Quick and easy homemade crispy rice bites topped with avocado and salmon
September is one of my favorite times of year, not just for the changing seasons but for the subtle shift in pace. After the hustle and excitement of summer, it finally feels like things begin to slow down. The days are still warm and the markets are bursting with fresh, vibrant produce, but there’s a more relaxed feeling in the air. It’s a time to reconnect, to savor the moment, and to enjoy those precious moments at the dinner table with loved ones. This is the time of year when I find myself gravitating toward recipes that are not only delicious but also bring people together.
One of my absolute favorite dishes to make during this season is crispy rice with avocado, smoked salmon, and a refreshing cucumber salsa. It’s such a simple yet flavorful recipe, and what I love most about it is that it turns dinner into a shared experience. The prep is fun and interactive—everyone gathers around the table, whether it’s family for a Sunday dinner or just my partner and me on a cozy weeknight, and we all assemble the crispy rice squares together. It creates this wonderful atmosphere where everyone can contribute and enjoy the process as much as the final product.
For this recipe, I partnered with Pure Flavor to incorporate their Uno Bites™ Nano Cucumbers into the cucumber salsa. These tiny cucumbers are a game changer! They add a delicious, crisp bite and a refreshing element that balances out the richness of the smoked salmon and creamy avocado. The salsa itself is simple but so fresh and flavorful—just finely chopped cucumbers, a bit of lime juice, and some herbs to brighten it all up. The contrast of textures in this dish is really what makes it stand out: the crispy, golden rice, the smooth avocado, the savory smoked salmon, and that irresistible crunch from the cucumber salsa.
This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a special meal to elevate your weeknight routine. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with fresh flavors, and looks as good as it tastes. Next time you’re planning a Sunday dinner, or even if you just want something fun and delicious to make on a weeknight, you’ve got to try this recipe. It’s guaranteed to become a new favorite, and trust me, your loved ones will thank you!
Crispy rice, avocado and smoked salmon with a cucumber salsa
Ingredients
- Fry oil of choice
- 2 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
- 2 cups Cooked white rice (preferably day old rice for optimal crisp)
- 12 pieces Smoked salmon
- 1 Avocado
- Sesame seeds
The cucumber salsa
- Handful of Uno Bites™ Nano Cucumbers
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic, diced
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Sesame oil
- 3 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp hot or regular honey
- 1 tbsp chives
Instructions
- Cook rice according to the package and then add in rice wine vinegar. Place parchment paper in a container and press rice into it. Cover with seran wrap and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove rice and slice into squares. In order to prevent sticking, rinse your knife in between each cut. Add frying oil to a pan and wait until it gets super hot. Add in rice and cook for about 5-6 min per side depending on thickness. Transfer to a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Make cucumber salsa by combining all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Assemble your squares by adding sliced avocado, smoked salmon and cucumber salsa. Top with sesame seeds and enjoy!
