By: Denise Bustard20 Comments
Posted: 5/29/20Updated: 12/9/20
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This recipe is perfect for a light, summery meal: salmon with strawberry balsamic reduction. Tangy, sticky and sweet, it's a total flavor bomb and easy to prep.
Salmon is one thing I can always guarantee the kids will eat without complaint. From our favorite Balsamic Salmon Marinade to Teriyaki Salmon Glaze, I love how versatile salmon is. Perfect for strawberry season, this strawberry balsamic sauce is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious spooned over salmon.
This salmon recipe is a total flavor explosion: tangy balsamic vinegar + sweet summer strawberries go so incredibly well with salmon!
Serve it with unbelievably crispy potatoes, fluffy parmesan mashed cauliflower and our staple kale salad for the perfect summery meal.
Reasons you'll ♡ salmon with strawberry balsamic sauce:
- salmon, strawberries and balsamic vinegar are an unusual but tasty combination
- it's fresh, light and summery
- can be cooked in the oven, frying pan or on the grill
Recipe video
Wondering how this recipe comes together? Watch this 1-minute video to see how easy it is to prep! You can find more recipe videos on myYouTube channel.
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Ingredients you'll need
For the salmon:
- salmon- either cut into 5- 6 oz fillets, or a whole side of salmon
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
To make the glaze:
- strawberries - I recommend fresh strawberries, though frozen should also work
- balsamic vinegar - I've used a grocery store brand but you could take it up a notch with a fancier type (here are some great suggestions)
- garlic - to add a subtle savory flavor dimension to the sauce
- maple syrup - to balance the tangy balsamic and enhance the strawberry flavors
Making the strawberry balsamic reduction
This recipe was adapted from our 2-ingredient balsamic reduction. The addition of strawberries adds a sweet and fruity twist that is so delicious.
- We start by combining balsamic vinegar, garlic and maple syrup. Simmer for around 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, the sauce should be thickened and reduced by about half.
- Next, add in the strawberries.
- Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Mash strawberries against the side of the pot using your spoon. Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking (2-3 min).
- Enjoy this reduction immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for later.
Cooking the salmon
Depending on the thickness of your salmon, you might want to pick different cooking methods. For thin tail portions of the salmon pictured, I've broiled it.
For thicker portions from the mid section of the salmon, I recommend slicing into 5-6 oz portions and baking or grilling. For detailed information and step by step photos, see how to cook salmon
To broil the salmon
- Brush a thin side of salmon with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt & pepper.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F.
- (not pictured) Rest for 5-10 minutes. Carryover cooking should get your salmon to a temperature of 145°F.
Here's my favorite digital thermometer.
Recipe tips:
- pick your favorite way to cook your salmon; the oven, grill or frying pan work well.
- start the sauce before you cook the salmon, as the salmon cooks quickly
- use a wide-bottomed pot (like a 4L/4 quart pot), as this helps the balsamic vinegar reduce quickly
- sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week
- swap the salmon for chicken, pork tenderloin, or even steak
Find my favorite kitchen equipmentin my shop!
More salmon recipes
- Lemon Pepper Sheet Pan Salmon
- Low Carb Wasabi Salmon Bowls
- Herb Crusted Broiled Salmon
- Thai Salmon Patties
- 3 Ingredient Maple Glazed Salmon
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction
5 from 3 votesPrep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins
Print Rate
This recipe is perfect for a light, summery meal: salmon with strawberry balsamic reduction. Tangy, sticky and sweet, it's a total flavor bomb and easy to prep.
4
Ingredients
grilled salmon
- 1 lb side of salmon (or four 5-6 oz fillets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt & pepper
strawberry balsamic reduction
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (stems removed and sliced)
Instructions
Strawberry Balsamic Reduction
Start cooking the strawberry balsamic reduction first, as it will take longer than the salmon to cook.
Place balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and garlic in a 4 quart pot. Simmer for 5 minutes, until sauce is thickened and volume is roughly reduced in half.
Add the strawberries, and simmer for another 5 minutes, until softened.
Using a wooden spoon, mash the strawberries against the side of the pot until they are broken and juices are released into the sauce.
Set aside to cool. See note *
Salmon
For thin (1 inch) sides of salmon, heat oven broiler. (see note **)
Place salmon on a sheet pan and brush on all sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Broil for 5-10 minutes, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes.
To serve
Serve salmon with a generous drizzle of strawberry balsamic sauce.
Tips:
* strawberry balsamic sauce may be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the fridge.
** if you have thicker portions of salmon, I recommend slicing into 5-6 oz portions and cooking according to the directions in this post
Storage
Salmon is best served fresh, however can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours separately from the strawberry balsamic sauce.
Video
Nutrition Information
Serving: 4oz salmon + ¼ of sauce, Calories: 258kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 59mg, Potassium: 713mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 45IU, Vitamin C: 43mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Meet Denise Bustard
Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.
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Reader Interactions
Leave a Comment
L.J. says
See AlsoHomemade Ladyfingers
Just made the strawberry balsamic reduction part of this recipe for a salmon wrap with brie and spinach and it was a hit. I used frozen strawberries and did need to add a little sugar, but it was fantastic. Thanks! :o)Reply
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi L.J., we're so glad to hear that you enjoyed! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
Reply
salmon junkie says
I'm into this recipe just for the way it LOOKS! Absolutely gorgeous! But in all seriousness, I've been trying to experiment with new salmon flavors, and this is one I haven't really seen before. I'll be trying it later this week. 🙂
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Denise Bustard says
Nice! I hope you enjoy!
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Sam says
Hi Denise,
I just used this recipe to cook up some Sockeye and had to comment, this was Amazing. The Balsamic and Strawberry flavors go so well with the Salmon.
Thanks,Reply
Denise says
Woo hoo! Glad you enjoyed!
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Stephenwilliams says
Love it
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Denise says
So glad you loved it Stephen 🙂
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Denise says
So happy you liked it, Doreen!
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a says
just made this with all the ingredients, just was not super careful about amounts. let the berries for about 5 minutes, as i wanted them a little softer. served over some arugula and with bagette and soft white cheese. my man ate it right up. very tasty. will add to my box. thanks
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Denise says
I haven't made this one in way too long! Thanks so much for the review 🙂
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Kathy says
I love salmon just don't have many recipe for it. This looks yummy going to try it.
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Denise says
Thanks, Kathy! I have 3 salmon recipes on my site! HOpe you like this one, it's one of my favorites!
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Kaela says
I just made this tonight for dinner in my dorm. It was downright yummy. Sadly, I had no grill so I did my fish in a pan. It was still really tasty though. I served it with maple and mustard whipped sweet potatoes and a lightly dressed kale salad with slivered almonds and dried cranberries. This was my first recipe from Sweetpeas and Saffron. I'll be looking here for more recipes to make soon <3
~ Kaela
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Denise says
Hey Kaela! Glad you liked the salmon! Yum, your meal sounds delish!
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Kaela says
Did a repeat of this dish now that I'm back home for winter break. My parents adored it. The strawberries looked bad in the market so I substituted it with cranberries and it was delightful.
I served it this time with Bacon and Kale saute and a Parsnip Puree. It was much loved by both of my parents. I hope the weather will clear up so I can try doing this on the grill for once, but it's still a tasty dish.
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Denise says
That's great Kaela! I love kale, and kale + bacon? Yum 🙂
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Cathy says
I just made this for lunch and it is incredible. Thanks!
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Denise says
So glad you liked it, Cathy! One of my favorite salmon dishes 🙂
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Denise says
Aw, thanks Nicole!
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