Caribbean Mango Salad with Jerk Salmon: Tropical Delight

Photo byVal Reed

Caribbean Mango Salad with Jerk Salmon: A Tropical Delight

The vibrant flavors of the Caribbean are known for their boldness and complexity, blending heat, sweetness, and freshness in perfect harmony. One dish that captures this tropical essence is the Caribbean Mango Salad with Jerk Salmon. This is not just a salad—it's an explosion of flavor, combining tender, spicy salmon with the cool, sweet notes of fresh mango, creamy goat cheese, and a burst of tangy pickled onions. Whether you’re in a warm climate or just wishing you were, this dish transports you straight to a beachside paradise, with every bite packed with island zest.

The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture

At the heart of this recipe is jerk-seasoned salmon, seared to perfection and then baked to maintain its tenderness. The fiery jerk seasoning, a hallmark of Caribbean cuisine, brings a spicy kick that’s perfectly balanced by the juicy, ripe mango slices in the salad. Combined with creamy goat cheese, fresh mint, and earthy red kidney beans, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

The mixed greens provide a crisp base, while the red wine vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a rich, tangy element to the mix. And let's not forget the pickled onions, a bright and crunchy topping that adds both color and zing to each bite. Every forkful of this salad delivers a little bit of heat, a touch of sweetness, and a whole lot of satisfaction.

Recipe: Caribbean Mango Salad with Jerk Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs salmon fillet, cut into 5 portions, seasoned with jerk seasoning
• 2 cups canned red kidney beans, rinsed
• 2 large mangos, cut into thin slices
• 20 mint leaves, chopped
• 2 cups goat cheese, crumbled
• Mixed greens (as desired)

For Red Wine Vinaigrette:

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tbsp salt and pepper
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup canola oil
• 2/3 cup blended oil
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup red wine
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

For Pickled Onions:

• 2 red onions, julienned
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 tbsp salt

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Salmon
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with jerk seasoning. Sear the fillets on both sides in a medium frying pan with 2 tbsp of canola oil over medium-high heat. After achieving a nice crust, transfer the salmon to the oven to finish cooking for about 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare Pickled Onions
To create the pickled onions, mix together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, boiling water, and salt in a container. Add the julienned red onions and let them sit for about 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Make the Red Wine Vinaigrette
In a blender, combine garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, honey, red wine vinegar, red wine, and lemon juice. Blend the mixture until smooth, then, while the blender is running, slowly add the oils until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens, mango slices, kidney beans, chopped mint leaves, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with the red wine vinaigrette, and mix everything gently until well combined. Finally, plate the salad, topping each serving with a seared salmon fillet and a handful of pickled onions for a colorful and tasty finish.

Bringing It All Together

The Caribbean Mango Salad with Jerk Salmon is more than just a salad—it’s an invitation to enjoy the dynamic and flavorful ingredients of Caribbean cooking. Perfect for a summer meal or when you’re craving something fresh and vibrant, this salad balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite. The jerk seasoning offers a bold contrast to the sweet mango, while the creamy goat cheese and pickled onions add layers of richness and brightness.

This dish isn’t just visually stunning—it’s packed with nutrition too. Salmon brings a dose of healthy fats, while the kidney beans provide plant-based protein and fiber. Fresh greens and herbs ensure a refreshing crunch, making this salad a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Here are several sources for creating a Caribbean mango salad with jerk salmon:

1. Chefs of the Caribbean offers a recipe where jerk-spiced salmon is served with a refreshing mango salsa, combining mangoes, red onions, and cilantro to balance the heat from the salmon​(Chefs of the Caribbean).
2. Pinch of Yum provides a similar jerk salmon and mango salsa recipe, emphasizing the blend of sweet mango with spicy jerk seasoning. This source suggests cooking the salmon on a skillet for a crispy exterior and serving it with rice and beans​(Pinch of Yum).
3. 40 Aprons offers a step-by-step recipe, starting with a homemade jerk seasoning for the salmon and pairing it with a mango salsa made from fresh mango, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. This dish is a quick 20-minute meal that's flavorful and healthy​(40 Aprons).

Each of these sources provides great variations of this tropical dish, balancing heat and sweetness for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired meal.