If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and downright irresistible meal, you have to try this BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky salmon kissed by a perfectly balanced blend of spices, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, and topped with a bright, zesty mango avocado salsa that dances on your taste buds. Every bite delivers a wonderful harmony of smoky, sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors that make this dish a weeknight favorite or a show-stopping meal for guests. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes to impress yourself and anyone you share it with.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four main layers arranged side by side. Starting on the left, there are small pale green avocado cubes, next to finely chopped red onions with a light purple color. To the right of the onions is a vivid green mix of chopped cilantro and jalapeño, and on the far right are bright yellow cubed mango pieces. A silver spoon rests on the mango, and a woman's hand is squeezing lime juice over the avocado on the left side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential for bringing all the flavors and textures together beautifully. Every component, from the smoky spices to the fresh mango and creamy avocado, plays a key role in giving this BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe its unforgettable taste and eye-catching appeal.

Fresh salmon (1-2 lbs.): The star of the bowl with tender, flaky flesh that perfectly absorbs the spice rub.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized glaze on the salmon.
Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Imparts a deep smoky flavor that’s essential for that BBQ vibe without a grill.
Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Enhances the savory notes and layers of flavor in the spice blend.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic undertone that pairs perfectly with the seafood.
Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the spice paste stick to the salmon and keeps it moist.
Mangoes, diced (2): Offers juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the salsa.
Avocado, diced (1): Adds creamy texture and a cool, mellow balance to the salsa.
Minced cilantro (1/4 cup): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole bowl.
Minced red onion (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp crunch and subtle tang to the salsa.
Minced jalapeño (1/2, optional): For a touch of heat that you can dial up or down.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness in the salsa.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons) + lime zest (1 teaspoon): Adds essential citrus brightness that ties together the flavors.
Salt to taste: To perfect the salsa seasoning according to your preference.
Cooked rice (1 1/2 cups): The comforting, fluffy base that fills out the bowl and complements the salmon and salsa.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa

Start by tossing together the diced mangoes, avocado, minced cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño if you want a little heat. Add a teaspoon of honey and both the lime juice and zest for a lively, sweet-tangy punch. Season with salt to your liking. This salsa is what truly makes these bowls special — fresh, zesty, and creamy all at once.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Get your rice cooking according to package directions so it’s fluffy and ready to serve when your salmon comes out of the oven. The rice acts as the perfect base for soaking up all the amazing flavors from the salmon and salsa.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. If you prefer a crispier top on your salmon, try broiling at 500 degrees with the salmon rack placed about 6 inches from the heat, but keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugar in the spice rub.

Step 4: Prepare and Bake the Salmon

Mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and olive oil to create a flavorful spice paste. Place your salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet, then rub this paste liberally over the top. Bake for 6 to 12 minutes depending on thickness and your preferred doneness—this step infuses the salmon with a rich BBQ flavor and a slightly caramelized crust that’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Once your rice and salmon are ready, pile the rice in your bowl first, then flake generous amounts of salmon on top. Spoon over heaps of the mango avocado salsa and squeeze a little extra lime if you’re feeling zesty. This bowl is a feast of texture and taste — creamy, smoky, fresh, and tangy in every forkful.

How to Serve BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe

A large piece of raw salmon with a light pink-orange color lays flat on a baking tray lined with crinkled aluminum foil. A dark red sauce is spread thickly on the top center of the salmon, covering part of the fish in an uneven textured layer. Two woman's hands with natural nails are gently pressing the sauce into the salmon, positioned near the bottom center of the fish. The baking tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions over the bowl. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add an extra citrus kick, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of creamy chipotle mayo adds a fun, unexpected twist.

Side Dishes

These bowls are satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Grilled corn or a simple cucumber salad with vinegar also pairs beautifully, adding fresh crunch without competing with the vibrant salmon and salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the salmon over coconut rice for a tropical vibe or use quinoa for an extra protein boost. Layer ingredients in a clear glass bowl for a colorful, layered effect that’s perfect for casual entertaining or meal prep. You can even turn this into a lettuce wrap for a low-carb variation with the same delicious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salmon bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the mango avocado salsa separately if possible to keep it fresh and vibrant without becoming mushy.

Freezing

While salmon and rice freeze well, the salsa does not hold up as nicely because the avocado and mango can get watery and lose texture. If you want to freeze, portion out just the cooked salmon and rice for up to 2 months and prepare fresh salsa when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Gently reheat salmon and rice in the microwave or in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the salmon moist. Add fresh mango avocado salsa after reheating to maintain its bright flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before applying the spice rub. This will help the paste adhere better and give you that amazing caramelized crust.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has just a hint of spice thanks to the chili powder and optional jalapeño, but it’s mostly mild and balanced by the sweetness of mango and honey. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or leaving out the jalapeño.

What if I don’t have mango?

You can substitute fresh pineapple or peaches for a similar sweet and juicy element in the salsa, though mango does give the best fresh tropical flavor that shines in this recipe.

Can I cook the salmon on the grill instead of the oven?

Yes, grilling salmon with the spice rub is a fantastic option that enhances the BBQ flavor even more. Just watch closely to avoid flare-ups from the sugar in the rub.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Definitely! The components store well separately and come together quickly for a fresh, satisfying meal all week long. Keep the salsa fresh by adding it just before eating.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe is an absolute keeper — easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful and vibrant enough to impress anyone sitting at your table. The joyous combo of smoky salmon, fluffy rice, and fresh, creamy salsa delivers a taste of sunshine in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and fall in love all over again!

BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need