Spiced Salmon Grain Bowls with Guacamole and Cilantro-Lime Tomato Salad

This vibrant grain bowl brings together perfectly seared salmon, a hearty whole grain blend and all the fresh, zesty flavors you crave. The salmon is coated in a smoky fajita spice rub, then pan-seared until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender. A bright cilantro-lime tomato salad and creamy guacamole add freshness, while a simple lime crema ties everything together.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats and complex carbs that will leave you feeling energized and happy.

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Ingredients

1.5 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fajita Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 tablespoon GuacamoleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Microwavable Grain BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce SalmonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Halve the tomatoes lengthwise, then cut crosswise into half-moons. Zest the lime and quarter it. Roughly chop the cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, juice from one lime wedge (or two for 4 servings), a pinch of salt, pepper and as much cilantro as you like. Toss and set aside, tossing occasionally, until ready to serve.
3. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season all over with the fajita spice blend, salt and pepper.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook until the skin is crisp, 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook until cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate to rest.
5. While the salmon cooks, massage the grain blend package to break up the grains. Partially open the package and microwave until warmed through, about 90 seconds. (Microwave times may vary; handle carefully.) Fluff the grains with a fork and stir in juice from one lime wedge (or two for 4 servings), salt and pepper.
6. In another small bowl, combine the sour cream and as much lime zest as you like. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.
7. Divide the salmon, tomato salad, grains and guacamole between plates. Drizzle the salmon with the lime crema. Serve with any remaining lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with another firm fish like trout or arctic char. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I make the grain blend without a microwave?

You can warm the grains in a small saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring until heated through.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free sour cream alternative or omit the crema and simply squeeze fresh lime over the salmon.