If you’re looking to wow your tastebuds with bold flavors and fresh, vibrant textures, this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe deserves a spot at the very top of your weekly dinner rotation. Perfectly baked salmon gets draped in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce and then topped with a cooling, zesty salsa that’s equal parts tangy and refreshing. Every bite is a celebration of contrasting flavors and colors, turning a simple weeknight into a genuine occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is sure to become an irresistible favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something so impressive. Each component plays a crucial role, from bold spices on the salmon to the luscious Bang Bang sauce and bright, crunchy salsa—all building layers of taste, texture, and color.
- Salmon Fillets: Go for skin-on, center-cut fillets for the best texture and flavor—about 6 oz each ensures perfect portions.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and ensures the salmon bakes up extra tender and juicy.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory undertone that perfectly complements the salmon.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle hit of smokiness and a rich red color to the crust.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the fish and salsa.
- Black Pepper: Offers just a hint of earthy heat that permeates every bite.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce—use full-fat for extra richness or swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings gentle sweetness and a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Adds that irresistible spicy element that gives Bang Bang its signature zing.
- Honey: Balances out the heat and acidity with natural sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Used in both the sauce and salsa to brighten flavors and add freshness.
- Avocado: Creamy and cooling, it balances the heat from the sauce while making the salsa irresistibly luscious.
- Cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and hydrating—the secret to a perfectly balanced salsa.
- Red Onion: Brings a mild bite and gorgeous pop of purple color.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of herby, citrusy flavor to tie the salsa together.
- Salt and Pepper (for salsa): Adjust to taste for the most vibrant, fresh-tasting salsa.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup a breeze. Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help them crisp up during baking. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure every inch of the surface is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
Arrange the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know the salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is just barely opaque in the center—tender, juicy and never dry.
Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon bakes, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. This is where the magic happens—the sauce comes together in seconds and delivers a gorgeous punchy flavor that makes this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe unforgettable. Adjust the sriracha and honey to suit your ideal level of spice and sweetness.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Cucumber Salsa
In another bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, finely chopped cucumber, minced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Be careful not to over-mix—the avocado should stay in beautiful, creamy cubes. This cool, herbaceous salsa kept fresh with lime, is the perfect counterpoint to the bold salmon and sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon emerges from the oven, drizzle each fillet generously with the creamy Bang Bang sauce. Top with a generous spoonful of the Avocado Cucumber Salsa. Serve immediately while everything is still fresh, juicy, and full of flavor. You’ve just created the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe in under thirty minutes, and it’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat!
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or thinly sliced scallions can add a little color and crunch to your presentation. A final squeeze of lime juice right before serving will brighten everything up and give your Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe an extra pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This gorgeous salmon loves to be paired with light, fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or a tangle of greens. Consider roasted veggies or a crisp green salad with ginger dressing to keep the meal full of vibrant flavors and colors without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe extra special for guests, try serving individual fillets on a platter, nestled atop a bed of rice with salsa artfully spooned across each piece. Or, flake the salmon, toss it with the sauce, and serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, party-friendly twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the salmon, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers. The salmon will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. The salsa is best eaten the same day, though it will keep for up to 24 hours if you add a little extra lime juice to help prevent the avocado from browning.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked salmon fillets for up to two months, the Avocado Cucumber Salsa does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of the avocado. For the best texture, freeze just the salmon, then make the salsa fresh when you’re ready to serve the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe again.
Reheating
To reheat the salmon, gently warm it in a low oven (around 300°F) covered loosely with foil to keep it moist, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fillets. Reassemble with freshly made salsa and sauce just before serving for that just-cooked experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While salmon is especially rich and flavorful, you can use other firm fish such as trout, cod, or even mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets for equally delicious results with the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe.
What’s a good substitute for sriracha in the sauce?
If you’re not a big fan of sriracha or don’t have any on hand, try using another hot sauce you like, or even a little cayenne pepper stirred in for heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level and the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe will still shine!
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
You can prep the salsa ingredients up to a couple of hours ahead, but it’s best to mix everything together—and especially cut the avocado—just before serving. This keeps the salsa vibrant and prevents any browning, for a fresh-tasting topping on your Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe.
How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter twist on the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe, swap all or part of the mayonnaise in the sauce for plain Greek yogurt. This keeps the sauce creamy while lowering calories and adding a dose of tang and protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you double-check your chili sauce and other condiments to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits many dietary needs!
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a true flavor celebration that you’ll want to come back to again and again. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy salmon. Invite friends, share the recipe, and savor every amazing bite!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and spicy dish with this Bang Bang Salmon recipe topped with a refreshing Avocado Cucumber Salsa. Tender baked salmon fillets are coated in a zesty sauce and served with a vibrant salsa for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Avocado Cucumber Salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Prepare the salsa: Mix avocado, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Assemble: Drizzle cooked salmon with Bang Bang sauce and top with avocado cucumber salsa.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayo in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
- The salsa can be made up to an hour ahead but is best fresh to keep the avocado vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salsa and sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
