Cajun Roasted Salmon with Pineapple Mango Salsa

Hopefully I won't offend anyone by saying this but  I think you can turn anything into a "salsa" if you have fresh limes, jalapeno peppers, onions and cilantro or parsley.  Add tomatoes and you have the classic pico de gallo.  Put in fruit and you have a fruit salsa.  Mix in other ingredients and it may not taste as good i.e. almonds, but I would still call it a salsa.  And who knows?  Maybe there are some out there who would enjoy a good almond salsa.


Fruit salsas are awesome to eat with fish but it wold also be great with shrimp, chicken, lamb, and steak.  The sky is the limit on the type of fruit and you should put in more of the fruit you like, add more onion if you like a bite, and more peppers if you like it muy caliente!


A fresh fruit salsa that is tangy, tart and sweet is great company for a well seasoned cajun style salmon.  Here's my version- enjoy!


Salmon
2 6-8 oz center cut salmon filets
2 Tbsps of Cajun seasoning*
1 lime for zesting


Salsa
1/3 cup of diced mangoes
1/3 cup of diced pineapples
1/2 a whole avocado diced
2 Tbsp finely minced shallots
1 Tbsp of finely minced jalapeno or serrano pepper (more as desired)
1/4 cup of fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley
zest of one lime
salt and pepper to taste
 -papaya and kiwi would also be great and colorful additions




Instructions
1.  Sprinkle both sides of the salmon liberally with the Cajun seasoning.  Zest the lime right over the salmon.  Set aside while oven preheats.
2.  Preheat oven to 450F.  Line a baking sheet with foil.
3.  Roast the salmon for 12-15 minutes.
4.  Mix all the salsa ingredients in a bowl, cover, and place in refrigerator while salmon is roasting.
5.  Once the salmon is done, top with the salsa and a lime wedge.


On a warm summer night, I like to add cold vegetables as a side, like steamed asparagus that has been shocked in cold water.


*Cajun Seasoning
If you don't have any in your kitchen stash, there are many great recipes online that probably use most of the spices you already have.  If not, I usually mix the following together:
2 tsp each of cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika,
1 tsp each of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano and/or thyme
1 tsp of salt (if desired)