If you’re hunting for a meal that’s seriously satisfying, beautifully textured, and vibrant with color, the Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe is just what your lunch or dinner routine needs. This dish combines hearty brown rice, perfectly baked salmon, crisp vegetables, toasted almonds, and a creamy, herby tahini dressing that’s downright addictive. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight meal yet feels special enough to serve guests, and every bite offers a bit of crunch, freshness, and bright Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe plays a delicious part in creating a bowl that’s layered in flavors, textures, and color. These essentials are straightforward, yet they each bring that little something extra—think creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh—all working together in harmony.
- Brown rice: Hearty, nutty, and packed with fiber, this is the perfect foundation for soaking up all those flavors.
- Salmon fillets: Rich and flaky, salmon provides healthy fats, protein, and a tender bite that ties the bowl together.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness to both the salmon and the dressing, and brings a lovely Mediterranean note.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in your ingredients—season generously!
- Shredded red cabbage: A pop of crunch and color, it keeps the bowl lively and fresh.
- Cucumber (thinly sliced): Cool and crisp, cucumber is refreshing and contrasts beautifully with the warm rice.
- Carrot (julienned or shredded): Adds a sweet, earthy crunch that perks up every forkful.
- Toasted sliced almonds: These bring irresistible toasted flavor and extra crunch to your bowl.
- Sesame seeds: Tiny but mighty, they add nuttiness and a little visual flair.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped): A burst of vivid green and herby freshness for that finishing touch.
- Tahini: The base for your luscious dressing—creamy and nutty, it’s a secret flavor weapon.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the tahini dressing with a sunny punch.
- More olive oil: Used to bring the dressing together and add depth of flavor.
- Water: Helps thin the dressing to just the right, pourable consistency.
- Garlic (minced): A little raw garlic adds big flavor to the herby tahini dressing.
- Fresh dill or more parsley (chopped): Delivers savory herby notes to infuse the dressing with freshness.
- Salt and pepper (for dressing): Just a pinch or two keeps the flavors balanced and bright.
How to Make Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place your salmon fillets on the tray, give them a generous drizzle of olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon is beautifully cooked through, juicy, and just starting to flake apart with a fork.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Herbed Tahini Dressing
While the salmon bakes, grab a small bowl and whisk together your tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, minced garlic, and chopped herbs until it’s velvety-smooth. If the dressing feels a bit thick, just add water a splash at a time until it pours easily—this sauce is the dreamy finishing touch for your Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe.
Step 3: Prep the Veggie Toppings
Slice, shred, and chop your red cabbage, cucumber, and carrots. This is where all the freshness and crunch come in, so aim for even, bite-sized pieces so you get a perfect mix of everything in every bite. Toast your almonds lightly in a dry skillet to coax out even more nutty flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Layer the warm, cooked brown rice into your favorite serving bowls. Neatly arrange the cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and flaked baked salmon over the rice, and then sprinkle over the almonds and sesame seeds. The colorful layers look stunning and taste even better!
Step 5: Drizzle & Garnish
Generously spoon or drizzle the herbed tahini dressing over the assembled bowls, making sure every corner gets a bit of that creamy, tangy sauce. Finish with a shower of fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh pop and a burst of green. Your Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Go wild with toppings! A final sprinkle of extra sesame seeds, more freshly chopped herbs, or a few slices of ripe avocado all add flavor and eye-catching appeal. For extra pop, a squeeze of lemon over the top can wake up the whole bowl.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is plenty filling on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad drizzled with citrus vinaigrette or a plate of roasted sweet potatoes is always a good move. A bowl of miso soup or a side of warm pita bread would also complement the Mediterranean vibes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or make-ahead lunches, try setting up a DIY bowl bar—let everyone customize their own Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe with bowls of toppings and dressing at the ready. Or, serve the assembled bowls piled into wide shallow plates for a restaurant-style look that shows off all those beautiful layers and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe components in separate airtight containers for best freshness. The veggies, rice, salmon, and dressing all last up to three days in the fridge when kept apart, so you can mix and match fresh bowls whenever hunger calls.
Freezing
The brown rice and baked salmon freeze well! Spread them in single layers on trays first, then store them in freezer bags or containers for up to two months. Skip freezing the fresh veggies and dressing to keep their crisp flavor and texture intact.
Reheating
Bring the brown rice and salmon to room temperature first for the best results, or gently reheat them in the microwave with a splash of water to keep things moist. Assemble your Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe just before serving and drizzle with fresh dressing for that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different grain instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! Quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully in the Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe. Just adjust the cook times as needed and enjoy the extra variety.
Is there a substitute for tahini?
If tahini isn’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, swap in unsweetened, natural almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both will give the dressing a rich, nutty foundation—but do adjust water and lemon juice to taste for your desired creaminess.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Great news: the Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe is naturally both dairy-free and gluten-free as written. Be sure your soy sauce (if adding) and all toppings are gluten-free as well and enjoy with confidence!
Can this be served cold or at room temperature?
Definitely. This recipe shines whether served warm, right after assembling, or refrigerated and enjoyed as a cool, hearty salad the next day. The flavors mingle and the texture stays wonderful either way.
What other proteins work well in this bowl?
While salmon is absolutely lovely here, you can try grilled shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a plant-based twist. Each soaks up the herbed tahini dressing beautifully and keeps your bowls fresh and exciting every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that ticks every box for flavor, texture, and ease, give the Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe a try. It’s one of those crave-worthy recipes you’ll want to make again and again, and it’s always a hit at the table. Trust me—this bowl is about to become your new obsession!
Print
Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls with Herbed Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with these Crunchy Brown Rice Salmon Bowls topped with a flavorful Herbed Tahini Dressing. Packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Herbed Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water (plus more to thin if needed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F: Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cooked through and flaky.
- Prepare the tahini dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, garlic, and herbs until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
- Assemble the bowls: In serving bowls, divide brown rice, top with cabbage, cucumber, carrots, almonds, sesame seeds, and flaked salmon. Drizzle with tahini dressing and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Swap brown rice for quinoa or farro if desired.
- The tahini dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For added crunch, consider including sliced radishes or roasted chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
