top of page

Oven-Baked Salt Koji Marinated Salmon Salad with Miso & Koji Mayo Dressing

  • Writer: Hitomi
    Hitomi
  • Sep 29
  • 2 min read

The Ultimate Gut-Friendly Quinoa Salad with a Japanese Fermented Twist


Salmon salad with tomatoes, nuts, and greens on a white plate. Text reads "Salt-Koji Marinated Salmon Salad, Miso & Koji Mayo Dressing."

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 |

YouTube: Salad and Dressing Recipe
YouTube: Koji Mayonnaise Recipe
  1. Coat salmon with salt-koji and let marinate for 2 hrs.

  2. Wipe off excess, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 mins.

  3. Mix dressing ingredients until smooth.

  4. Chop tomatoes & slice cucumbers. Combine salad mix, quinoa, veggies, feta and half the dressing in a bowl. Toss well.

  5. Plate salad, top with baked salmon and avocado. Drizzle remaining dressing.

  6. Sprinkle feta and walnuts over the top before serving.

Fresh salmon with salt koji in a stainless steel tray, placed on a stone countertop. A hand is holding the tray near parchment paper.
Someone mixes koji mayo and miso paste in a white bowl. Nearby, miso container and other items on a light countertop.
Hands mix a fresh salad with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and greens in a wooden bowl on a stone countertop, creating a vibrant dish.


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


SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL

  • Instagram

© 2025 by KOJI and More

bottom of page