BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa are a vibrant and nutritious meal packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Tender, smoky BBQ salmon is served over a base of fluffy rice or greens and topped with a refreshing mango avocado salsa. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a healthy summer meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful & Fresh – The sweet and smoky BBQ salmon pairs perfectly with the bright and tangy salsa.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the BBQ Salmon:
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- Ripe mango, diced
- Avocado, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Jalapeño, minced (optional for spice)
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper
For the Bowls:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) or mixed greens
- Black beans (optional)
- Corn (grilled or canned)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced radishes (optional for crunch)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat the oven or grill – If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, preheat to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Season the salmon – Pat salmon fillets dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the salmon:
- Oven: Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through.
- Grill: Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.
- Stovetop: Sear the salmon in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then brush with BBQ sauce.
- Rest & Flake – Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before flaking into chunks.
Step 2: Make the Mango Avocado Salsa
- Mix ingredients – In a bowl, combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Season – Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Layer the base – Add rice or greens to each bowl.
- Add toppings – Top with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sliced radishes.
- Add the salmon – Place the BBQ salmon on top.
- Finish with salsa – Spoon mango avocado salsa over the salmon and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (oven) | 8-10 minutes (grill) | 6-8 minutes (stovetop)
Variations
- Low Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or extra greens.
- Spicy Kick – Add extra jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Tropical Twist – Add pineapple chunks to the salsa.
- Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free – Naturally free of dairy and gluten! Just check your BBQ sauce ingredients.
- Protein Swap – Try with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chicken instead of salmon.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store salmon, salsa, and other ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the salsa is best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: Reheat the salmon in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely before cooking for the best texture.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best. Use a sugar-free version for a low-carb option.
Can I cook the salmon in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through.
How do I keep salmon from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil and place the salmon skin-side down to prevent sticking.
What can I use instead of mango?
Pineapple or peaches make a great substitute!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the salmon and prep the salsa in advance, then assemble when ready to eat.
What other toppings can I add?
Sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of ranch dressing are great additions.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should easily flake with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Try this recipe with mahi-mahi, cod, or tilapia.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Skip the jalapeño in the salsa for a milder flavor.
Conclusion
BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa are a delicious and nutritious meal that combines smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish is easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Try it today and enjoy a fresh take on BBQ salmon!
Print
BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ salmon bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and fresh flavors. The caramelized BBQ salmon pairs beautifully with a tangy, tropical mango avocado salsa, making this dish both healthy and delicious. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and can be made low-carb or keto-friendly!
Ingredients
For the BBQ Salmon:
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (sugar-free for low-carb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Bowl Base: (Choose one or mix!)
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (for low-carb)
- 2 cups mixed greens (for a lighter option)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp toasted coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds or cashews)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the salmon fillets with the BBQ marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Mango Avocado Salsa
In a medium bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
Toss gently and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Grill Method:
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
6. Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce, until it flakes easily.
Oven Method:
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Bake on a lined sheet pan for 12-15 minutes. Broil for the last 2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Air Fryer Method:
5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, until golden and flaky.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Add a base (quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens) to each bowl.
Top with grilled BBQ salmon and a generous scoop of mango avocado salsa.
Garnish with Greek yogurt, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped nuts, if desired.
Notes
Make It Low-Carb/Keto: Use cauliflower rice and sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Spice It Up: Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the salmon.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store salsa separately and assemble bowls fresh
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