Oven-Baked Salt Koji Marinated Salmon Salad with Miso & Koji Mayo Dressing
- Hitomi
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
The Ultimate Gut-Friendly Quinoa Salad with a Japanese Fermented Twist

CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS RECIPE |
This isn’t just any salad—it’s a feast for your taste buds and your gut! Salt-koji marinated salmon, oven-baked to perfection, sits atop a quinoa salad bursting with fresh vegetables, avocado, and a creamy miso-koji mayo dressing. Topped with feta and roasted walnuts, this is a hearty, gut-loving salad you’ll want to make at least once a week.
RECIPE OVERVIEW |
Prep Time: 15 mins (plus 2 hrs marinating)
Cook Time: 20–25 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins (including marination)
Serving Size: 2
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired fusion
Equipment Needed: Oven, mixing bowls, baking tray
Difficulty Level: Easy
Suitable For: Gluten-free
NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supports gut lining, reduces inflammation, and provides vitamin D.
Salt Koji: A fermented seasoning with enzymes that aid digestion and enhance umami.
Koji Miso: Supports gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria and nutrients.
Koji Mayo: A lighter, fermented mayo—better for digestion than store-bought versions.
Quinoa: High in fiber, prebiotic properties, and a great plant-based protein.
Walnuts: Add healthy fats and antioxidants that nourish gut bacteria.
INGREDIENTS | (Makes about 250ml)
For the Salmon:
2 salmon fillets
1 Tbsp salt-koji
For the Dressing:
1 Tbsp miso
2 Tbsp homemade koji mayo
1 Tbsp amazake (or sweet koji)
1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Salad:
3 cups salad greens
1 cup tomato, chopped
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1 cup cooked quinoa
½ avocado, sliced
2 Tbsp feta cheese
For Topping:
1 Tbsp feta cheese
1 Tbsp roasted walnuts, crushed
INSTRUCTIONS |
Coat salmon with salt-koji and let marinate for 2 hrs.
Wipe off excess, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 mins.
Mix dressing ingredients until smooth.
Chop tomatoes & slice cucumbers. Combine salad mix, quinoa, veggies, feta and half the dressing in a bowl. Toss well.
Plate salad, top with baked salmon and avocado. Drizzle remaining dressing.
Sprinkle feta and walnuts over the top before serving.



SERVING SUGGESTIONS OF SALT KOJI MAYO |
Serve warm for a hearty main meal or let salmon and quinoa cool for a refreshing cold salad.
Pair with miso soup or a side of pickled vegetables for a complete Japanese-style set meal.
Great as a packed lunch for work—nutritious and filling.
FINAL THOUGHTS |
This Oven-Baked Salt Koji Salmon Salad with Miso-Koji Mayo Dressing is a true “腸活ご馳走サラダ” - a feast for your gut and your senses. Packed with probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3s, and fiber, it’s a perfect example of how Japanese fermentation can elevate everyday meals into nourishing, gut-friendly dishes.






Comments