Introduction

There’s something absolutely refreshing about sushi rolls—especially when you take a classic, like a California roll, and give it a little twist. Enter the Tzatziki Avocado Salmon Rolls—a deliciously creative fusion that combines the creamy texture of avocado, the savory richness of salmon, and the tangy, herby goodness of tzatziki. This recipe is an ode to those warm days when all you want is something light but satisfying, and it’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something extra special.

Why do I love this recipe so much? It’s simple, yet elegant. It’s a breeze to put together, but the combination of flavors and textures makes it feel like a gourmet treat. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy fats from the avocado and omega-3s from the salmon. I first stumbled upon this combination when I was experimenting with fusion dishes and craving something fresh. The moment I tasted that creamy tzatziki paired with the smooth avocado and smoky salmon, I knew this would be my go-to appetizer for summer get-togethers.

I’ve made these rolls for a few family gatherings now, and let me tell you, they’ve quickly become a favorite. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual weekend dinner, or even a light lunch, these rolls never fail to impress. Not to mention, they’re an absolute breeze to prepare, and the best part is you can customize them however you like. So, let’s get rolling—literally!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I get it, you might be thinking sushi rolls sound like a lot of work—but trust me, this recipe is far simpler than you might think. And the best part? It’s so versatile and will quickly become a staple in your rotation of go-to dishes. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:

Easy to Make: With just a few key ingredients, you’ll have a healthy, restaurant-worthy dish ready in no time. Plus, there’s minimal cooking involved.
Healthy and Delicious: With fresh salmon, avocado, and tzatziki, this recipe is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fresh flavors. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
Light and Refreshing: These rolls are perfect for those hot days when you want something light but still packed with flavor. It’s like summer in a bite!
Customizable: If you’re not a fan of salmon, feel free to swap it for tuna or shrimp. Want a little extra crunch? Add some cucumber or shredded carrots inside the roll for texture.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Entertaining: These rolls work just as well for a healthy lunch as they do for impressing guests at your next gathering. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead, and they’re just as good the next day.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes about 8-10 rolls, depending on how thick you slice them.
Calories per Serving: 250-300 (depending on portion size)

Ingredients

Let’s get into what you’ll need for these irresistible Tzatziki Avocado Salmon Rolls. The ingredients are fresh and easy to find at your local grocery store, and the recipe comes together so quickly!

Fresh Salmon: 200g (about 7 oz) of sushi-grade salmon, sliced thinly. The salmon should be as fresh as possible for the best flavor and texture. This provides a creamy, smoky richness to the rolls.
Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, sliced thinly. Avocados are creamy and buttery, and they help balance the tangy tzatziki and the rich salmon.
Tzatziki Sauce: ¼ cup of homemade or store-bought tzatziki. This adds a zesty, creamy element to the rolls and ties all the flavors together. (I recommend making your own—it’s super easy and adds an extra layer of freshness!)
Nori Sheets: 2 sheets of nori (seaweed), halved. Nori is what gives sushi rolls that distinct flavor and provides a nice contrast to the creamy avocado and salmon.
Cucumber: ½ cucumber, julienned (optional but adds a refreshing crunch). This isn’t necessary but definitely brings extra texture to the rolls.
Rice Vinegar: 2 teaspoons for seasoning the rice (if you’re making sushi rice). This gives the rice that signature tangy flavor you love in sushi rolls.
Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt (optional, depending on whether you prefer to make sushi rice or skip it).
Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional). It adds a beautiful visual element and a nice nutty crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of creating these mouthwatering Tzatziki Avocado Salmon Rolls. Don’t worry, this recipe is beginner-friendly, and I’ll guide you through every step so you can create rolls that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Cook the Sushi Rice (if using): If you’re making your own sushi rice, start by cooking the rice according to package directions. Once cooked, season with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Ingredients: While your rice is cooling (if you’re making it), slice the salmon into thin strips. Also, slice the avocado into thin, even pieces. Set both aside. If you’re using cucumber, julienne it into thin strips as well.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: If you’re using store-bought tzatziki, you’re good to go! If you’re making your own, simply combine plain Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The tzatziki should be creamy and tangy.
Assemble the Rolls: Place a sheet of nori on a clean, flat surface or bamboo sushi mat. If you’re using sushi rice, spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving about an inch of space at the top. If you’re not using rice, simply skip this step and proceed with the nori as is.
Add the Filling: Lay the slices of salmon, avocado, and cucumber (if using) horizontally across the nori. Drizzle a small amount of tzatziki sauce over the filling. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the roll soggy.
Roll It Up: Carefully lift the edge of the nori closest to you and start rolling it up tightly, applying gentle pressure to keep it together. Once you reach the top, moisten the edge with a little water to seal the roll.
Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Clean the knife between each slice to ensure clean, neat edges.
Serve: Arrange the rolls on a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with a little extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

Now that your Tzatziki Avocado Salmon Rolls are ready, here are a few ways you can serve them for maximum flavor and presentation:

Serve with Extra Tzatziki Sauce: A small bowl of extra tzatziki for dipping is always a crowd-pleaser. The tangy, creamy sauce complements the rich salmon beautifully.
Pair with a Side Salad: Serve the rolls with a simple green salad, maybe with a light lemon vinaigrette, to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A little fresh dill or parsley sprinkled over the top will brighten up the rolls and enhance the flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your rolls come out perfectly every time:

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Since this dish is all about fresh flavors, use the freshest salmon you can find. Sushi-grade salmon is best, as it’s been handled properly to ensure it’s safe to eat raw.
Moisten Your Hands: When handling the sushi rice or assembling the rolls, keep your hands moist with a little water to prevent the rice from sticking to your fingers.
Don’t Overstuff the Rolls: It’s tempting to fill the rolls with lots of ingredients, but a little goes a long way. Keep the filling light for better rolling and flavor balance.
Practice Makes Perfect: Rolling sushi can take a little practice, but don’t stress! Even if your first few rolls aren’t perfect, they’ll still taste amazing.
Serve Immediately: Sushi rolls are best served fresh. If you need to make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, but they’re most flavorful when eaten within a few hours of making them.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the salmon for crispy tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian roll. Add extra avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots for more flavor and texture.
Spicy Twist: Add a little sriracha to the tzatziki for a spicy kick. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the salmon.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice vinegar and make sure your tzatziki is free from any hidden gluten ingredients.
Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of dill, try adding a little mint or basil to your tzatziki for a fresh twist.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve these rolls with a fresh cucumber salad, or perhaps a side of edamame for a light, satisfying meal.
Beverages: Pair with green tea for a traditional sushi experience, or try a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a sophisticated touch.

Freezing and Storage

While sushi rolls are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers for a short time:

Storage: Place leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 day, though the texture may change slightly.
Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing sushi rolls with raw fish, as the texture can change. However, if you’ve made these with cooked salmon or a veggie version, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

To make the process smoother, here’s a quick list of tools that can help:

Bamboo Sushi Mat: This is a must-have for easy rolling. If you don’t have one, you can use a clean kitchen towel to roll the sushi.
Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and prevents squishing the rolls.
Fine Mesh Strainer: If you’re making your own tzatziki, a strainer helps remove excess moisture from the cucumber.

FAQ Section

Can I use cooked salmon instead of raw? Yes, absolutely! If you prefer cooked salmon or need a more convenient option, feel free to use smoked salmon or even pan-seared salmon fillets.
How do I make my own tzatziki? Tzatziki is simple to make—just mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning until it’s just right!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and even assemble the rolls up to a few hours before serving. Just store them in the fridge with a damp paper towel over them to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze sushi rolls? It’s best to eat sushi fresh, but you can freeze veggie rolls or cooked salmon rolls. Just wrap them tightly and thaw them in the fridge.