Description
This Crispy Rice Salmon Cucumber Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and protein-rich dish that brings together oven-crisped rice, savory salmon, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a tangy-sweet Asian dressing. Naturally dairy-free and easy to make gluten-free or vegan, it’s the perfect refreshing meal for busy weeknights or warm-weather lunches.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Rice:
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2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled
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2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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2 tbsp chili crisp
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¼ cup dried minced onion
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¼ cup dried minced garlic
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp sea salt
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1½ tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
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½ tsp chili powder
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¾ cup olive oil
For the Salmon:
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8 oz salmon
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½ tsp sea salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
For the Salad:
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5 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber), thinly sliced
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1 cup shelled edamame
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¾ cup green onions, sliced
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2 avocados, chopped
For the Creamy Asian Dressing:
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¼ cup olive oil
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¼ cup toasted sesame oil
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3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
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3 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tbsp honey
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1½ tsp ground ginger
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½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
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Crispy Rice: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread cooled rice on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili crisp. Add dried onion, garlic, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Pour olive oil over and toss. Roast for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway.
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Bake the Salmon: Season salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake at 400°F for 13–14 minutes. Let cool slightly and shred.
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Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, mix cucumber, edamame, green onions, and avocado. Add in shredded salmon and crispy rice.
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Make the Dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth. Pour over salad, toss gently, and serve.
Notes
Use day-old rice for best crispiness.
Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
For a vegan version, omit salmon and honey, and substitute tofu and maple syrup.
Store crispy rice separately and re-crisp in oven or air fryer if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: : 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Salad
- Method: Baking / Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired