Blackened Salmon Salad Bowl with Avocado and Mango Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful Blackened Salmon Salad Bowl combines the smoky, spicy kick of blackened salmon with the refreshing sweetness of mango and creamy avocado. It’s a healthy, balanced meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a variety of textures and bold flavors.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the Blackened Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, based on preference)
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter) for cooking
For the Salad Bowl:
4 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons feta cheese (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackened Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub each fillet with olive oil or melted butter, then evenly coat with the spice mixture on all sides.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil and place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in the pan.
Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a crispy, blackened crust. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets. Remove from the heat and set aside to rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, avocado slices, mango cubes, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
If using, sprinkle the salad with feta cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Salad Bowl:
Divide the salad mixture into bowls. Top each with a blackened salmon fillet.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and salmon. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes and Tips:
Salmon Cooking Tip: To achieve a perfect blackened crust, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the salmon. You want a good sear without overcooking the fish.
Spice Level Adjustment: The cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you prefer milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
Avocado Tip: To keep the avocado from browning, you can toss it with a little lime juice before adding it to the salad.
Mango Substitutes: If mango is out of season or unavailable, try substituting it with fresh pineapple or papaya for a similarly tropical sweetness.
Make it Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the dressing, slice the veggies, and even cook the salmon in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the salad when ready to serve.
Salmon Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of fish, you can substitute the salmon with tilapia, trout, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or roasted sweet potatoes. For extra crunch, sprinkle on some toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds or almonds.
This Blackened Salmon Salad Bowl with Avocado and Mango is a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and fresh. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a nutritious lunch, this dish will be sure to please your taste buds!