If you’re looking to seriously shake up your salmon night, Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is your next must-try. Imagine moist, perfectly baked salmon, smothered in creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, piled high with cool, chunky salsa studded with avocado and crunchy cucumber. This recipe is a knockout for both weeknight dinner and special occasions: incredibly easy, wildly flavorful, and gorgeously colorful—sure to impress both family and friends. Let’s make your kitchen the most popular spot in town with this irresistible dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is that it comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. Every component is chosen for its unique impact—whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color on your plate.
- Salmon fillets: Rich, tender, and full of healthy Omega-3s—choose skinless if you prefer less fuss!
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives your salmon a touch of luxurious moisture.
- Salt: Essential for bringing the flavors to life; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the fish.
- Garlic powder: Lends a punch of savory depth with zero chopping required.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your Bang Bang sauce, balancing the bold flavors.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and mild heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Adds that addictive, tangy heat—adjust to your liking.
- Honey: Rounds out the spice with just enough mellow sweetness.
- Lime juice: Used in both the sauce and salsa, it keeps things zesty and bright.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado makes the salsa positively luscious.
- English cucumber: Crisp, refreshing, and brings amazing bite to the salsa.
- Red onion: A sharp little burst of flavor and color.
- Fresh cilantro: Delivers that unmistakable fresh, herby finish.
- Pinch of salt (for salsa): Enhances all those fresh salsa flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it heats up, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—a super important step for getting the best texture. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This trio delivers a simple but irresistible base layer of flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange the seasoned salmon fillets so they aren’t touching. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. They’re done when the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and glistens ever so slightly. Don’t overbake—juicy salmon is the magic here!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon bakes, grab a small bowl and make your Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa sauce. Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and that splash of lime juice. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your perfect level of heat. This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce will take your fish from “just dinner” to jaw-dropping delicious.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Dice up your avocado and English cucumber, toss them into a bowl with red onion, chopped cilantro, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a good pinch of salt. Give it all a gentle stir just before serving to keep the avocado bright and the flavors fresh. This salsa is the cool, crunchy foil to the spicy salmon—it’s what makes Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa so unforgettable!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Take your perfectly baked salmon out of the oven and gently spoon the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet. Finish with a big, fresh scoop of that avocado cucumber salsa. The contrast of colors, flavors, and temperatures is pure joy on a plate. Serve immediately for the absolute best experience!
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Garnishes
Brighten things up even more with garnishes like extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or fresh lime wedges. These touches add color, aroma, and a final pop of flavor—your Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa will look like a chef’s creation!
Side Dishes
This dish is fabulous on its own, but it truly shines atop a bed of fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or a generous pile of leafy greens. Side dishes like roasted broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or even simple steamed edamame will round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa in a power bowl with grains and shredded veggies, or flake the salmon and tuck it into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal. For a party, cut the cooked salmon into cubes and skewer with salsa for stunning appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa holds up well for up to two days, and the flavors only deepen overnight.
Freezing
While the salmon itself can be frozen after baking, the avocado cucumber salsa is best enjoyed fresh due to the avocado’s texture. Freeze only the salmon (well-wrapped), and make a fresh batch of salsa when you’re ready for round two.
Reheating
Gently reheat the cooked salmon in a 300°F oven or in the microwave at low power. Keep the salsa cold and add it after reheating, so you keep the bright, fresh crunch that makes Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa special.
FAQs
Can I use a different fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Try this recipe with trout, cod, or even shrimp. Just adjust baking times to suit, but keep that gorgeous Bang Bang sauce and salsa combo for the full experience.
How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa?
It has a gentle kick, mostly from the sriracha in the sauce. You can easily make it milder or hotter by adjusting the sriracha to taste—it’s totally up to you.
Can I make the sauce or salsa ahead of time?
Yes! Make the Bang Bang sauce up to three days ahead and store in the fridge. The salsa is best made close to serving time to keep the avocado from browning, but you can prep and chop the veggies in advance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It sure is! Just check your labels—some brands of sweet chili sauce may have trace gluten, so choose a gluten-free version if needed.
What’s the best way to pick ripe avocados?
Look for avocados that are just slightly soft when you give them a gentle squeeze, but not mushy. If they’re too firm, let them ripen on your counter for another day or two.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa a spot on your dinner rotation. It’s bold, fresh, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends. Try it, share it, and enjoy every spicy-sweet, creamy-crunchy bite!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the spicy kick of the bang bang sauce with the freshness of the avocado cucumber salsa. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- juice of ½ lime
Avocado Cucumber Salsa:
- 1 avocado (diced)
- ½ English cucumber (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- juice of ½ lime
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Prepare Avocado Cucumber Salsa: Combine avocado, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Assemble: Top cooked salmon with bang bang sauce and avocado cucumber salsa. Serve.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or greens for a complete meal.
- Adjust sriracha to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salsa
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
