Name: Easy Lomi Lomi Salmon (with a Macadamia Crunch Twist)
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: ½ pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed; 2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt; 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced; 1 small sweet onion (like Maui or Vidalia), diced; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 tablespoons chopped roasted macadamia nuts

Description

This easy Lomi Lomi Salmon recipe is a chilled Hawaiian classic made with cured salmon, tomatoes, sweet onions, and green onions—all gently massaged together. It’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor. What sets this version apart is a subtle macadamia nut crunch, adding a buttery texture and richness that balances beautifully with the salt-cured fish and bright vegetables.

Equipment:

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Plastic wrap
Paper towels

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt
2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
1 small sweet onion (like Maui or Vidalia), diced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons chopped roasted macadamia nuts

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Instructions

Place the salmon on a plate and rub it evenly with the salt on all sides. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to cure.
After curing, rinse the salmon under cold water to remove the excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into small, bite-sized cubes.
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sweet onion, and green onions.
Add the diced salmon to the bowl along with lime juice and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
Gently massage (lomi) everything together using clean hands until the mixture is evenly combined.
Fold in the chopped macadamia nuts for a buttery crunch.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled.

Notes

Lomi Lomi Salmon is traditionally served at Hawaiian gatherings and pairs perfectly with poi, kalua pork, or sticky rice. The addition of macadamia nuts adds a rich texture that complements the brininess of the fish and the crispness of the onions. This small twist honors the Hawaiian love of macadamia while adding a delicate crunch that gives the dish more dimension.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: ~160
Sodium: High
Fat: ~9g
Carbohydrates: ~6g
Protein: ~14g