Crispy Rice Salad Salmon – A Flavorful & Healthy Meal

Creating a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing can sometimes feel like a challenge. But when you combine crispy rice, tender salmon, and vibrant, fresh ingredients, you get a dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. I first discovered this crispy rice salad salmon when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover salmon I had from a previous meal. The crispy rice adds a delightful crunch, and the salmon, packed with omega-3s, brings in a rich, savory flavor. This meal quickly became a staple in our kitchen, especially during the warmer months when I crave something light but filling. The contrast between the crispy rice and the melt-in-your-mouth salmon is simply irresistible, and it never fails to impress family and friends.

The Perfect Ingredients for a Crispy Rice Salad Salmon

When you’re preparing a dish like crispy rice salad salmon, the ingredients you choose make all the difference. The crispy rice is the star of this dish, offering a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender flakes of salmon. But the ingredients that accompany these two main elements bring out the full depth of flavor in the salad. Fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing elevate the overall dish.

• Crispy Rice Base: How to Achieve the Perfect Crunch
  The secret to achieving crispy rice lies in cooking it to perfection. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking it fresh, spreading it evenly in a hot skillet with a bit of oil is essential. This will create those golden-brown crispy edges we all crave. The contrast of the crispy rice with the soft texture of the salmon is what makes this dish so exciting.
• Salmon Selection: Fresh vs. Frozen
  When choosing your salmon for this dish, fresh is always best if you have access to it. However, if fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen salmon will also work well. Whether you bake, pan-sear, or grill the salmon, make sure it’s flaky and tender when you break it apart to mix into the salad. This will be the protein-packed element that balances out the freshness of the vegetables and the crunch of the rice.

Crispy Rice Salad Salmon – A Flavorful & Healthy Meal

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lina Vexley
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Pin Recipe

Description

A vibrant and healthy crispy rice salad salmon combining crispy rice, tender salmon, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for any meal, especially as a meal prep option.

---

Ingredients

For the Crispy Rice:

• 2 Cups Cooked Rice, cooled – I use jasmine rice, but any rice should work well
• 2 Teaspoons Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Chili Crisp – you can buy it at Trader Joe’s or make your own
• ¼ Cup Dried Onion, Minced
• ¼ Cup Dried Garlic, Minced
• 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1.5 Tablespoons Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• ½ Teaspoon Chili Powder
• ¾ Cup Olive Oil

For the Salmon:

• 8 Ounces Salmon
• ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder

For the Salad:

• 5 Persian Cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 Cup Edamame, shelled
• 1 Bunch Green Onions, thinly sliced – approximately ¾ cup
• 2 Avocados, chopped

For the Creamy Asian Dressing:

 

• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• ¼ Cup Toasted Sesame Oil
• 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
• 3 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 ½ Teaspoons Ground Ginger
• ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
3. Cook rice and allow it to cool completely. Then, add it to the baking sheet.
4. Toss cooled rice with soy sauce, chili crisp, and sesame oil.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake rice for 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly.
6. While rice is baking, season salmon with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then place it on a baking sheet.
7. Place the salmon in the oven with the rice and bake for 13-14 minutes or until done to your liking.
8. Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and shred it with a fork. Set it aside.
9. Remove the crispy rice from the oven and set aside.
10. Prepare salad ingredients: slice cucumbers, chop green onions, edamame, and avocado, then add to a large bowl.
11. Add shredded salmon and crispy rice to the salad bowl.
12. For the dressing, blend olive oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and sea salt in a blender until smooth.
13. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
14. Serve and enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

You can substitute chili crisp with your homemade version or use a milder sauce.
To adjust the spice level, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking, Searing
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 1154 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 1895mg
• Fat: 92g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 57g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 13g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 31mg

Dressing and Veggies to Complement the Salad

A light, tangy dressing is the finishing touch on a crispy rice salad salmon. It not only adds moisture but also enhances the natural flavors of the fish and rice. In addition to the dressing, a variety of veggies adds both color and freshness to the salad.

• The Best Dressing for a Crispy Rice Salad
  A simple dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey creates a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. You can also add a little chili for some heat, making the dressing as bold as you like. Pour it over your salad and toss gently to coat every ingredient evenly.
• Veggies for Texture and Freshness
  For a crispy rice salad salmon, the best vegetables are ones that will stay crunchy and fresh. Think of thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and bell peppers. Avocado contributes a smooth consistency, while green onions provide a tangy flavor to the salad. These vegetables not only complement the salmon but also add nutritional value and color to the dish.

Assembling the Crispy Rice Salad Salmon

Once your crispy rice, salmon, dressing, and veggies are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. The beauty of this dish is in its layers—the crispy rice forms the base, and each ingredient is carefully added to create a balanced and visually appealing meal. The process is simple, but the final result is anything but ordinary.

• Layering the Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
  Begin by arranging the crispy rice at the base of your serving dish. The rice should be slightly warm when you begin assembling. Then, layer the salmon on top, either in large chunks or flaked, depending on your preference. Add your fresh veggies next, arranging them neatly so that each bite has a little bit of everything. The contrast between the warm, crispy rice, the tender salmon, and the crunchy vegetables is what makes this salad so satisfying.
• Drizzling the Dressing & Finishing Touches
  After the base is assembled, it’s time to drizzle the dressing over the salad. Be sure to coat everything lightly so that the flavors meld together without overpowering the dish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds, a few sprigs of cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice can be added as a finishing touch. The final dish should be colorful, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors, making it perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner.

Tips for Customizing Your Crispy Rice Salad Salmon

While this crispy rice salad salmon recipe is delicious on its own, it’s also highly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for extra crunch, a boost of flavor, or a twist on the classic, here are some ideas to help you make this crispy rice salad salmon your own.

• Add More Crunch
  If you appreciate a bit of extra crunch, you might consider adding toasted nuts such as almonds, cashews, or peanuts. These will enhance the texture of your crispy rice salad salmon and provide a richer flavor. You could also consider adding some crispy fried onions or even roasted chickpeas for an added crunch.
• Spice Things Up
  For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding sliced red chilies or a drizzle of sriracha over the salad will take your crispy rice salad salmon to the next level. The slight spiciness will balance the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the dressing, making each bite even more exciting.
• Swap the Salmon
  If you’re not a fan of salmon or prefer a different protein, you can easily swap it for other fish like tuna or trout in your crispy rice salad salmon. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using crispy tofu or tempeh in place of the salmon. The crispy texture and rich flavors will still shine through, making this salad a versatile dish for everyone.

Conclusion

Crispy rice salad salmon is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings together the best of crunchy textures, fresh flavors, and hearty protein. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a light summer meal, this dish has something for everyone. It’s easily customizable, so you can make it your own by adding more crunch, adjusting the spice level, or swapping out the salmon for another protein. The crispy rice gives the salad a fun twist that makes it far more exciting than your typical salad.

So, the next time you’re craving a light yet filling meal, this crispy rice salad salmon will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a delightful eating experience full of texture and flavor.

FAQ