Rainbow Salmon Skewers are easy, healthy, and so fun to make ~ these colorful fish kabobs are gorgeous, too, and make a quick and delicious 30 minute meal ~ have you eaten the rainbow today?
These salmon skewers are so versatile – you can cook them on the grill, on the stove top, or in the oven.
But since it’s almost Memorial Day weekend, I’m going with the grill. The colors were so cheerful and pretty I almost hated to cook them, but a girl’s gotta eat! This is one of my favorite ways to do fish and it really helps keep the cost down – fish prices have skyrocketed and it’s a shame because it’s so good for us. You can get away with about 3 ounces of fish per person when you do it this way, and it also allows you to experiment with some of the more expensive varieties.
For fish skewers choose sturdy fish like tuna, swordfish, mahi mahi, halibut and salmon.
- I like to cut the salmon filet in relatively large chunks because the minute it hits the grill it’s going to cook instantly. If you cut the fish too small, the onions and peppers won’t have a chance to cook before the fish is overdone.
- Be sure to brush everything liberally with olive oil so it doesn’t stick. If you have one of those pans that goes over the grill I suggest using that.
- And be sure to season with salt and pepper on both sides.
These salmon skewers can prepped well ahead of time
This is a godsend since nobody wants to be stuck inside making dinner on a beautiful spring evening. Plan to cook them at the very last minute…they won’t need longer than a few minutes on each side over a hot grill. If you’re doing them in the oven, I like to cook them for 5-10 minutes at 400F, and then pop them under the broiler for several more minutes. No turning necessary. A note about skewers — if you use wooden ones you may want to soak them in water before threading them because the heat of a grill can scorch them. I find that the cooking time is so short I didn’t need to bother.
What to serve with salmon kabobs
- Depending on my mood, I’ll serve the skewers on top of a salad, or a bed of couscous. I like to color and flavor the couscous with some saffron, or curry and turmeric for a really vibrant yellow. Just add a pinch in the cooking water and the couscous will absorb it.
- Sometimes I’ll serve these skewers with a sauce like a simple pesto or chimichurri sauce. Both are bright, vivid and perfect for this dish.
We’re heading to Madison Wisconsin this weekend for my daughter’s wedding! It’s going to be the simplest affair possible, with just the two immediate families. It suits the bride and groom’s personality perfectly, and we’re thrilled. I’m leaving you with a few great recipes, and I’ll check in with some pictures on facebook and Instagram!
Rainbow Salmon Skewers
Ingredients
- 12 ounces salmon fillet
- 1/2 each of a red, green, yellow, and orange bell pepper
- 1/4 large red onion
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into 1 1/2 inch chunks. You are going to need approximately 12 pieces.
- Cut the peppers into 1 1/2 inch square pieces
- Cut the red onion into similar sized chunks and separate the layers.
- Thread your skewers alternately with the onions and peppers, and then the salmon. Leave some room at the base so you can handle them easily.
- Brush the skewers liberally on both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
- Cook on a hot grill, turning once, until the fish is cooked through and the veggies are softened a bit. Don't overcook!
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition
Make it your own ~
- These skewers would be equally amazing made with any firm fish like halibut, mahi mahi, swordfish…the list is endless!
- For a vegan version of these fish skewers, try my Grilled Tofu Skewers.
25 Comments
Brian Nagele
December 14, 2019 at 9:04 amI’m lovin’ it! I actually just read like three of your posts today. So that means you better keep writing more, because I am going through these like they’re going out of style.
Lindsay
April 9, 2019 at 9:37 amI can’t wait to make this while we glamp this weekend! I’ll followup with some pics!!
Sue
April 9, 2019 at 11:18 amThis is perfect for glamping ~ I’m jealous!
Wendy Koons
February 7, 2019 at 9:56 amDo you know the nutritional information for the Rainbow Salmon Skewers?
Sue
February 7, 2019 at 10:38 amI just added it for you 🙂
Toby Westbrooks
April 1, 2017 at 8:08 amCan you use teriyaki sauce? I’m used to the chicken one and wondering if you can do that with fish:) Thanks
Sue
April 1, 2017 at 8:10 amYes, absolutely, I’ve seen teriyaki salmon recipes and they sound amazing. Let us know how it goes!
grace
May 27, 2015 at 6:57 ambeautiful! excellent way to take advantage of salmon’s hue!
Sue
May 27, 2015 at 7:07 amFun to eat and fun to photograph, too! Thanks Grace 🙂
Susan
May 26, 2015 at 1:50 pmWe love salmon here! What a beautiful way to prepare it, Sue!
[email protected]'s+Recipes
May 24, 2015 at 5:49 amBet these would be GREAT in a grill pan too. They look so beautiful!
Thao @ In Good Flavor
May 22, 2015 at 4:57 pmThese are the most gorgeous looking skewers. Not all grilled food is good for you, but this one is also packed with nutrition.
Sue
May 23, 2015 at 5:47 amThanks Thao!
Lizzie
May 22, 2015 at 12:43 pmSo colourful and looks really appetizing! I can have these skewers every day. Yum!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
May 21, 2015 at 8:28 pmGorgeous skewers, Sue! Love that rainbow of colors!
Jude
May 21, 2015 at 2:31 pmHow scrumptious, and a great way to get plenty of goodness from both the fish and vegetables. Have a lovely weekend at your daughter’s wedding. Much happiness and joy to her and her husband.
Jude x
Sue
May 21, 2015 at 3:02 pmThanks Judie, I’m just settling into our bed and breakfast now!
Toni | BoulderLocavore
May 21, 2015 at 10:59 amSue these are so pretty! I always love that about your food. I would not have thought to use salmon in a kabob but it really sounds great. Thanks for the beautiful photos and great recipe!
Sue
May 21, 2015 at 3:04 pmThese were SO good Toni, I could have eaten them all week. The salmon gets cooked so quickly and it stays perfectly moist. I love that they didn’t need anything but a squeeze of lemon!
Donna
May 21, 2015 at 10:11 amThese look delicious. Sadly, grilling is not an option for me. Do you have approx. cook times for the stovetop and oven?
Sue
May 21, 2015 at 3:05 pmYes Donna, i did them in the oven. I cooked them for approximately 10 minutes at 400F and then finished them off under the broiler for some nice charring!
Patricia
May 21, 2015 at 9:47 amCongratulations on the upcoming wedding – it sounds like it will be a lovely affair!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
May 21, 2015 at 6:15 amThese are rainbow beautiful Sue. What a great suggestion for trying the more expensive fish fillets. Make-ahead is a blessing too – another great recipe with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering photos!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
May 21, 2015 at 6:11 amBeautiful Sue! Love grilled salmon and these would be great for entertaining. So pretty 🙂
Chris Scheuer
May 21, 2015 at 4:40 amSo pretty they take my breath away! And lucky me, I just bought some really nice salmon!