SHARE

Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad

March 12, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!

Savor the perfect blend of spicy and sweet in our Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad—a refreshing + satisfying dish that elevates your taste buds with every bite.

Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad! This isn't your ordinary salad--- It's a vibrant mix of succulent salmon fillets coated in a sweet + spicy glaze, kale, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes + creamy avocado. With every bite, you'll experience a burst of fresh flavors that'll leave you craving more. And don't forget that delicious creamy Cucumber Dill Sauce drizzled right on top! Totally Gluten-free + Dairy-free. Vegan Option.

Salad in a platter with two serving utensils and dressing.

Salmon is my go-to protein because it's not just tasty but also super healthy. I love the sweet + spicy kick of honey + chili --- Especially in dishes like Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts and Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges. That's what sparked the idea for this Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad—all on a bed of a delicious hearty salad, bringing together the perfect mix of sweetness + heat.

If you're into honey in savory dishes, you've got to try my Skillet Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs, Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese, Hot Honey Garlic Dinner Rolls, and Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli. And for those who love a bit of heat, dive into my Cajun seasoning or add a taste of Jamaica with Traditional Jamaican Green Seasoning!

Alright, let's circle back to this salad—it's hearty, dairy-free, and a real crowd-pleaser for the whole gang. The best part? You can totally customize it to fit everyone's taste. And that cucumber dill sauce? It's the magic touch that brings everything together so nicely. By the way, if you're itching to add more salmon to your weekly rotation, I've got some awesome tips for cooking salmon!

Jump to:
Ingredients on a burnt orange table.

Why You Will LOVE This Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad

  • Sweet, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying!
  • An epic explosion of taste with every forkful!
  • Incredibly versatile--- customize it with your favorite veggies + protein options, making it a hit for everyone.
  • Packed with vitamins + antioxidants
  • Super delicious + colorful
  • Works as a main meal OR side!
  • Perfectly creamy thanks to the cucumber dill sauce!
Chopped kale in a white bowl being held.

How To Make Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad

Ready to make this tasty Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad? First things first, let's gather and prep our ingredients! While there are a few steps involved, trust me, it's totally worth it, and you can even use some of these ingredients for meal prep.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this salmon salad recipe are simple and easy to customize based on what’s in your kitchen:

SPICY HONEY GLAZED SALMON:

  • Salmon. Wild-caught Sockeye.
  • Extra virgin olive oil. Adds richness and depth while promoting a golden, crispy texture.
  • Raw honey. I find raw organic honey to have the best flavor. Nate's Organic is a great option!
  • Sriracha sauce. This adds the heat and spicy element!
  • Tamari sauce. (You can also use soy sauce)
  • Sea salt + black pepper.
  • Smoked paprika.
  • Garlic powder.

SALAD:

  • Kale. De-stemmed + roughly chopped (You can use green or red or both)
  • Red onion. Chopped.
  • Sliced jalapenos. Remove the seeds if you don't like things too spicy!
  • Chopped walnuts. Toasted brings out the best flavor.
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes. You can make my Herb roasted tomatoes for more flavor.
  • Avocado. Cubed or sliced.

CUCUMBER DILL SAUCE/DRESSING [DAIRY-FREE]:

  • Vegan mayonnaise. I love using Follow Your Heart Veganaise . It is super creamy and smooth but feel free to add your fave if you prefer.
  • Cucumber. Peeled + chopped.
  • Dill. Dry or freshly minced.
  • Sea salt + black pepper. Rounds out the flavors!
  • Garlic cloves. Infuses a strong garlic aroma and flavor.
  • Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier. You can use your fave plant-based milk. Learn how to make homemade almond milk!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad. Everything from whisks, blenders, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Tomatoes in a silver bowl.

Why + How to Massage Kale

When it comes to massaging kale, it's usually recommended because kale is known for being tough and fibrous, which makes it sometimes hard to chew and digest. However, massaging the kale softens it a great deal and helps the flavors to be more pronounced which works hand in hand with the other ingredients.

My easy method to massage kale is to add the de-stemmed and chopped kale to a large bowl and then drizzling it with 1-2 tsps of lemon juice or Extra virgin olive oil and using your clean hands, rubbing the leaves together gently for about 2-3 minutes. They should look glossy and slightly reduced in volume when massaging is achieved.

What Can Be Used Instead of Kale in this Salad?

Although kale is the most common veggie that I love to use as my salad base, you can definitely use other greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach, collard greens, bokchoy, etc. for a nice twist! When it comes to vegetables, there are so many benefits as we all know. While some veggies pack a greater punch when it comes to nutrients, I’ve curated a special list of our Top 12 Favorite Healthy Green Leafy Vegetables! Most of these are super popular while others are underutilized in many dishes.

Ingredients chopped on a cutting board with a knife.

What Is Sockeye Salmon?

Sockeye Salmon is also known as Kokanee salmon and sometimes just called red salmon. It is a wild Pacific fish that is a little bit smaller than most other types of salmon. Sockeye salmon has a very rich texture and tons of flavor.The meat of a sockeye salmon is lower in fat than farmed salmon and it is higher in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sockeye vs Atlantic Salmon

The main difference between the two: Wild sockeye salmon develop their robust qualities in a vast marine ecosystem, swimming thousands of miles over a lifetime in an epic hunt for food. This is in stark contrast to farm-raised Atlantic salmon, who are typically confined to a net pen — often situated in polluted, coastal waters — where they’re fed engineered pellets that can never truly replace a wild diet.

Of course, the other difference is in their taste: Atlantic salmon is less tasteful than Sockeye salmon and doesn't pack as much as a punch. Overall, Sockeye has more of a crab-like taste to it and is often considered firm in texture.

Can Sockeye Salmon Be Cooked From Frozen?

Yes! You can actually put your wild salmon right into the oven from the freezer. Add about 8-10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold temperature of the fish. I also like to loosely cover the salmon when baking from frozen, tenting it with foil to trap the moisture as it cooks a little longer.

Chopped kale being massaged in a bowl.

How To Shop For Fresh Sockeye Salmon

I have a little secret for you about seafood: It is almost always frozen immediately after being caught. Freezing fish either right on the fishing boat or at the docks helps kill bacteria and prevent the delicate fish from spoilage. Even the "fresh" fish in the grocery store has usually been frozen and then thawed. So, unless you are lucky enough to live near a sockeye salmon breeding ground, you should skip the "fresh" fish section in your grocery store and go straight to the freezer section for your fish. The frozen sockeye salmon in the grocery store will cost less and it will be the same, high quality.

Glazed salmon atop salad in a platter with walnuts and lime.

Can I Add More More Ingredients to this Salad?

Definitely! This is a great recipe to mix and match the ingredients/toppings. For added nutrients, fiber, and color, add your favorite veggies + protein.

Here are some additions that would go well in this salad:

  • Beans + legumes (i.e. chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, etc.)
  • Other greens (i.e. spinach, lettuce, mixed greens, arugula, mustard greens, etc.)
  • Swap out the salmon for another protein --- Shredded chickenhot honey baked chicken, shrimp, steak works well!
  • Tofu, mushrooms, tempeh, etc. (Great meat alternatives)
  • Homemade croutons, baked tortillas, or pita chips
  • Roasted veggies (i.e. asparagus, sweet potatoes, zucchini, butternut squash, etc.)
  • Cheese, either dairy or plant-based (feta cheese would be especially nice in this salad)
  • Herb roasted tomatoes
  • Nuts + seeds (i.e. pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
  • Sweet potatoes or roasted butternut squash
  • Grains like farro, quinoa, couscous, etc.
  • Boiled or poached eggs
  • Candied bacon
Salad in a platter with two serving utensils and dressing.

Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad Q + A's

Best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, depending on the ingredients. Always determine the ingredients in your salad and keep it no longer than the shelf life of your fastest-spoiling ingredient.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the salmon and substitute with your favorite meat substitute (chickpeas, beans, tofu, quinoa, etc.)

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the salmon?

Of course! Feel free to adjust the amount of spice according to your preference, ensuring it's just right for your taste buds.

Love Seafood? Try These Delicious Recipes Next!

If you enjoyed this Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad recipe, definitely throw these mouthwatering seafood recipes onto your "must-make next" list:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Salad in a platter with two serving utensils and dressing.

Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad

March 12, 2024
5 from 2 votes
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad! This isn't your ordinary salad--- It's a vibrant mix of succulent salmon fillets coated in a sweet + spicy glaze, kale, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes + creamy avocado. With every bite, you'll experience a burst of fresh flavors that'll leave you craving more. And don't forget that delicious creamy Cucumber Dill Sauce drizzled right on top! Totally Gluten-free + Dairy-free. Vegan Option.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

SPICY HONEY GLAZED SALMON:

  • 2 (6 oz.) wild-caught Sockeye salmon
  • 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup organic raw honey
  • 2 Tbsps Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Tamari sauce (You can also use soy sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

SALAD:

  • 1 bunch organic kale, de-stemmed + roughly chopped (You can use green or red or both)
  • ½ red onion, chopped
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Chopped walnuts, taosted
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes (You can make my Herb roasted tomatoes for more flavor)
  • Avocado, cubed or sliced

CUCUMBER DILL SAUCE/DRESSING [DAIRY-FREE]:

  • 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • ¼ organic cucumber, peeled + chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dill, dry or freshly minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt + black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 Tbsps Almond milk

Instructions

TO MAKE THE SALMON:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with foil paper.
  • Season your rinsed and patted dry salmon with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, Sriracha sauce, honey, Tamari sauce, rubbing everything atop salmon until completely coated. Add all salmon to baking sheet, cover with foil paper and roast (on the top rack) for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked through. NOTE: When done, salmon should "flake apart" when touched gently.

TO MAKE THE CUCUMBER DILL SAUCE/DRESSING:

  • Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. NOTE: Add additional milk, 1 tablespoon a time if needed).

CHOP + MASSAGE KALE:

  • Strip the leaves from 2 large bunches kale and discard the stems if you haven't already. Roughly chop the leaves and add them to a large bowl. Drizzle about 1-2 tsps of lemon juice or olive oil atop chopped kale and using clean hands, rub together the kale gently for about 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves and help to infuse the 'flavors' of the kale.

ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:

  • In a large serving plate or salad bowl, add the chopped kale followed by the onions, sliced jalapeños, tomatoes, avocado, Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon (shredded or whole), and chopped walnuts.
  • To serve, add the salad to your favorite bowl(s), drizzle with cucumber dill sauce/dressing, and additional favorite toppings like croutons, etc. if desired.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, depending on the ingredients. Always determine the ingredients in your salad and keep it no longer than the shelf life of your fastest-spoiling ingredient.
  • HERB ROASTED TOMATOES: To see the recipe, tap this link.
  • GREENS: If preferred, you can always add greens like Romaine lettuce, Arugula, Mustard Greens, Microgreens, Spinach or Collard Greens to this salad for added flavor + texture.
  • TIPS FOR SOCKEYE SALMON: Learn how to cook sockeye salmon perfectly to create some fantastic dinners. 

Nutrition

Calories: 903kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 87g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 3288mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 7040IU | Vitamin C: 75mg | Calcium: 211mg | Iron: 2mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

Love this Post? SHARE!

LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Love this Recipe?