These Salmon Lettuce Wraps are filled with flakey, blackened salmon and topped with zesty orange salsa.

For more salmon recipes, try Maple Mustard Salmon, Salmon Avocado Salad, or Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

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Why We Love This Recipe

  • Easy – With minimal prep time and quick cooking time, this entire recipe is ready in just over 30 minutes, leaving you time to whip up Pineapple Rice to serve on the side.
  • Fresh – Featuring fruits, veggies, and refreshing flavors, this is a low-carb meal full of protein to leave you feeling satisfied.  
  • Versatile – You can easily enjoy this recipe on its own or with your favorite sides as a main course. Or, serve it as an appetizer for a restaurant-worthy dinner! 

Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

ingredients for salmon lettuce wraps.
  • Salmon: Use one large filet or several smaller filets. Go for wild-caught salmon for its lean protein and better taste. 
  • Seasonings: Ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Lime juice: Adds a bright, citrus flavor and tenderizes the fish. Freshly squeezed is best. 
  • Orange: Use one large orange, and chop it into pieces. 
  • Avocado: Adds a rich and creamy flavor. 
  • Jalapeño: Make sure to peel the membrane and remove the seeds. Then, dice the jalapeño into small pieces. 
  • Red onion: Chop it finely for texture and a tangy taste. 
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro will provide the best flavor and aroma. Wash and dry the leaves and remove any tough stems to eliminate any bitterness.
  • Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce for serving.

Substitutions and Variations

These easy salmon lettuce wraps can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

  • Add jalapeno rice to the wraps to make them more filling. 
  • Swap the fresh salmon with canned salmon, mixing it with the oil and spices. 
  • Sprinkle toppings like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fried onions on top of the wraps for a bit of crunch. 
  • Increase the heat with a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha

How to Make Salmon Lettuce Wraps 

Start by preparing the salmon. Then, combine the ingredients for the salsa while it bakes, and you’ll have this recipe on the table in minutes! Check out the recipe card below for detailed instructions. 

spice mixture in a white bowl.

Step 1: Whisk the oil and spices together in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the salmon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

salmon with spice mixture rub on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake at 425F for 15 to 19 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Bake time will depend on the thickness of the salmon.

chopped avocado, orange, and cilantro in a glass bowl.

Step 3: In a glass bowl, combine orange, avocado, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

orange avocado salsa in a bowl.

Step 4: Gently toss to combine. Taste and add more salt and lime juice if needed.

Expert Tips

Follow these tips to make the best lettuce salmon wraps: 

  • Buy salmon with skin on: The skin will help the salmon filet retain its juices and cook evenly. When it’s time to serve the salmon, the skin will easily separate from the meat as you flake the salmon with a fork. 
  • Avoid overcooking the fish: Salmon bakes quickly and can become dry when overcooked. Be sure to keep a close eye on it, and use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. 
  • Don’t overstuff the lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps are delicate and shouldn’t be stuffed full like a burrito. Instead, fill the center, leaving room around the edges of the lettuce leaves for folding. 

How to Store

These wraps are best enjoyed right away while they’re fresh. However, if you do have leftovers, we recommend storing the salmon, lettuce, and salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The ingredients will stay fresh for 1 to 2 days.

When you’re ready to eat, warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, and assemble the lettuce wraps as usual. Or, you can serve the salmon cold! 

flakes salmon with orange salsa inside lettuce leaf.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of lettuce is good for lettuce wraps? 

Iceberg lettuce, Romaine lettuce, Boston bibb, and romaine hearts are best for these salmon lettuce wraps. They have slightly different flavors but are all refreshing and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the fillings.

What do you eat with lettuce wraps? 

We like to serve this recipe with coconut lime rice, but it can easily be paired with any of your favorite sides.  

How do you keep lettuce crisp for wraps? 

The best way to keep your lettuce crisp is to store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge. Try placing a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess moisture. Then, assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat. 

If you try Salmon Lettuce Wraps, please leave a star rating and let me know how you like the recipe in the comments below.

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Blackened Salmon Lettuce Wraps with Orange Salsa - the easiest salmon lettuce wraps with insanely delicious orange avocado salsa! Low carb and easy to make | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Salmon Lettuce Wraps

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Blackened salmon lettuce wraps with a bright orange salsa. This weeknight dinner comes together in a cinch with simple, fresh, and delicious ingredients!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Salmon

  • 1 1/2 lbs. fresh salmon fillet
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Salsa

  • 1 large orange, peeled + chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled + chopped (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeds removed + finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

To Serve

  • Iceberg lettuce leaves
  • Lime wedges, optional

Instructions

Salmon

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the salmon onto the prepared sheet pan and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the spices and olive oil. Pour the mixture over the salmon, making sure the entire top and sides are coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salmon before serving.

Salsa

  1. In a bowl, combine salsa ingredients and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

To Serve

  1. Flake the salmon and spoon into the center of a lettuce leaf. Top with orange salsa. If desired, squeeze some fresh lime juice.

Notes

  • Leftovers: This dish is best enjoyed on the same day. If you do end up having leftovers, store salmon, salsa, and lettuce separately for 1-2 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 7.6 g
  • Sodium: 153.5 mg
  • Fat: 24.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.2 g
  • Protein: 40.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 86.9 mg

Recipe originally published May 2018 but since been updated with new information.