Quick Answer
The Applebee's Sesame Salmon Bowl is a 2026 Irresist-A-Bowl entree featuring a seared blackened salmon filet over cilantro rice, topped with sweet sesame greens, avocado cucumber salsa, toasted almonds, and fresh cilantro. It runs around $17.99 à la carte at most participating locations.
The bowl clocks in near 1,100 calories with 51 grams of protein and a hefty 2,090 mg of sodium. It is the most balanced seafood option on the menu in 2026, especially with simple swaps like asking for the dressing on the side.
What Is in the Sesame Salmon Bowl
Applebee's has been steadily expanding its bowl category, recognizing that diners love the convenience and composed flavors of an all in one meal. The Sesame Salmon Bowl is the premium option for seafood fans who want bright Asian inspired flavors paired with a hearty base.
Here is exactly what arrives at the table when you order this bowl.
- The protein. A generous filet of seared, blackened salmon. The blackening seasoning forms a savory, slightly smoky crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender flaky fish inside.
- The base. A bed of fluffy, fragrant cilantro rice that soaks up the surrounding sauces and dressing.
- The greens. A sweet sesame salad that adds crisp refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
- The toppings. Vibrant avocado cucumber salsa for cool creamy texture, toasted almonds for nutty crunch, and fresh cilantro for an herbaceous finish.
The Full Nutritional Breakdown
While the Sesame Salmon Bowl is packed with high quality ingredients and healthy fats, it is important to look at the full picture. The word "bowl" often implies a low calorie diet food, but restaurant portions are famously generous.
| Nutritional Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total calories | ~1,100 kcal | A hearty filling dinner portion |
| Total protein | 51 g | Excellent for muscle recovery and satiety |
| Total fat | 54 g | Mostly healthy fats from salmon (omega 3s), avocado, and almonds |
| Net carbs | 98 g | High due to cilantro rice and sweet sesame dressing |
| Sodium | ~2,090 mg | Quite high, typical for blackening spice and Asian inspired sauces |
If you are watching calories or carbs, ask your server to substitute the cilantro rice for extra greens, or request the sweet sesame dressing on the side so you can control the portion.
The Flavor Profile
The success of this bowl lies in its temperature and texture contrasts. The warm smoky blackened salmon plays perfectly against the cool avocado cucumber salsa.
The sweet sesame dressing binds the components together with a delicate sweetness that keeps the blackening spice from overpowering the dish. The toasted almonds are the smart addition: they deliver a necessary crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
It is a real step up from standard grilled salmon, bringing complex restaurant quality composition to a neighborhood grill price point.
Best Smart Swaps for Diet Goals
The base bowl is great, but small adjustments dial it in for specific eating goals.
- Lower carb. Swap the cilantro rice for a double portion of sweet sesame greens. This drops roughly 250 calories and 45 grams of carbs.
- Lower sodium. Ask for the salmon to be grilled instead of blackened. The blackening spice is the largest single sodium contributor.
- Higher protein. Add a side of grilled shrimp skewer for around $4. This pushes the protein total over 70 grams.
- Lower fat. Hold the avocado and request the dressing on the side. This brings the fat total close to 30 grams without losing the headline flavors.
How It Compares to Other Applebee's Bowls
The Irresist-A-Bowls lineup has expanded to five options in 2026. Here is how the Sesame Salmon Bowl stacks up.
| Bowl | Protein | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame Salmon Bowl | 51 g | 1,100 |
| Southwest Chicken Bowl | 48 g | 980 |
| Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp Bowl | 54 g | 1,250 |
| Crispy Chicken Tender Bowl | 42 g | 1,420 |
| Steak and Avocado Bowl | 46 g | 1,080 |
The Salmon Bowl delivers the best protein to calorie ratio of any seafood option on the menu, and it is the highest in healthy omega 3 fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salmon farm raised or wild?
Applebee's sources Atlantic salmon, which is farm raised. The brand publishes sourcing information on its website if you want the full supply chain details.
Can I order the bowl with brown rice?
Most locations only stock the cilantro white rice as the bowl base. A small number of locations offer brown rice as a build your own bowl option, but it is not standard.
How spicy is the blackening seasoning?
Mild to medium. The blackening blend leans more smoky and savory than truly spicy. If you are sensitive to heat, the avocado salsa and sesame dressing tone down any lingering spice.
Is it available for To Go and delivery?
Yes. The bowl travels well because the salmon, rice, and salsa hold up better than salad based bowls. Order through the Applebee's app to keep your loyalty rewards intact.
How to Make a Copycat Sesame Salmon Bowl at Home
The bowl is surprisingly simple to recreate. You need a hot pan, a blackening spice blend, and 25 minutes.
Coat a 6 ounce salmon filet generously with a store bought blackening seasoning. Sear it skin side down in a hot oiled cast iron pan for 4 minutes, flip, and finish for another 3 minutes. While the salmon rests, plate a cup of cooked jasmine rice tossed with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Top with quick avocado cucumber salsa (diced avocado, diced cucumber, lime juice, salt) and a handful of toasted sliced almonds. Drizzle with a sweet sesame ginger dressing from any grocery store. The result is roughly 750 calories at home, lower than the restaurant version because you control the rice and dressing portions.
When to Order This Bowl
The Sesame Salmon Bowl is especially worth ordering on visits when you want something lighter than the burger and ribs menu. It travels well, holds up after the lunch rush, and the protein density keeps you full for hours. It is a strong default order for solo lunches, post workout dinners, or visits where you are pairing food with a $14 Poolio cocktail and need a counterweight to the sugar load.
The Takeaway
The Applebee's Sesame Salmon Bowl is a clear win for the 2026 menu. With 51 grams of protein, healthy omega 3 fats, and a balanced flavor profile, it is one of the most satisfying seafood options in casual dining. Order it as is for indulgence, or apply one or two smart swaps to fit it into a tighter calorie target.
