for allergens and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergen cross-contamination

Nutrition details (per serving)

Nutrient details are for reference and aren't a substitute for doctor's advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 23 grams