Healthy lunch recipes don’t have to be boring or repetitive. This Sweet Chili Salmon Bowl is the perfect example—packed with bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and ready in just 30 minutes. With tender, flaky salmon glazed in a sweet and mildly spicy sauce, fresh veggies, and a hearty grain base, this bowl is ideal for meal prep or a satisfying midday bite. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe offers a wholesome way to energize your day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Weeknight-Friendly – Done in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Nutritious & Balanced – Full of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and veggies.
- Versatile & Customizable – Great for low-carb, dairy-free, or pescatarian diets.
- Meal-Prep Ready – Perfect for making in batches and storing for healthy lunches.
Looking for more healthy lunch recipes? Try our Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl or Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps next.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each, skinless)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or quinoa
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shelled edamame, steamed
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- Pickled ginger
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon
Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour over the sweet chili sauce, turning to coat. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes. - Cook the Salmon
- Pan-Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake salmon on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill salmon for 4–6 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Grain Base
Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside. - Chop & Prep the Veggies
Slice cucumber, shred carrots, thinly slice bell pepper, and steam the edamame. - Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, add a scoop of rice or quinoa. Place a salmon fillet on top. Arrange veggies around the salmon. Top with avocado, green onions, sesame seeds, and a lime wedge. - Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle with extra sweet chili sauce if desired, and serve immediately or pack for lunch prep.
Details & Nutrition
📋 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Omega-3s: High
Tips & Variations
- Low-Carb Option – Swap rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- Plant-Based Swap – Use tofu or tempeh in place of salmon.
- Extra Flavor Boost – Add fresh herbs, spicy mayo, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Make It Ahead – Store each component separately and assemble fresh before eating.
Sweet Chili Salmon Bowl
Equipment
- – Nonstick skillet or baking sheet
- – Knife & cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- – Rice cooker or pot
Ingredients
- – 4 salmon fillets 4–6 oz each, skinless
- – ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- – 1 tbsp olive oil for pan-searing
- – 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or quinoa
- – 1 small cucumber sliced
- – ½ cup shredded carrots
- – ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
- – ½ cup shelled edamame steamed
- – 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- – 2 green onions thinly sliced
- – 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- – Lime wedges for serving
- – Optional: Pickled ginger jalapeños, extra sauce
Instructions
- Marinate salmon in sweet chili sauce for 15–20 minutes.
- Cook salmon (pan-sear, bake, or grill) until flaky and cooked through.
- Prepare rice or quinoa and fluff.
- Slice cucumber, carrots, pepper, and steam edamame.
- Assemble bowl with rice base, salmon, veggies, and toppings.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and lime. Serve warm or pack for meal prep.
Notes
– Use cauliflower rice for low-carb version.
– Add extra sauce or spice to taste.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Cook all ingredients and store separately in the fridge. Reheat the salmon and rice, then assemble fresh.
Is sweet chili sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with a sweet finish. You can adjust heat by adding sriracha or chili flakes.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Definitely. Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
What’s the best rice for this bowl?
Jasmine or brown rice works great. Quinoa is another high-protein alternative.
Conclusion
This healthy Sweet Chili Salmon Bowl is a complete win for anyone looking to add variety to their healthy lunch recipes. It’s easy, nourishing, and bursting with flavor—all the things a great lunch should be. Whether you’re into bold Asian-inspired dishes or just need something fresh and satisfying, this bowl delivers every time.