If you’re craving something vibrant, nourishing, and downright delicious, the Salmon Burrito Bowl is sure to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. With juicy, spice-rubbed salmon, fluffy rice, punchy black beans, creamy avocado, pops of sweet corn, and zesty toppings, this bowl pulls together the best Tex-Mex flavors in one easy meal. Every bite is a beautiful collision of fresh ingredients and bold flavor, making the Salmon Burrito Bowl a dish you’ll love to prepare, serve, and devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salmon Burrito Bowl shines thanks to a handful of simple, colorful ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component brings a unique flavor, texture, or burst of color to the table, proving that you don’t need a complicated shopping list for a memorable meal.
- Salmon fillets: The star of the show; rich, tender, and packed with healthy omega-3s.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps lock in the spice rub as the salmon roasts.
- Chili powder: Delivers a warm, smoky kick that really wakes up the flavor.
- Cumin: Lends earthy notes that pair perfectly with salmon and Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Smoked paprika: Brings extra depth and a slightly smoky essence to the salmon.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
- Cooked brown or white rice: The base of your bowl—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Black beans (canned, rinsed and drained): Hearty, protein-rich, and great for a little fiber boost.
- Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen): Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Avocado (sliced): Creamy texture and mellow flavor; a must for burrito bowls!
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy, bright, and bursting with freshness.
- Red onion (finely diced): A punchy, crunchy contrast to the soft ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): The herbal finishing touch for a hit of color and zing.
- Juice of 1 lime: Fresh lime perks up every layer with a bright citrus twist.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional): Adds silky, cool richness on top.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who want a little spicy kick to top things off.
How to Make Salmon Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat your salmon fillets dry—this helps them roast beautifully and soak up all those delicious spices! Rub each fillet with olive oil, then generously sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The spice blend will create a mouthwatering crust that’s flavorful without being overpowering.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
Place your seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’re looking for perfectly cooked salmon that flakes easily with a fork and is still delightfully moist inside. While the fish is roasting, you can prep everything else—multitasking at its best!
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Time to get creative with assembly! Grab two generous serving bowls and start by layering in your cooked rice for a hearty base. Next up, add the rinsed black beans, sweet corn kernels, creamy slices of avocado, juicy cherry tomato halves, and crunchy diced red onion. Each layer adds flavor, color, and a fun texture—this is when your Salmon Burrito Bowl really starts to come alive.
Step 4: Flake and Add the Salmon
Once your salmon is baked to perfection, let it rest for a minute before gently flaking it into large, hearty pieces. Carefully arrange the salmon on top of each bowl. The rich, warm fish atop the fresh veggies and rice is seriously inviting, promising a forkful of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings and Serve
For the grand finale, drizzle fresh lime juice over the entire bowl and sprinkle liberally with chopped cilantro. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you like things creamy, and finish everything off with a splash of your favorite hot sauce for heat. Serve your Salmon Burrito Bowl right away and enjoy every vibrant, nourishing bite!
How to Serve Salmon Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms a good Salmon Burrito Bowl into a great one. Bright green cilantro, extra lime wedges, a crumble of cotija cheese, or thinly sliced radishes can add color, crunch, and that restaurant-style look right in your own kitchen.
Side Dishes
This bowl is hearty enough on its own, but you can never go wrong with a side of warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa or a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. For a special touch, try some grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes on the side—your guests will love the variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your family or friends? Set up a Salmon Burrito Bowl bar, letting everyone customize their own bowl with the toppings and extras they love most. Or, for an elegant twist, layer everything in wide glass jars for a portable lunch that travels well and looks gorgeous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the veggies from getting soggy. Just hold off on slicing the avocado and adding cilantro until you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
While rice, black beans, and grilled or baked salmon all freeze nicely, it’s best to freeze them separately for great results. Pack the salmon and rice in freezer-safe containers and use within a month for optimal flavor. Avoid freezing fresh veggies and avocado, as their texture suffers when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the rice, beans, and salmon in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. Assemble fresh veggies and toppings just before serving so each Salmon Burrito Bowl still feels fresh and vibrant. Add a splash of lime or a sprinkle of cilantro to liven it up if needed!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or even mahi-mahi work well and take on the same flavorful seasonings beautifully. Just adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
How can I make my Salmon Burrito Bowl dairy-free?
It’s easy to make this bowl dairy-free: simply skip the Greek yogurt or sour cream topping, or use a plant-based alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free and just as delicious!
Is it possible to make this recipe low-carb?
Definitely. Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce to cut down on carbs. You’ll still enjoy all the great flavors and textures while keeping it super light and healthy.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic alternative! It’s also a great way to add even more smoky flavor to your Salmon Burrito Bowl. Just grill the seasoned fillets over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
What other toppings can I add to my Salmon Burrito Bowl?
The sky’s the limit! Try pickled jalapeños, diced bell peppers, shredded cheese, sliced olives, or a spoonful of salsa verde. Customizing your bowl is part of the fun and keeps every meal exciting.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Burrito Bowl is more than just dinner—it’s a vibrant, customizable feast you’ll genuinely look forward to. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or gathering friends for a flavor-packed night in, don’t miss out on the joy of building your perfect bowl and savoring every delicious forkful. Give the Salmon Burrito Bowl a try and get ready for a new favorite at your table!
Print
Salmon Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Salmon Burrito Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal option that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. A perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies in one bowl!
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Burrito Bowl Components:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for topping)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Assemble the bowl: In serving bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion. Flake salmon over the top.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle lime juice, cilantro, and optional yogurt or sour cream over the bowls. Add hot sauce if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix lime juice and cilantro into the rice.
- Grilling the salmon adds a smoky taste.
- Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
