Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, full of flavor, and just a little bit fancy, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with my Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe. I remember the first time I tried making this – it felt like restaurant-worthy food happening right in my own kitchen. The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce perfectly complements the tender salmon, and that fresh avocado cucumber salsa adds the coolest crunch. Trust me, once you make this, it quickly becomes a go-to weeknight favorite that your family will keep asking for.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really happens when you bring together quality salmon and a bang bang sauce that’s lively but balanced. Don’t skip the avocado cucumber salsa — it adds such a refreshing counterpoint. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll want to have on hand.

• Salmon filet: I recommend fresh or high-quality frozen salmon; skinless makes it easier, but skin-on works too.
• All-purpose seasoning mix: Pre-made or homemade, this gives your salmon that delicious base flavor.
• Mayo: Use good-quality mayo for that creamy richness in the sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: This adds the perfect hint of sweet heat that’s essential in bang bang sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly grated garlic brings depth to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Just a teaspoon enhances the overall umami flavor.
• Chili crisp: I love topping with this for texture and an extra kick; it’s optional but highly recommended.
• Cooked rice: Your preferred variety; jasmine or basmati work beautifully here.
• Avocado cucumber salsa: Fresh chopped avocado and cucumber tossed simply with lime, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.

Variations

I love how versatile this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is — it’s honestly one of those dishes you can tweak to fit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs without any fuss.

• Spice Level: If you love heat, I double up on the sweet chili sauce or stir in a splash of sriracha to the bang bang sauce — it kicks it up a notch and my family goes nuts for it.
• Low-Carb: Swap out rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens for a lighter take.
• Different Protein: Tried this with shrimp and got rave reviews too — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo or a plain coconut yogurt substitute and your bang bang sauce stays just as creamy.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your salmon dry with paper towels — this little step helps the seasoning stick better and encourages that lovely caramelization later. You can slice the filet into individual portions now if you want perfect serving sizes. Then, sprinkle your all-purpose seasoning mix evenly over the salmon pieces, making sure every part is coated. I love using parchment paper on the baking sheet to keep cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sweet chili sauce, freshly grated garlic, and soy sauce until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where all the magic happens! Spoon a little bit of it over each salmon portion before popping them in the oven — save half for drizzling right before serving.

Step 3: Bake and Broil for Perfect Texture

Place the salmon on the top rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Depending on the thickness, adjust time slightly — salmon should feel just slightly firm when pressed and look opaque around the edges. Then, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to get that gorgeous golden-brown caramelized finish on top. Be sure to watch closely during broiling to avoid burning — that’s the sweet spot!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve with Salsa

Plate up your salmon over a bed of warm cooked rice. Spoon over the reserved bang bang sauce and sprinkle with chili crisp (if using) for some crunch and heat. Top everything with a generous scoop of the refreshing avocado cucumber salsa — the cool creaminess and crisp cucumber balance the spicy salmon perfectly. This combo never fails to impress!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some extra chili crisp over the salmon right before serving for that satisfying crunch and heat burst. A few torn cilantro leaves on top of the avocado cucumber salsa also brighten the dish and add color, which is always nice.

Side Dishes

Besides the staple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, a side of quick sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy pairs wonderfully here. For a heartier meal, toss together a simple quinoa salad or roasted sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, I love serving this salmon on a sleek wooden plank with individual ramekins of the bang bang sauce on the side. Layering the avocado cucumber salsa in clear glass jars for guests makes the colors pop and feels a little fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon keeps well for up to 2 days, but since avocado salsa can brown quickly, it’s best to make just enough or enjoy it within 24 hours.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the avocado cucumber salsa because the texture and freshness change, but the seasoned salmon filets freeze beautifully before cooking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before making the recipe as usual.

Reheating

To reheat leftover salmon, I gently warm it in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped in foil, to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep it tender. Add fresh bang bang sauce and salsa on top after reheating for best flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that feels impressive but comes together so effortlessly. I love how the flavors balance between creamy and fresh with just the right amount of heat. Every time I cook it, my family can’t wait to dig in, and it’s made even better knowing it’s a wholesome, nutritious meal. If you’re craving something that’s a snap to make yet totally delicious, give this recipe a try — I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!

Print