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Crispy Rice Salmon Cucumber Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Crispy Rice Salmon Cucumber Salad that combines tender baked salmon, crunchy oven-toasted rice, and fresh vegetables tossed in a flavorful ginger-sesame dressing. This wholesome and satisfying salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Rice

  • 2 Cups Cooked Rice (cooled – jasmine rice recommended)
  • 2 Teaspoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Dried Onion (Minced)
  • 1/4 Cup Dried Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
  • 1.5 Tablespoons Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1/2 Teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 3/4 cup Olive Oil

For the Salmon

  • 8 Ounces Salmon
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

For the Salad

  • 5 Persian Cucumbers (thinly sliced; or substitute 1 large English cucumber)
  • 1 Cup Edamame (shelled)
  • 1 Bunch Green Onions (thinly sliced, approx. 3/4 cup)
  • 2 Avocados (chopped)

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
  • 3 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking both the crispy rice and salmon.
  2. Line Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  3. Cook Rice: Cook rice according to your preferred method and allow it to cool completely. Using cooled rice helps it crisp up better in the oven.
  4. Season Rice: Spread the cooled rice evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Toss the rice with soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, sesame oil, dried onion, dried garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, and chili powder to evenly coat all grains with flavor.
  5. Bake Crispy Rice: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crisping and an appealing crunchy texture.
  6. Prepare Salmon Filets: While the rice bakes, season the salmon filets with sea salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Place the salmon on a separate baking sheet.
  7. Bake Salmon: Add the salmon baking sheet to the oven along with the crispy rice during the last 13-14 minutes of baking, or until the salmon is cooked through to your desired doneness.
  8. Shred Salmon: Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and use a fork to gently shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  9. Set Rice Aside: Remove crispy rice from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
  10. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, edamame, sliced green onions, and chopped avocados. These fresh ingredients add bright flavors and textures.
  11. Add Salmon and Crispy Rice: Incorporate the shredded salmon and crispy rice into the bowl with the fresh vegetables, combining the different flavors and textures.
  12. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine olive oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  13. Add Dressing to Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients and blend the flavors.
  14. Serve, Store, and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Notes

  • You can substitute jasmine rice with any other long-grain or medium-grain rice for the crispy rice component.
  • Using cool or day-old rice ensures the rice crisps well in the oven rather than becoming mushy.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes and chili powder from the rice seasoning.
  • The dressing can be made without honey to keep it vegan; substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Leftover crispy rice may lose crunch if stored; reheat briefly in a pan or oven to restore texture.

Keywords: salmon salad, crispy rice salad, cucumber salad, baked salmon recipe, healthy salad, Asian-inspired salad, sesame dressing, avocado salad

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/crispy-rice-salmon-cucumber-salad-recipe/