Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

Name: Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: World Planning

I’ve always loved the combination of sweet and savory, and that’s exactly what inspired me to create this Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze. The tartness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the richness of the salmon, making every bite a delightful experience. This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen for special occasions or simply to treat myself during the week. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to put together something that feels elevated yet comforting. I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-08T10:37:37.011Z

My journey with this dish started during a summer BBQ where someone brought strawberry salsa. The idea of using strawberries in a savory dish was refreshing, and I immediately thought about how great they would be with salmon. I created this glaze to balance the fish's richness with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries, and it quickly became a favorite.

Every time I make this recipe, I experiment with different types of balsamic vinegar; some add depth, while others bring a hint of sweetness that complements the strawberries. I recommend starting with a classic balsamic and adjusting to your taste. The salmon cooks beautifully, resulting in a tender, flaky texture that marries perfectly with the glaze.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Deliciously unique flavor combination of strawberries and balsamic vinegar
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights or special occasions
A colorful and elegant presentation that impresses at the dinner table

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of fresh strawberries is crucial for this recipe. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries as they will enhance the flavor of the glaze. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, but you may need to adjust the sweetness based on their natural flavors.

Balsamic vinegar not only adds acidity but also depth of flavor. Using a high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar will yield a richer glaze, elevating the dish. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider a balsamic reduction, which has a similar flavor profile with a concentrated sweetness.

Perfecting Your Cooking Technique

When cooking salmon, the key is to avoid overcooking. Salmon fillets should have a slightly translucent center, achieving a perfect flakiness when pressed with a fork. To help with even cooking, allow the fillets to come to room temperature before seasoning and cooking them; this step ensures the fish cooks uniformly throughout.

Using a non-stick skillet is beneficial when cooking salmon, as it helps achieve a crispy skin while preventing sticking. If you're aiming for extra crispiness, finish the salmon under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, ensuring you monitor closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This salmon dish pairs excellently with a side of quinoa or a fresh green salad, which complements the flavors without overpowering them. For a more hearty meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt make for a delicious accompaniment.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. The strawberry balsamic glaze can be refrigerated and used as a topping for other proteins or salads.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients before cooking the salmon.

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve

Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle the strawberry balsamic glaze over each fillet and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Feel free to use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the glaze thickens properly.

Troubleshooting and Common Errors

One common mistake when making the strawberry balsamic glaze is not allowing it to simmer long enough. Ensure you let it bubble gently so that the strawberries can break down properly and the mixture thickens. If it doesn't thicken as expected, continue simmering, and you can always adjust the sweetness or acidity with a bit more honey or vinegar.

Another issue might arise if the salmon is cooked too quickly at a high temperature, leading to a dry texture. Medium heat is preferable; this will allow the inside to cook through without drying out the exterior. Remember, the fish will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat.

Make-Ahead and Variations

For a time-saving option, prepare the strawberry balsamic glaze a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together. Before serving, simply reheat gently on the stove. This can save you valuable time on special occasions without sacrificing flavor.

Feel free to get creative with the glaze! Adding herbs like basil or mint can lend an interesting twist to the flavor profile. Just chop a few leaves finely and stir them in right at the end of cooking the glaze for a fresh herbaceous note.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Yes! This glaze pairs well with other fish like trout or tilapia.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Certainly! You can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It's fantastic with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I make this dish low-carb?

Yes! Just reduce the honey or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener.