Busy weeknights call for something simple, flavorful, and nourishing—and these salmon bites with avocado cucumber salsa are just that! Marinated salmon cubes, cooked to perfection (air fryer and stovetop instructions included), paired with a vibrant, creamy salsa over rice, make for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick: From marinating to serving, this meal can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy: Loaded with omega-3-rich salmon, heart-healthy avocado, and nutrient-dense veggies.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking or swap out the rice for quinoa or salad greens.

Ingredients for salmon bites with avocado cucumber salsa recipe:
For the Salmon:
- 1.5 lbs salmon, cubed into 1-inch pieces (you can leave skin on or off)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the Avocado Cucumber Salsa:
- 3 small Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 2 avocados, pitted and diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1-2 limes (I like my salsa very lime forward so I use two)
- Sprinkle of kosher salt
For Serving:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Salmon:
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sriracha, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Add the salmon cubes, stirring gently to coat. Let the salmon marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour. - Cook the Salmon:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 375°F. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 6-8 minutes, turning gently when it begins to brown, approximately 2-4 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Salsa:
While the salmon cooks, mix the diced cucumbers, jalapeño, avocado, and red onion in a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and add a sprinkle of kosher salt. Stir gently to combine. - Assemble and Serve:
Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top with salmon bites, and finish with a generous scoop of the avocado cucumber salsa.

Customizations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha or chili garlic sauce to suit your heat preference. If you prefer no spice, omit it entirely.
- Salsa Variations: Add chopped cilantro for a herby kick or diced mango for a touch of sweetness.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.
- Protein Alternative: This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or cubed tofu as a pescatarian or vegetarian option.

This vibrant dish is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation—full of fresh flavors, textures, and the perfect blend of zest and spice. Enjoy!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy salmon? I’d love to know in the comments below.

Salmon bites with avocado cucumber salsa
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 1.5 lbs salmon cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Generous pinch of kosher salt
For the avocado cucumber salsa:
- 3 small Persian cucumbers diced
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed and finely chopped
- 2 avocados pitted and diced
- 1/4 red onion finely chopped
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- Pinch of kosher salt
For serving
- 4 servings Cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice)
Instructions
Marinate the salmon
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sriracha, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Add the salmon cubes, stirring gently to coat. Let the salmon marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.
Cook the salmon
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 375°F. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through.

- Stovetop Method: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 6 minutes, turning gently when it begins to brown, approximately 2 minutes per side.
Prepare the salsa:
- While the salmon cooks, mix the diced cucumbers, jalapeño, avocado, and red onion in a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and add a sprinkle of kosher salt. Stir gently to combine.
Assemble and serve
- Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top with salmon bites, and finish with a generous scoop of the avocado cucumber salsa.













Sarah says
Looks delicious! We usually enjoy salmon with a teriyaki glaze and roasted veggies.
Sweetphi says
Oh yum, I don’t do teriyaki nearly enough!
Amy Cooley says
One of the local restaurants in my area serves their salmon with a spicy mango salsa. It’s so yummy!
Sweetphi says
Oh yum, I love a good mango salsa, mangos are so hard to peel that I love when it’s offered at a restaurant lol
Sara says
We love grilling salmon with garlic, lemon slices, and olive oil on top! So moist and delicious!
Sweetphi says
Sounds delish!
Susan Craig says
This looks delicious. I can imagine lots of uses for the salsa. Yum!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much, it’s definitely delish!
RS says
Yum! I think it would
be great for a date night in dinner also.
Sweetphi says
Definitely great for a date night 🙂
Pamela says
We loved this! I served it with nori squares — scooped the rice, a piece of salmon, and a spoonful of the salsa onto the nori . . . wrapped it up . . . Delicious!
Sweetphi says
I love that you served this with nori squares, what a great idea! Thanks for leaving this lovely feedback.
Antoinette M says
I’m not a big fan of salmon. I love that you used the air fryer for this recipe.
Sweetphi says
I have a new found love of my air fryer! This recipe would be great with chicken instead of salmon!
KristyB says
This recipe is a good reminder to use my air fryer more! Our go-to salmon recipe remains the Costco salmon burgers with a bagged salad kit. (My “I can’t bear to cook tonight” recipe 🙂
Sweetphi says
I need to find these salmon burgers for sure, they sound amazing!
Kim Henrichs says
i like to use it for a buddha bowl with rice and veg
Sweetphi says
YUM, sounds amazing