Carol's Salmon Tacos w/ Mango Corn Salsa Recipe

Carol's Kitchen Blog: Southern Smothered Pork Chops

There are few things I enjoy more than hosting a summer pool party. The sound of splashing water. The smell of sunscreen.

The sight of friends gathered around the patio table enjoying a meal I've spent all morning preparing while certain people spend all morning "testing the pool temperature" with Ann from three houses down.

But enough about Dave's newfound interest in aquatic science.

Today I'm sharing my Mango Corn Salmon Tacos, inspired by a recipe I found on Pinch of Yum. The combination of seasoned salmon, sweet mango, fresh cucumber, corn, lime, and cilantro creates the perfect summer meal. The salsa is really the star here, with juicy mango, sweet corn, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, honey, and lime all coming together beautifully. Kind of like the way Dave and Ann keep coming together at the corner of the pool to discuss chlorine levels.

Why These Tacos Are Perfect For Summer

The best pool party foods are light, colorful, and easy to eat. Unlike some conversations.

For example, I don't think anyone needed to hear Dave tell Ann that her new bathing suit was "very flattering" three separate times. Once communicates the information. Twice suggests you're lingering. Three times feels like Dave wants to wear the suit himself.

The Salmon

For these tacos, the salmon gets tossed with taco seasoning and baked until flaky and tender. It's simple, easy, and lets the salsa shine. I love recipes that don't require a lot of fuss. Unlike Dave, who somehow found six separate reasons to walk past Ann's lounge chair.

At one point he offered her:

• a fresh towel

• another lemonade

• sunscreen

• help adjusting her umbrella

Meanwhile, I was carrying a platter of food roughly the size of a Buick. But that's marriage.

The Mango Corn Salsa

This salsa is honestly summer in a bowl:

Fresh mango.

Sweet corn.

Cucumber.

Red onion.

Cilantro.

Lime.

Honey.

Every bite is bright and refreshing. As I diced the mango, I glanced out the kitchen window and saw Ann standing by the pool. Now, I want to be clear. I have absolutely nothing against Ann. She works hard. She's friendly And apparently her swimsuit cost enough money that every person within a fifty-foot radius needed to hear about it. Good for her. I'm just saying some of us don't require the constant fawning of the neighborhood husbands of all ages for validation.

Assembling The Tacos

Spread some avocado or beans on a warm tortilla, add chunks of salmon, then pile on the salsa. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of honey. The colors are gorgeous.

Almost as gorgeous as Dave apparently found Ann's swimsuit. Which was interesting because when I bought a new sundress last month his response was:

"Is that new?" Not, "You look beautiful." The romance industry is truly suffering.

Poolside Hosting Tip

When hosting a summer gathering, remember that everyone should feel welcome. Guests. Neighbors. Spouses. Especially spouses. If your husband spends twenty minutes discussing swimwear fabric technology with the woman next door, try not to make eye contact with the other married women at the party. They notice. Trust me. They notice.

Final Thoughts

These salmon tacos disappeared almost as quickly as the ice cream sandwiches. Everyone loved them. The kids had fun. The pool sparkled. The weather was perfect.

And Dave eventually remembered he was married when I glared at him from across the patio when he laughed harder at Ann's joke than he has at any episode of "Schitt's Creek," a show he claims to love.

So all in all, I'd call the afternoon a success. Be sure to hit the 'like' and 'subscribe' buttons and sign up for my newsletter where I send more yummy recipes, food hacks, and ways to threaten your husband for running his fingers on a neighbor's bathing suit strap as an excuse to discuss its wicking capability.

Enjoy!

— Carol's Kitchen Blog

"Bringing families together, whether they appreciate it or not."