This Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema is a vibrant and healthy meal that combines smoky, spicy salmon with a refreshing mango salsa and creamy chipotle crema. Served over quinoa or rice, this nutritious dish is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Packed with bold flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s an easy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
For the Blackened Salmon:
1 pound salmon fillet (skin on or off)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Mango Salsa:
1 ripe mango, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chipotle Crema:
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers in adobo
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
For the Bowl:
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 avocado, sliced
Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, corn, other vegetables
Prepare the Blackened Salmon: Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillet.
Cook the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly blackened. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillet.
Make the Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Chipotle Crema: Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), adobo sauce, lime juice, and cumin in a small bowl. Add salt to taste.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or rice between two bowls. Top with black beans, sliced avocado, blackened salmon, mango salsa, and chipotle crema. Add any additional toppings you prefer.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
For a milder dish, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño in the salsa.
You can substitute the salmon with other proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
For a vegan version, replace the salmon with roasted cauliflower or grilled portobello mushrooms and use plant-based yogurt for the crema.