Canned Salmon Tacos

Canned salmon taco filling

The filling for these tacos only takes four ingredients, canned salmon, taco seasoning, lime, juice, and olive oil. I usually have my homemade taco seasoning at hand, but if not, don’t be afraid to just go to a store-bought packet of taco seasoning. I’ve included my taco seasoning recipe in the notes section of the recipe card. 

​Fruit Salsa 

The fruit salsa is the Key ingredient to making these canned fish tacos shine!! I play around with the other topping options but I never skip the tropical fruit salsa. Bright and sweet it's the perfect condiment for the salmon. The recipe below has a mango salsa, with fresh cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and a touch of cumin. It's great with fresh salmon grilled or baked- and when we had some left-over I discover how perfect it works with the canned salmon, too. You can swap out the mango for fresh ripe peaches or pineapple salsa if you prefer. 

​Another option that works great is pickled pineapple! 

Tortilla Options

To start your taco journey, you'll need the perfect tortilla. Opt for warm corn tortillas or taco shells, whichever you prefer. The soft, pliable corn tortillas add an authentic touch to your tacos, while the crispy taco shells offer a satisfying crunch. Warm the tortillas before assembling your tacos for an even more enjoyable dining experience.

Favorite Toppings - Customize to Your Heart's Content

The secret to elevating canned salmon tacos lies in the toppings you choose. Prepare small bowls filled with an array of options to suit everyone's taste. Here are some must-have toppings to consider:

• Fruit Salsa: A tropical mango salsa with fresh cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and a touch of cumin. Its sweet and tangy flavors complement the salmon perfectly.
• Pickled onions: once you start making pickled onions with will find that they are the perfect addition to so many meals- pickled onions give these that restaurant feel.  
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy, tangy element, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat. Try my cilantro garlic sauce with greek yogurt, dill yogurt dill, or this dijon dipping sauce for salmon.
• Pico de Gallo: Enhance the taco's freshness with a classic pico de gallo made of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Crunchy Vegetables: Slice some bell peppers and red cabbage for a refreshing crunch in each bite.
• Hot Sauce: If you prefer a kick of spice, keep your favorite hot sauce nearby.
• Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges to squeeze over the tacos for a burst of citrusy goodness.

Tips, Tricks, and Alterations

• Dail up the spicy level- green chiles, pickled jalapenos, or one of my top favorite spicy condiments pickled Fresno peppers. 
• Add Beans- yes I know! those of you who follow Balancing Bowls know that I manage to get beans and lentils of all kinds in most recipes. But really tacos seem like a perfect place to sneak more fiber in with refried beans or black beans. 
• Change the seasoning- try swapping out the taco flavor and add cajun seasoning instead. 

Instructions:

Prepare the Fruit Salsa

• Dice two ripe mangos and combine them with chopped red onion, cilantro, seeded and minced jalapeno, lime juice, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let the flavors meld.

Taco Filling

• Drain the canned salmon and flake it with a fork into a medium bowl.
• Add taco seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil to the salmon, and mix until well combined.

Warm Tortillas

• Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.

Assemble the Tacos

• Take a warm tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the canned salmon mixture in the center.
• Top with fruit salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, pico de gallo, crunchy vegetables, and a drizzle of hot sauce.