Ingredients
Scale
For the BBQ Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): The star of the dish! Salmon is rich in healthy fats and protein.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade): Adds that sweet and smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing the salmon and ensuring a nice, crispy exterior.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced: Mango brings sweetness and a slight tartness that perfectly balances the richness of the salmon.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: The avocado adds creaminess and a smooth texture that complements the mango.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Adds a bit of sharpness to the salsa.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped: A touch of freshness and herbaceous flavor.
- 1 lime, juiced: For acidity to balance the salsa’s sweetness and bring everything together.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
For the Base of the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa: Quinoa is light, nutty, and provides a great base for the salmon and salsa.
- 1 cup mixed greens (optional): Add some leafy greens for extra texture and nutrients.
Instructions
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa. The steps are simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together.
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa
- Start by prepping the mango and avocado. Dice the mango by cutting it lengthwise along either side of the pit, then score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern before scooping it out with a spoon. Dice the avocado similarly, slicing it lengthwise, removing the pit, and cutting it into cubes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine, and set aside. This salsa can be made ahead of time if you’d like to save a bit of prep time.
Step 2: Prepare the Quinoa (or Base)
- While the salsa is coming together, cook your quinoa if you haven’t already. You can do this ahead of time too. For a quick and easy option, follow the instructions on the package. Typically, you’ll need 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and all the water is absorbed.
- Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon on the grill or in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- In the last minute of cooking, brush the salmon with BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize and become sticky and delicious.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Now comes the fun part—assembling the bowls! Start by spooning a generous amount of quinoa into each bowl. If you’re adding mixed greens, layer those underneath the quinoa for a little extra crunch.
- Top with one salmon fillet per bowl, then spoon a generous amount of the mango avocado salsa on top of the salmon.
- Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro or a wedge of lime for an extra fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 35g