If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy meal, the Fishbowl Salmon Salad is just what you need! As a busy mama who loves creating colorful meals, I’ve found that a perfect salad can be a game changer. And nothing beats the combination of tender salmon, crunchy veggies, and a burst of flavor from the miso glaze and sriracha mayo. It’s one of those dishes that not only nourishes your body but also brings joy to your table. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious and healthy salad at home.

Table of Contents
The Heart of the Fishbowl Salmon Salad
Salad Ingredients that Make This Bowl Special
The Fishbowl Salmon Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients that come together to create the ultimate refreshing meal. The salad base is built from crisp cucumber slices, crunchy spring onions, and a vibrant slaw mix. I love adding coriander for a touch of freshness and Poke dressing for that unmistakable tangy, umami flavor. These ingredients are simple but come together to create a satisfying texture and a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
Why the Fishbowl Style is Ideal for This Salad
The beauty of the fishbowl style is how it layers flavors and textures into one beautiful dish. When creating a salmon bowl, the ingredients come together in a perfect harmony where each bite offers something different. This presentation is not only visually appealing but also enhances the enjoyment of the dining experience. The Fishbowl Salmon Salad is visually stunning, making it perfect for family meals or dinner parties.
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Delicious Fishbowl Salmon Salad Recipe – Healthy & Flavorful
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Fishbowl Salmon Salad combines fresh vegetables, miso-glazed salmon, and crunchy toppings for a healthy, flavorful meal. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
½ cucumber, sliced thinly
1 spring onion, sliced thinly
1 handful of finely shredded slaw mix (or finely cut green and purple cabbage with ½ carrot, shredded)
1 large pinch of coriander
1 tbsp Poke dressing from Obento (available in the Asian food section at your supermarket)
1 tsp miso paste
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp boiling water
1 fillet salmon, skin removed
125g cooked rice (or ½ microwave rice sachet)
5g wasabi peas, chopped roughly
5g crispy fried shallots
Forkful of sushi ginger
Drizzle of sriracha mayo
Instructions
Prepare the Salad: Combine cucumber, spring onion, slaw mix, coriander, and poke dressing in a bowl. Toss well and set aside.
Make the Miso Glaze: In a small bowl, mix miso paste, soy sauce, and boiling water until smooth. Use the back of a spoon to help dissolve the miso.
Cook the Salmon: Heat a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for a few minutes on each side, glazing it with the miso mixture as it cooks.
Assemble the Bowl: Heat the rice and place it at the bottom of your bowl. Top with the salad mix and cooked salmon.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle over the wasabi peas and crispy fried shallots. Add a forkful of sushi ginger and drizzle with sriracha mayo.
Notes
Make sure to serve the salad fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
Feel free to customize the toppings and ingredients according to your preferences, such as swapping salmon for tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl, 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
The Miso Glaze and Perfectly Cooked Salmon
The Secret Ingredient: Miso Glaze
A good miso glaze is what takes the salmon in this dish from tasty to exceptional. The rich, savory miso paste combined with soy sauce and a splash of boiling water creates a glaze that’s deep in flavor but not overpowering. It’s a quick sauce that adds complexity to the dish, complementing the natural flavors of the salmon while keeping it moist and tender.
How to Cook Salmon to Perfection
Cooking the salmon is simple yet crucial for bringing out its full flavor. I recommend cooking it in a medium-high heat pan, allowing the miso glaze to caramelize slightly while maintaining the tender, flaky texture of the fish. By glazing it during the cooking process, the salmon takes on a beautiful sheen and an irresistible flavor.
Toppings and Adding the Final Touch
Crunchy Toppings that Add Texture
In my view, the most enjoyable aspect of any salad is the toppings. For this Fishbowl Salmon Salad, I incorporate wasabi peas and crispy fried shallots to ensure that each bite delivers a pleasing crunch. The wasabi peas contribute an unexpected spiciness, whereas the shallots offer a savory sweetness. These straightforward enhancements elevate the dish and create a delightful contrast to the silky texture of the salmon and rice.
The Finishing Touch: Sriracha Mayo and Sushi Ginger
To complete the dish, I drizzle a generous amount of sriracha mayo over the top. The creamy, spicy mayo balances out the rich miso flavor, while the sushi ginger adds a tangy, zingy freshness. These finishing touches bring all the flavors together and create an unforgettable experience in every bite.
Serving Your Fishbowl Salmon Salad
How to Serve the Fishbowl Salmon Salad
Serving the Fishbowl Salmon Salad is all about presentation and balance. To start, heat up your rice until it’s warm and slightly sticky. This gives the dish the right base for the other ingredients to rest on. Begin by adding a substantial scoop of rice to the base of your bowl, creating a gentle foundation for the remaining ingredients. Next, arrange the salad mix (cucumber, spring onions, slaw mix, and coriander) over the rice. This adds vibrant color and a refreshing crunch to the bowl.
Now, take your perfectly cooked salmon, which should be flaky and tender, and carefully place it on top of the Fishbowl Salmon Salad. The warmth of the salmon will lightly wilt the fresh ingredients beneath, blending the flavors without making them soggy. The miso glaze on the salmon will have a glossy finish, giving the dish a beautiful sheen. If you’re serving multiple bowls, you can cut the salmon into smaller pieces to make it easier for everyone to dive in.
Finally, the toppings are where the fun really begins. Incorporate a small quantity of chopped wasabi peas, which offer an unforeseen spicy crunch. Sprinkle crispy fried shallots over the top for a savory crunch and an aromatic kick. A forkful of sushi ginger adds a burst of zingy sweetness and balances the richness of the salmon. Drizzle with sriracha mayo for a creamy, spicy finish that ties all the flavors together in your Fishbowl Salmon Salad.

Tips for a Perfect Presentation
Presentation is key to making the Fishbowl Salmon Salad an unforgettable meal. Here are a few tips to make your bowl as stunning as it is delicious:
- Layering: Arrange the rice and salad mix in neat layers, ensuring each element is visible. This will create a beautiful and colorful effect. The vibrant green of the vegetables, the rich orange of the salmon, and the crispy toppings will make your dish pop.
- Use a wide bowl or plate: To give the ingredients enough space to shine, use a shallow, wide bowl. This allows each ingredient to be arranged neatly, making it easy for your guests to appreciate the colorful layers.
- Garnish: After adding the toppings, consider garnishing with a few extra sprigs of fresh coriander or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
- Slightly warm the ingredients: When you place the warm salmon and rice into the bowl, the heat from the ingredients will slightly warm up the salad mix, creating a harmonious contrast between warm and cool elements. Just be sure the salad doesn’t get too wilted—freshness is key!
Customization and Variations
The beauty of the Fishbowl Salmon Salad is that it’s highly customizable. Here are some ideas for different variations of this dish:
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking to make this bowl vegetarian, you can swap the salmon with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. Tofu will absorb the miso glaze, giving it a similar umami flavor profile as the salmon.
- Extra Protein: If you want to add even more protein, try adding a hard-boiled egg or some edamame beans. These additions will make the dish more filling and add another layer of texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat in the dish based on your preference. For a milder version, you can skip the sriracha mayo or reduce the amount of wasabi peas. If you love extra spice, consider adding more sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Other Toppings: If you don’t have crispy fried shallots, you can use toasted sesame seeds or even crushed nuts like almonds or cashews for a different crunch. Pickled vegetables can also add a unique twist if you’re looking for more tang.
Why This Dish is Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, the Fishbowl Salmon Salad is a versatile dish that suits any occasion. The bright colors and bold flavors make it a great choice for gatherings, and the healthy ingredients will leave you feeling satisfied but not heavy. It’s a perfect blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients, and with its beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests or loved ones.
You can even prepare individual components ahead of time, such as cooking the rice, grilling the salmon, and prepping the salad mix, so that when it’s time to eat, you can quickly assemble your dish in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
The Fishbowl Salmon Salad is a delightful dish that blends freshness, flavor, and nutrition. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal for the week. I hope you’ll try this recipe and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures it offers. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit!
FAQ
How to make OG salmon fishbowl?
To prepare the original salmon fishbowl, one must blend fresh components such as cucumber, spring onions, and slaw mix. Crown it with salmon that has been expertly cooked and glazed in a miso blend, and conclude with wasabi peas, fried shallots, and sriracha mayo. This is a swift and simple recipe that offers a significant burst of flavor.
Is a salad with salmon healthy?
Yes! A salad with salmon is a healthy choice. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. The vegetables provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
What should I put in my salmon bowl?
A salmon bowl typically includes a protein like grilled or seared salmon, a base of rice, fresh veggies like cucumber and slaw, toppings like wasabi peas and crispy shallots, and a delicious sauce like miso glaze or sriracha mayo.
Is a salmon bowl healthy?
Yes, a salmon bowl can be a healthy meal choice. Salmon is packed with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, while the vegetables and toppings add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When prepared with healthy ingredients, it makes for a balanced and nutritious meal.