Avocado Salmon Rice Bowls have become a go-to meal for anyone looking for something healthy, satisfying, and full of vibrant flavor. Whether you’re a fan of sushi-style bowls, poke, or wholesome grain bowls, this dish hits all the marks. It’s a colorful, nourishing, and balanced meal that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bowl is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber – and it’s absolutely bursting with flavor.
The inspiration for this recipe stems from Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine, drawing elements from poke bowls, sushi rice, and classic teriyaki-style grilled salmon. But the beauty of a rice bowl like this is how flexible and personal it can be. You get to build your own perfect bite every time, choosing how much avocado, fish, or veggies you want in each spoonful. It’s comfort food that’s also fresh, nourishing, and customizable.
At the heart of this bowl is perfectly cooked salmon – tender, flaky, and seasoned with a savory soy-honey-lime glaze. Paired with fluffy jasmine or sushi rice and creamy avocado slices, the contrast of textures and flavors is incredibly satisfying. Add some crunch from cucumbers or shredded carrots, some umami from nori strips, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and suddenly you have a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
While raw salmon is often featured in poke bowls, this recipe uses a cooked version for accessibility and ease. Grilled, baked, or pan-seared salmon all work beautifully. And if you’re short on time, you can even use high-quality canned salmon or leftover baked salmon from another meal. The key is keeping it juicy and flavorful with the glaze.
Another key component is the rice. While white rice is traditional, you can swap in brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Sushi rice tossed with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar and salt gives a lightly tangy flavor that really elevates the whole dish.
To tie everything together, a drizzle of spicy mayo or sesame dressing adds just the right amount of richness. And for those who love spice, a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes make for the perfect kick. Garnishes like pickled ginger, green onions, or a soft-boiled egg can also take this bowl to the next level.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. Just store the components separately – salmon, rice, and toppings – and assemble when ready to eat. It’s also easy to scale up for family dinners or scale down for a quick solo meal. And it’s naturally gluten-free when using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
From a nutritional standpoint, this bowl offers a great balance. Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while avocado brings in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Add in colorful veggies and complex carbs, and you have a bowl that fuels both body and soul.
So whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl is an easy favorite. It’s feel-good food that’s anything but boring – and once you try it, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.
Servings: 2–3
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or sushi rice preferred)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Optional: Nori strips, pickled ginger, spicy mayo, jalapeño slices
Instructions:
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and lime juice.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add salmon, skin side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip, add glaze, and cook another 3–4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky.
- Divide cooked rice into serving bowls. Arrange sliced avocado, carrots, cucumber, and salmon on top.
- Drizzle with extra glaze or spicy mayo. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Add optional toppings like nori strips or pickled ginger.
Tips:
- Use pre-cooked or leftover salmon for a quick version.
- Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Add a soft-boiled egg for extra protein.
- Adjust spice level with sriracha, jalapeño, or chili flakes.
- Keep toppings separate if prepping ahead to maintain freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl is everything you want in a meal: protein-packed, full of flavor, and quick to make. It’s adaptable, visually stunning, and made with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a satisfying dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Summary: The Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl is a vibrant, healthy, and customizable dish featuring glazed salmon, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables over a bed of rice. It’s easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for any meal of the day.