Salmon Burrito Bowl Recipe

If you’re searching for a fresh, nourishing spin on a classic burrito, the Salmon Burrito Bowl is about to become your new favorite obsession. This vibrant bowl pairs perfectly baked salmon with brown rice or cilantro lime rice, black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a flurry of pico de gallo. It’s all topped off with a burst of cilantro and a squeeze of lime for zing. The Salmon Burrito Bowl offers a harmony of flavors and textures that celebrate bold Mexican-inspired taste, satisfying crunch, and the wholesome goodness of salmon, all in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for this recipe couldn’t be easier, and each staple adds its own layer of flavor and punch. You’ll love how these accessible ingredients work together to deliver freshness, color, and balanced nutrition straight to your table.

  • Salmon fillets: The star protein, rich and flaky, bringing heart-healthy fats and robust texture.
  • Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the spices adhere beautifully to the salmon fillets.
  • Chili powder: Gives the salmon a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
  • Cumin: Delivers earthiness and depth, a classic blend-in for Mexican-inspired dishes.
  • Garlic powder: Adds savory notes that complement the bold seasoning.
  • Salt and pepper: Enhances every bite and lets the individual flavors shine through.
  • Cooked brown rice or cilantro lime rice: Foundation for the bowl, offering chewiness and a citrusy punch if you opt for the cilantro lime version.
  • Black beans: A staple in burrito bowls, providing creamy texture and plant-powered protein.
  • Corn kernels: Adds sweetness and color, whether you use fresh, canned, or frozen.
  • Avocado: Creamy and cool, perfectly balancing the warmth of the salmon and spices.
  • Pico de gallo or salsa: Freshness with a bit of zing, bringing tomatoes, onions, and chili together.
  • Red onion: Crunchy and sharp, adding pops of color and flavor.
  • Fresh cilantro: A burst of herbal brightness to finish things off.
  • Lime wedges: Essential for squeezing over the finished bowl, adding a final note of sunny acidity.

How to Make Salmon Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Season and Bake the Salmon

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. While the oven warms, place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and generously sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massaging the seasoning mixture into the fillets ensures every bite sings with flavor. As the salmon bakes for 12 to 15 minutes, it becomes tender and perfectly flaky — your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 2: Prep Your Bowl Ingredients

While the salmon is roasting to perfection, take a few minutes to prep the rest of the Salmon Burrito Bowl ingredients. If you haven’t already, cook your rice (brown or cilantro lime — your call!) and arrange the black beans, corn, chopped avocado, pico de gallo, and red onion in little piles or colorful rows. This is where the magic of meal prep meets creativity; let your eyes guide the assembly for that irresistible look.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

To build each Salmon Burrito Bowl, divide the rice as your base among two bowls. Neatly spoon on the black beans, corn, avocado, pico de gallo, and red onion, giving each its own special spot. These distinct pockets of flavor and texture make every forkful unique, and the colors alone are enough to make your heart skip a beat.

Step 4: Add the Salmon and Garnish

Carefully place a whole, warm salmon fillet atop each bowl. Now, shower on plenty of chopped fresh cilantro, and tuck lime wedges alongside for easy squeezing. These simple flourishes elevate the dish from everyday quick dinner to bowl-shop worthy. Serve immediately while everything is steamy and fragrant, or chill for a refreshing make-ahead meal.

How to Serve Salmon Burrito Bowl

Salmon Burrito Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

There’s so much room to play with presentation, so don’t be shy! A fistful of cilantro, a swirl of chipotle mayo or creamy Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco will take your Salmon Burrito Bowl over the top. For extra crunch, add radish slices or pepitas, and a few additional lime wedges always look stunning on the side.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider serving your Salmon Burrito Bowl with a side of warm tortilla chips, tangy pickled jalapeños, or a crisp green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette. For heartier appetites, a light Mexican street corn salad or grilled veggies are perfect partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your inner host shine! Arrange the ingredients buffet-style and let guests build their own dream bowls. For parties, make Salmon Burrito Bowls in mini glass jars — adorable for picnics or grab-and-go lunches. Or, layer everything in a large platter for a “family-style” bowl everyone can dig into together, perfect for communal feasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Salmon Burrito Bowl components, simply separate the cooked salmon, rice, and toppings into airtight containers. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you maintain the freshness of each ingredient and can quickly assemble a bowl whenever hunger strikes!

Freezing

Freezing works best for the baked salmon and rice; store each separately and freeze for up to one month. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro, as they lose their vibrant texture after thawing. Thaw the protein and grains overnight in the fridge for a fuss-free future meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and refresh your rice with a splash of water to keep it fluffy. Assemble your Salmon Burrito Bowl with the reheated components, then top with fresh cold ingredients for that just-made appeal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While salmon adds richness and a lovely flake to the bowl, you can swap in other favorites like trout, tilapia, or even shrimp. Adjust the baking time accordingly and enjoy your customized bowl.

Is the Salmon Burrito Bowl gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices and salsas are gluten-free, and stick with rice, not wheat-based grains, as your base.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely! The Salmon Burrito Bowl is completely dairy-free as written. If you’d like to add cheese or creamy sauces, opt for plant-based versions to keep it dairy-free.

How spicy is the Salmon Burrito Bowl?

The bowl has a gentle warmth from the chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you crave more heat, add sliced jalapeños, hot salsa, or a drizzle of your favorite spicy sauce.

What are some protein variations for this recipe?

You’re not limited to salmon — this bowl works beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or tofu for a vegetarian spin. Just keep the same bowl-building format and let your pantry (or family’s cravings!) guide the choice.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Salmon Burrito Bowl at home gives you all the bold flavors and nourishing ingredients you crave, without any fuss or fancy equipment required. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a crowd, this is a meal that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. Try it for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or your next meal prep — you might just find yourself reaching for this bowl again and again!

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Salmon Burrito Bowl Recipe

Salmon Burrito Bowl Recipe

4.6 from 9 reviews

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with this Salmon Burrito Bowl recipe. Tender, flaky salmon is paired with flavorful rice, beans, corn, avocado, and fresh salsa for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salmon:

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Bowl:

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or cilantro lime rice
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  2. While the salmon bakes, prepare the rice and bowl ingredients. To assemble, divide the rice, black beans, corn, avocado, pico de gallo, and red onion between two bowls. Top each with a cooked salmon fillet. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Swap in quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Add shredded lettuce, cheese, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo or Greek yogurt for extra flavor.
  • Salmon can also be grilled or air fried.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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