Heart Healthy Salmon Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 10/9/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic
Heart Healthy Salmon Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw
Photo Credit: iStock

Spicy-sweet salmon and lime yogurt sauce are wrapped in delightfully crunchy tacos. Have a high-protein dinner with immune-boosting vitamin C and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. While this recipe uses a broiler for a quick char, we've also included tips for making delicious salmon in the air fryer or on the grill.

Looking for more inspiration for your next Taco Tuesday? Explore all of our healthy taco recipes for other flavorful and simple options. If you are looking for more ways to prepare salmon, we have a collection of healthy salmon recipes to suit every palate.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
500

What Makes These Heart Healthy Salmon Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw Healthy

This recipe is designed to be heart-healthy by prioritizing high-quality protein and unsaturated fats from salmon, minimizing sodium by using fresh herbs and spices for flavor, and incorporating a light, yogurt-based sauce instead of heavier, cream-based alternatives.

Key Health Highlights

  • Rich in Omega-3s: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health.
  • Controlled Sodium: Each serving contains 493 mg of sodium, aligning with heart-healthy dietary goals.
  • High in Protein: Provides 37 grams of high-quality protein per serving to help you feel full and satisfied.
  • Source of Vitamin C: Red cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C, an important antioxidant for immune function.
  • Utilizes Healthy Fats: The recipe calls for olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, instead of saturated fats like butter.

FAQs About Salmon Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw

Yes, salmon tacos can be very healthy. This recipe focuses on lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables while keeping sodium low. Baking, grilling, or broiling the fish instead of frying also contributes to a healthier meal.

Excellent healthy side dishes include a simple black bean and corn salad, cilantro-lime rice, or a fresh jicama slaw. These sides add fiber and nutrients without significant fat or sodium.

A firm variety of salmon like Coho or Sockeye works well because it flakes into nice chunks without falling apart. Look for fillets that are about one-inch thick for even cooking.

To prevent soggy tacos, warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or oven just before serving to make them more pliable and durable. Additionally, you can add the creamy yogurt sauce just before eating instead of letting it sit.

More Heart-Healthy Seafood Dinners

If you enjoyed these Heart-Healthy Salmon Tacos, you'll love our other delicious seafood recipes. Explore these simple and flavorful dishes that make it easy to add more healthy fish to your weeknight routine.

Taco Night Sides & Variations

A great taco deserves the perfect sides and variations to complete the meal. In this list, you'll find everything from fresh, low-sodium salsas to other taco recipes you're sure to enjoy.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 4 servings

Tacos

Yogurt Sauce

Toppings

Directions

Tacos

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl, combine the coffee, brown sugar, cumin, cilantro, chili powder, salt and black pepper. Add the olive oil and stir. Brush the coffee mixture over the salmon.

  2. Step 2

    Broil the salmon, skin side down, for 8 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the heat and break the fillets into chunks.

Yogurt Sauce

  1. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, jalapeño, hot sauce, lime juice, lime zest and honey. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Toppings

  1. Fill the taco shells with the salmon. Top the salmon with the yogurt sauce, cabbage and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
2 tacos

500
Calories
28
g
Fat
102
mg
Cholesterol
493
mg
Sodium
24
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
5
g
Fiber
37
g
Protein
2
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods: Air Fryer, Grill, or Oven

While the recipe calls for a broiler, the salmon can be prepared using other methods:

  • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Cook the seasoned salmon for 7-9 minutes, or until it flakes easily.
  • Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and grill for 6-8 minutes, flipping once if desired.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the salmon on a lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. A simple side of black beans or a light corn salad complements the tacos well.
  • Storage: Store leftover salmon and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat the salmon, warm it gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat until just heated through to prevent it from drying out. Avoid reheating the slaw or yogurt sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Firm white fish like cod or mahi-mahi can be used as a substitute.

For a dairy-free sauce, you can use a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt. You can also use Greek yogurt for a thicker sauce with more protein.

Green cabbage or a pre-packaged coleslaw mix (without the dressing) can be used in a pinch.

To reduce the heat, you can omit the jalapeño or use less hot sauce.

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