Instant Pot Chipotle Lime Salmon Bowls

Instant Pot Chipotle Lime Salmon Bowls are served over a bed of flavored cauliflower rice for the ultimate nutritious meal! Dressed up with an amazing Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette, this recipe is sure to please. So easy to make in your Instant Pot in less than 30 minutes, making this dish a spectacular option for a busy weeknight or for meal prep!

Why Salmon in the Instant Pot?

For the many ways to make salmon, let’s just discuss the reasons why the Instant Pot is superior.

1. Easiest possible way to make salmon and completely hands off. No checking on the fish, adjusting heat, etc. Walk away and come back later!
2. Perfectly tender and flaky!
3. On the table in less than 30 minutes!

Do you see my excitement here? As a nutritionist, I also know that adding a salmon meal to your regular rotation is so good for your health! Salmon is one of the best food sources for Omega 3 fatty acids– a fantastic anti-inflammatory and brain nutrient. It’s also a fantastic source of many vitamins and minerals like vitamin B3, B12, zinc, and even Vitamin D!

Judging by the way you all LOVE my Instant Pot Lemon Pepper Salmon, I knew I wanted to try a different flavor combo. Still giving you the texture you love, but now adding in some cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

On a weeknight where I needed an easy, healthy, and Whole30 approved meal to make for my dear friend, THIS was the recipe I used. Chipotle lime is one of my favorite flavor combos (just check out my sheet pan chicken fajitas or grilled flank steak for more evidence). The sauce created is downright addicting!

Shortly after devouring her Chipotle Lime Salmon Bowl, my friend texted me with a simple: “OMG, that chipotle sauce….I want to put it on everything.”

How to Make Instant Pot Chipotle Lime Salmon Bowls:

• A simple rub for the salmon, and while the salmon is in the Instant Pot, blend up the chipotle lime sauce.
• You’ll slather the salmon in this deliciousness, and then dump all over the cauliflower rice.
• Oh yeah, the cauliflower rice! This can be made in one of 2 ways: on the stovetop while the salmon is cooking, or in the IP after the salmon is cooked.

Serving and Storing:

Go ahead and add even more toppings to this bowl when ready to devour: chopped fresh cilantro, avocado, even salsa. Get crazy!

This is also a fantastic recipe for meal prep!! Make ahead on the weekend and separate the salmon in one container, with the cauliflower rice in another container. Keep the chipotle sauce also separate. Combine when ready to devour! This will hold up in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Instant Pot Chipotle Lime Salmon Bowls

Instant Pot Chipotle Lime Salmon Bowls are such a flavorful and simple way to enjoy salmon! Healthy, delicious, and less than 30 minutes to make!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 4

Author Amy Rains

5 from 6 votes

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Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 1 cup water
• 3-4 4-5 oz salmon filets with skin about 1 inch thick
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

For the Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette:

• 2 limes juiced
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Cauliflower Rice:

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Place water in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place the steamer rack on top of the water, handles extended up. 

2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, chipotle spice, and cumin. Season your salmon with the spice mixture, rubbing the filets. Place the salmon on your rack, skin side down. 

3. Secure the lid to your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is in the sealed position.  Select the “steam” function (can also use the manual function) and adjust the time to 4 minutes. If salmon is thicker than 1 inch, you may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes. Use a quick release when cook time is complete.

4. While salmon is cooking, make the chipotle lime vinaigrette. In a blender or food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth, set aside. 

5. Now make the cauliflower rice. You can do this on the stovetop, or wait until cooking is complete on the salmon and cook in the IP. Heat up a large skillet to medium heat, or select the saute function on your IP (after you have removed salmon and drained the water). Cut the cauliflower into florets, and place inside a blender or food processor. Pulse until the cauliflower resembles a rice texture, do not over blend or it will become mush! 

6. Once the pot or skillet is hot, add oil, then saute onions for 2-3 minutes. Now add the cauliflower rice, and continue to saute for another 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Sprinkle with garlic powder.

7. Add approximately 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette to the cauliflower rice and toss. Assemble the bowls by adding salmon to the top of your cauliflower rice, drizzle each filet with about 1 tbsp of the vinaigrette. Add salt to taste, and any additional toppings for garnish: cilantro, avocado, salsa, etc.