Grilled Salmon Al Pastor with Herb Guacamole

This post is sponsored by Kingsford Charcoal. All thoughts and opinions however, are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make ¡Hola! Jalapeño possible.

Is there anything more effortlessly impressive than a whole side of grilled salmon?

It really takes little more then 10 minutes on the grill but looks so gorgeous when it’s done and feeds a crowd to boot!

Why Grilling Is The Best Way to Entertain

With the start of the holiday season upon us, I’m excited to be partnering with Kingsford to give you all a gentle nudge that—if the weather permits—to take the party outside!

It is only natural during any party that guests want to be where the action is.

When I’m throwing a dinner party inside that means everyone ends up in my extraordinarily tiny kitchen.

If I’m grilling however, there’s plenty of room in my backyard for everyone to mingle and chat, drink in hand, while the food sizzles away.

Not to mention that I can’t think of one thing that doesn’t benefit from Kingsford Original Charcoal’s smoky wood-fired flavor.

This grilled salmon recipe is no exception.

Those classic charcoal briquets have the best authentic BBQ flavor and it comes through in everything it touches.

How to Make A Whole Side of Grilled Salmon

This Grilled Salmon Al Pastor with Herb Guacamole is truly an unforgettable feast!

It features a whole side of wild Alaskan salmon (which I highly recommend over farmed salmon).

The fish is marinated in the classic Al Pastor flavors of chipotle chile, ancho chile, lime, raw sugar, oregano, and garlic.

It may seem a bit intimidating to grill a whole side of salmon but it’s totally worth a try.

The side is so impressive when served and the salmon doesn’t dry out as easily as when cut into filets. Here’s a few tips for success:

• Preheat the grill grates and oil them right before you put the fish on the grill.
• Don’t move the fish around once it starts cooking. Flip it only once.
• Use two long spatulas to flip and remove the fish when it’s done.
• And if you really don’t want to attempt it, cut the side of salmon into individual filets before marinating and grilling. OR….
• Grill the whole side in a piece of aluminum foil. Although you won’t get any crispy skin if you do this, which I really, really love.

What Goes with Grilled Salmon Al Pastor

Homemade guacamole loaded with fresh herbs

This guacamole recipe was inspired by one I had at Atla when I was in New York last month.

The key is to use as many different fresh herbs as possible.

The bursts of anise from the tarragon and basil, the light lemon notes of Italian parsley, and of course the intensity of fresh cilantro take idea of guacamole and turn it on its head.

Grilled baby butternut squash

Toss some butternut squash on the grill while you have it lit!

I roasted these baby butternut squash that I found at last Saturday’s Farmer’s Market in a hot oven for about 20 minutes then finished them on the grill while the salmon cooked.

Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few herbs before roasting.

Ready to this Grilled Salmon Recipe a try?

I know it’s not traditional, but this would be an excellent alternative meal for anyone who doesn’t love having turkey for Thanksgiving.

Even the grilled butternut squash would make an excellent Thanksgiving side—hey, one less thing to put in the oven!

What dish do you think is best cooked over charcoal? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

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