Salmon is a versatile and healthy option for a quick and nutritious meal. One of my favorite ways to enjoy salmon is in these delicious salmon rice bowls. These bowls are perfect for a gluten-free dinner on a hectic weeknight, but they also make a satisfying lunch option. With the addition of the honey lime sauce and cilantro lime dressing, these bowls are bursting with flavor!
My family absolutely adores these bowls. The combination of flavors creates a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty. While the recipe calls for up to 1 tablespoon of honey, I prefer mine less sweet. Some of my kids even like to add a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
Easy Salmon Bowls
Salmon is rich in healthy fats and lower in mercury and other toxins compared to certain types of fish. It is a readily available option at most grocery stores. While many salmon bowl recipes typically feature Asian-inspired flavors using brown sugar, soy sauce, or tamari sauce, I wanted to take a different approach with a honey lime salmon and cilantro lime dressing.
The result is a dish that is both flavorful and refreshing. I prefer to keep the preparation simple by baking the salmon in the oven. However, you could also use an air fryer if that is your preferred method (although I have not personally tried it).
I use both skin-on and skinless salmon, depending on what I have on hand. If you enjoy crispy skin on your salmon, you can place it skin side up under the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
What Rice to Use (or Not)
When it comes to rice choices, there are numerous options available such as brown rice, white rice, and sushi rice. I opt for white rice as it contains lower levels of phytic acid and arsenic compared to other varieties. Alternatively, you can use lettuce as a low-carb substitution.
If you prefer a grain-like texture without using rice, quinoa serves as an excellent alternative. Regardless of your choice, be sure to cook it according to the instructions on the package. Preparing the rice or quinoa ahead of time can streamline meal prep.
Topping Your Salmon Bowl
While these bowls are already packed with flavor, you can enhance them further by adding additional garnishes for extra nutrition and taste. For a spicy variation, consider including a dash of sriracha in the dressing. Here are some other topping ideas:
- Chopped green onions or scallions
- Drizzle of sesame oil
- Spicy mayo
- Splash of rice vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds
Honey Lime Salmon Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing
These healthy salmon bowls are packed with bold flavors and easy to make. Customize it with your favorite toppings
For the Honey Lime Salmon
For the Rice Bowls
2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
2 avocados (sliced)
1 cucumber (sliced)
mixed greens of choice (spinach, arugula, etc.)
For the Dressing
¼ cup olive oil
2 limes (juiced)
½ cup fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
½ cup Greek yogurt
salt (to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
1 TBSP honey (or less, optional)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, maple syrup, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper for the salmon marinade.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each filet is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Place the marinated salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon is baking, assemble the rice bowls. Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among serving bowls and arrange sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mixed greens on top.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the cilantro lime dressing: olive oil, lime juice, greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, garlic, salt, black pepper, and honey (if desired).
Place the cooked salmon on each rice bowl.
Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the rice bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Honey Lime Salmon Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Amount Per Serving (1 bowl)
Calories 775
Calories from Fat 423
% Daily Value*
Fat 47g72%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Trans Fat 0.003g
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g
Monounsaturated Fat 28g
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 269mg12%
Potassium 1600mg46%
Carbohydrates 52g17%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 40g80%
Vitamin A 1820IU36%
Vitamin C 22mg27%
Calcium 102mg10%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Try adding a little sriracha to the top for a sweet and spicy version.
Looking for more salmon recipes? Give this sheet pan Asian ginger salmon with roasted veggies, garlic powder, and teriyaki sauce a try.
How do you like to enjoy salmon? Share your favorite ways in the comments!
Conclusion
Salmon rice bowls are a versatile and healthy meal option that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Packed with flavor from the honey lime salmon and cilantro lime dressing, these bowls are sure to become a family favorite. Customize your toppings to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, white rice, sushi rice, or even quinoa as a substitute for rice in these salmon bowls.
Q: How can I add more spice to the dish?
A: To make the dish spicier, consider adding sriracha to the dressing or topping the bowls with red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I prepare the rice or quinoa ahead of time?
A: Yes, cooking the rice or quinoa in advance can help streamline meal prep and make it easier to assemble the salmon bowls when it’s time to eat.
