BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa are a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat. Juicy, smoky salmon served over rice and topped with a sweet and tangy mango avocado salsa creates a balanced dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The smoky BBQ salmon pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy salsa.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
- Customizable: Switch up the grains or toppings to suit your preferences.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon:
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- BBQ sauce
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- Ripe mango, diced
- Avocado, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Salt
For the Bowl Base:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, or extra cilantro
Directions
Prepare the Salmon:
- Preheat and season:
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the salmon:
- If grilling, place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Brush BBQ sauce over the fillets, flip, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cooked through.
- If baking, place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
Make the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- Combine ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix the diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Layer the base:
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
- Add the salmon:
- Place a salmon fillet on top of the rice in each bowl.
- Top with salsa:
- Generously spoon the mango avocado salsa over the salmon.
- Garnish and serve:
- Add optional toppings like jalapeños, lime wedges, or extra cilantro. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Different grains: Use quinoa, farro, or mixed greens instead of rice.
- Tropical salsa: Add pineapple, cucumber, or bell peppers to the mango avocado salsa.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha to the salsa.
- Vegan option: Replace salmon with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooked salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the salmon in the microwave or oven. The salsa is best served fresh but can be enjoyed cold if stored.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked salmon (without salsa) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw the salmon completely before seasoning and cooking.
2. What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky or honey BBQ sauce complements the flavors well, but use your favorite variety.
3. How do I tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I grill the salmon on a stovetop?
Yes, use a grill pan over medium heat and follow the same cooking instructions.
5. Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
The salsa is best served fresh but can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
6. What’s a good substitute for mango?
Pineapple, peach, or nectarine works well as an alternative.
7. Can I use another protein?
Yes, chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be substituted for salmon.
8. How do I prevent the avocado from browning in the salsa?
Add extra lime juice to the salsa to slow down oxidation.
9. Can I make this bowl spicy?
Add chili powder to the salmon seasoning or diced jalapeño to the salsa for heat.
10. How do I keep the salmon from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil or use a grill-safe non-stick mat.
Conclusion
BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa are a vibrant and satisfying meal packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these bowls are sure to impress. Healthy, delicious, and easy to customize, they’re a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintBBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These BBQ Salmon Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish combining smoky, sweet barbecue salmon with fresh mango avocado salsa, served over a bed of rice and greens. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light summer dinner.
Ingredients
- For the BBQ Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Mixed greens or shredded lettuce
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix and set aside.
- Season the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Brush the top of the fillets generously with BBQ sauce, then flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice and mixed greens among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with a salmon fillet.
- Spoon the mango avocado salsa over the salmon.
- Serve:
- Garnish with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute quinoa or couscous for rice for variety.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeño to the salsa or a sprinkle of chili flakes on the salmon.
- If using an oven, bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through.