Zucchini Noodle Salmon Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, grain-free dish featuring crispy salmon, roasted zucchini noodles, and a creamy avocado-lime dressing. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, mediterranean) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Zucchini, Avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 2 tbsp olive oil with 1/2 cup zucchini noodles and 1/2 tsp chili flakes; spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Place salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until opaque and flaky.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, mash 1/2 cup avocado with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Spoon the avocado mixture over the salmon and zucchini noodles. Garnish with remaining cilantro and chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Salmon Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Zucchini Noodle Salmon Bowl?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Salmon Bowl?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Zucchini Noodle Salmon Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Zucchini Noodle Salmon Bowl whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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