Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad

There’s something about the fusion of flavors in Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad that truly sets it apart. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was an impromptu dinner for friends who were coming over last minute. I wanted to impress them but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. As the salmon roasted in the oven, filling the air with a delicious aroma, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the delightful meal we were about to share. Each bite of the tender salmon paired with the crispy rice and fresh vegetables created a burst of flavors that had everyone asking for seconds. This is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of tastes and textures!

When you dive into this dish, you’ll notice how the sweetness of honey perfectly complements the smoky heat of chipotle. Combined with the savory elements like sesame oil and tamari, you get a well-rounded flavor profile that makes this recipe a standout. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or even a cozy dinner at home. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables make it visually stunning, and the textures—from the crunch of the cucumbers to the creaminess of the avocado—ensure every forkful is satisfying. Plus, it’s nutritious and can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs!

This Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad embodies everything I love about cooking: simplicity, flavor, and the ability to bring people together. So gather your ingredients and let’s whip up this delicious dish that will leave you and your guests raving for days!

Ingredients Overview for Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad

This salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that come together to create a healthy and satisfying dish. The key players are the salmon, which is packed with protein, and the crunchy vegetables that provide a refreshing contrast. The combination of rice, honey, and chipotle makes this dish not only flavorful but also nourishing.

• 2-3 cups cooked rice, preferably a day old – Using day-old rice enhances the texture and allows for better crisping.
• 2 tablespoons salted butter – Adds a rich flavor to the rice mixture.
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil – Provides a delicious nuttiness to the dish.
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped – Infuses the rice with aromatic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tamari/soy sauce – Adds umami depth to the dish.
• black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon salted butter – Used for roasting the salmon for added richness.
• 4 ounces salmon filets, cut into bite-size chunks – The star of the dish, providing protein and flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo – Adds a smoky heat that elevates the dish.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Balances out the spice with sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons tamari/soy sauce – Enhances the flavor of the salmon.
• 2 cups shredded cabbage – Adds crunch and freshness to the salad.
• 2 avocados, chopped – Introduces creaminess and healthy fats.
• 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped – Adds refreshing crunch.
• 1 jalapeño, sliced – Provides a kick of heat.
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro – Freshens up the flavors.
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped – Adds a delightful crunch.
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil – Used in the dressing for richness.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice – Provides acidity to balance the flavors.
• 1/4 cup tahini – Adds creaminess and a nutty flavor.
• 3 tablespoons honey – Used in the dressing for sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons tamari/soy sauce – Adds depth of flavor to the dressing.
• 2 cloves garlic, grated – Enhances the dressing with aromatic flavor.
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds – Sprinkle on top for added texture.

How to Prepare Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad

Preparing the Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Let’s dive into the steps and create this flavor-packed dish together!

1. Preheat your oven to 450° F. This high temperature will help crisp up the rice and roast the salmon to perfection.
2. Next, it’s time to make the rice. On a baking sheet, toss together the cooked rice, butter, toasted sesame oil, garlic, 1 tablespoon of tamari sauce, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Spread it out evenly and bake for 15 minutes until sizzling. After that, remove it from the oven and toss with another tablespoon of tamari. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rice is crispy.
3. Now, let’s prepare the salmon. On a baking sheet, toss the salmon filets with butter, chipotle, honey, tamari, and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through to your liking. In the last minute, switch the oven to broil to get a slightly crispy finish on the salmon.
4. While the salmon is roasting, make the salad. In a large salad bowl, combine cabbage, avocado, cucumbers, jalapeño, cilantro, and peanuts. Toss them together to combine.
5. For the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, honey, tamari, grated garlic, and a splash of water—in a blender. Blend until smooth, and add water gradually to reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to season with salt and chili flakes to taste.
6. Once everything is ready, spoon the hot rice over the salad. Gently add the roasted salmon on top. Finally, drizzle the tahini dressing over it, and toss everything gently to combine.
7. Enjoy your Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad warm, or you can serve it chilled! As a fun twist, I love to add tortilla chips on the side for scooping!

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to customize the Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad, here are some fantastic ideas:

• Change the Protein: Swap the salmon for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vary the Grains: Instead of rice, try quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Modify the Dressing: Experiment with different types of dressings, such as a creamy avocado dressing, for a twist.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle or omit it altogether.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables for freshness. In the fall, add roasted sweet potatoes; in winter, try adding Brussels sprouts.
• Make it a Bowl: For a heartier meal, turn this salad into a bowl by adding more grains and toppings.

How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad

• Lunch or Dinner: Perfect for either lunch or dinner, this salad is filling enough to be a main dish, yet light enough for a lunch option.
• Pairing: Serve it with a side of tortilla chips or crusty bread for added texture and flavor.
• Occasions: Ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or casual dinners with friends.
• Garnishes: Add extra toppings like sliced radishes, green onions, or additional herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them right before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crispness!
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, pair with a light white wine or refreshing iced tea; in cooler months, enjoy it with hot herbal tea.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad is a unique fusion of flavors that truly shines. It’s not only a visually stunning dish but also a nutritionally balanced meal that everyone will love. I encourage you to try this recipe, as it’s perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Dive into this deliciousness tonight and enjoy every bite!

Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad

Craving a burst of flavor? The Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad is the ultimate summer dish! This vibrant salad combines roasted salmon, crispy rice, and fresh veggies drizzled with a zesty dressing. It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner that will impress your guests. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Blender
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 cups cooked rice preferably a day old
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 tablespoons tamari/soy sauce
• black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 4 ounces salmon filets cut into bite-size chunks
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon tamari/soy sauce
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 avocados chopped
• 2 Persian cucumbers chopped
• 1 jalapeño sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts chopped
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons tamari/soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• 1. Preheat your oven to 450° F. This high temperature will help crisp up the rice and roast the salmon to perfection.
• 2. Next, it’s time to make the rice. On a baking sheet, toss together the cooked rice, butter, toasted sesame oil, garlic, 1 tablespoon of tamari sauce, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Spread it out evenly and bake for 15 minutes until sizzling. After that, remove it from the oven and toss with another tablespoon of tamari. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rice is crispy.
• 3. Now, let’s prepare the salmon. On a baking sheet, toss the salmon filets with butter, chipotle, honey, tamari, and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through to your liking. In the last minute, switch the oven to broil to get a slightly crispy finish on the salmon.
• 4. While the salmon is roasting, make the salad. In a large salad bowl, combine cabbage, avocado, cucumbers, jalapeño, cilantro, and peanuts. Toss them together to combine.
• 5. For the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, honey, tamari, grated garlic, and a splash of water—in a blender. Blend until smooth, and add water gradually to reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to season with salt and chili flakes to taste.
• 6. Once everything is ready, spoon the hot rice over the salad. Gently add the roasted salmon on top. Finally, drizzle the tahini dressing over it, and toss everything gently to combine.
• 7. Enjoy your Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad warm, or you can serve it chilled! As a fun twist, I love to add tortilla chips on the side for scooping!

Notes

If you’re looking to customize the Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad, here are some fantastic ideas:

• Change the Protein: Swap the salmon for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vary the Grains: Instead of rice, try quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Modify the Dressing: Experiment with different types of dressings, such as a creamy avocado dressing, for a twist.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle or omit it altogether.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables for freshness. In the fall, add roasted sweet potatoes; in winter, try adding Brussels sprouts.
• Make it a Bowl: For a heartier meal, turn this salad into a bowl by adding more grains and toppings.

Keyword chipotle honey salmon, Easy Summer Salad, salmon rice salad, spicy salmon salad

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.