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?
salmon skewers are so versatile – you can cook them on the grill, on the stove top, or in the oven.
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. This also gives you the perfect excuse to splurge on healthier wild caught fish.
what kind of fish is best for skewers?
It’s important to choose sturdy, meaty fish for skewers. You want thick filets so you can cut nice big chunks, and a firm texture that won’t fall apart or flake when cooked.
how to make salmon kabobs
- 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. Remember that the fish will shrink a bit when it cooks.
- Cut the peppers and onions the same size as the salmon. This is important because if the peppers and onions are larger than the chunks of fish, the fish won’t have a chance to touch the heat of the grill or the pan when cooking.
- 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.
- Optional but delicious: brush with garlic butter just before cooking.
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. Assemble the skewers, cover with plastic, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. 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 skewers 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 with fish is so short I don’t bother.
I tend to prefer wood because I find that when I use metal skewers the food tends to spin around more, which makes turning them during cooking difficult. Some metal skewers are made with twisted or textured surfaces, which would help.
What to serve with salmon kabobs
- Depending on my mood, I’ll often 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. Boxed couscous mixes are really good and come in lots of variety ~ we often use them for meals like this. They take just minutes to prepare.
- In hot weather I like to them with a chunky salad like a Chopped Asparagus Salad or a Chopped Italian Salad.
- 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.
fish skewers are a healthy choice
These skewers fit into just about every healthy diet plan: they’re low calorie, low carb, gluten free, paleo, whole 30 compliant.
- salmon is high in protein
- it’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids to protect against heart disease and cancer
- salmon and peppers are high in antioxidants that fight inflammation and lower bad cholesterol
- peppers have lots of Vitamins A and C to boost your immune system
more salmon recipes to love
- Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon
- Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
- Spring Salmon Salad Platter
- Our Favorite Salmon Coconut Curry
- 7 Layer Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
- Salmon with Berry Salsa
- Blistered Corn and Asparagus Salad with Salmon
Rainbow Salmon Skewers
Equipment
- metal or wooden 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 for serving
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.
Notes
- You can use zucchini and summer squash in place of the peppers.
- For a vegan version of these fish skewers, try my Grilled Tofu Skewers.
- Love chicken? Try my rainbow chicken skewers!
Nutrition
Sue you never cease to amaze me. You are always my go to place when I want to WOW people.
Thank you for making me seem famous.
I’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.
Lol, no worries, I can’t help myself!
I can’t wait to make this while we glamp this weekend! I’ll followup with some pics!!
This is perfect for glamping ~ I’m jealous!
Do you know the nutritional information for the Rainbow Salmon Skewers?
I just added it for you 🙂
Can you use teriyaki sauce? I’m used to the chicken one and wondering if you can do that with fish:) Thanks
Yes, absolutely, I’ve seen teriyaki salmon recipes and they sound amazing. Let us know how it goes!
beautiful! excellent way to take advantage of salmon’s hue!
Fun to eat and fun to photograph, too! Thanks Grace 🙂
We love salmon here! What a beautiful way to prepare it, Sue!
Bet these would be GREAT in a grill pan too. They look so beautiful!