BBQ Salmon Bowls

BBQ Salmon Bowls are the ultimate combination of flavor, texture and nutrition, all in one dish! This recipe features tender, perfectly seasoned salmon with a vibrant mango salsa, savory cilantro lime cauliflower rice, and a tangy cilantro yogurt sauce to top it all off.

The Best BBQ Salmon Bowls Recipe

This barbecue salmon bowls is a well balanced meal that is both fresh and filling! Each component of these bowls is absolutely delicious. The BBQ salmon brings a smoky, slightly sweet taste which pairs beautifully with the tangy mango salsa! The cilantro lime cauliflower rice adds a light, fiber-packed base and the cilantro yogurt sauce really ties everything together. 

If you need a healthy dinner option, these bowls are a serious must try. This is a well rounded meal that tastes amazing and is sure to be a family favorite!

INgredients Needed

This BBQ salmon bowls recipe has four different components. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon is the star of this dish! You will need salmon filets and a homemade BBQ dry rub made out of brown sugar, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika.
• Mango Avocado Salsa: This salsa adds a refreshing sweetness and pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ salmon. You will need mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime, and salt and pepper. The mango and avocado provide creaminess and a pop of color!
• Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: A light, grain-free alternative to traditional rice! For this, you need olive oil and butter, onion, cauliflower, garlic, cilantro, lime and salt & pepper.
• Cilantro Yogurt Sauce: To make a drizzle on top, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, lime juice and salt & pepper in a food processor. Greek yogurt makes this sauce creamy, while cilantro and lime give it a fresh, tangy taste.

How to make BBQ Salmon Bowls

1. Make the Salsa: Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl. Toss to combine then season with salt and pepper to taste, set aside.

2. Preheat: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Make BBQ Seasoning: Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, mustard powder and smoked paprika to a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.

4. Season the Salmon: Place salmon filets on to a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil then sprinkle with the bbq rub. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the salmon.

5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet then bake for 8 minutes or until the salmon reaches 140 degrees.

6. Sauté Onion & Garlic: While the salmon is cooking make the rice. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in olive oil and butter. Add in onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes to soften and get some color on it. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
7. Add Cauliflower: Next add in the riced cauliflower and saute for a couple of minutes to slightly brown the cauliflower.
8. Combine with Lime & Cilantro: Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro, lime juice and lime zest, set aside.

9. Make Cilantro Yogurt Sauce: Add the yogurt, cilantro, olive oil, garlic and lime juice to a food processor with the blade attachment. Blend for 30-60 seconds or until everything is blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, set aside until you are ready to assemble bowls.

10. Assemble Bowls: Divide the cauliflower rice between bowls then top each bowl with salmon. Top the salmon with mango salsa and a drizzle of cilantro yogurt sauce.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the salmon! Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your salmon filets. They are fully cooked when they hit 140 degrees F and are starting to flake!
• For a bit of extra spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the BBQ rub. 
• Prep ahead! You can make the cilantro yogurt sauce and cauliflower rice ahead of time to speed up the assembly when you are ready to eat. I recommend making the mango salsa right before serving so that the avocado doesn’t turn brown!

More Bowl Recipes to Try

• Salmon Sushi Bowls
• Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls
• Spicy Tuna Bowls
• Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
• Banh Mi Bowls