This beautiful dish combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with a vibrant, sweet-and-tangy strawberry balsamic glaze. It’s paired with a crisp, refreshing fresh salad that complements the flavors perfectly. You’ll love how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality meal at home.
The perfectly cooked salmon is glistening with a beautiful glaze, served alongside a simple yet flavorful salad, making this meal a delightful experience.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and savory with layers of fresh and bright flavors.
- Textures: Tender, flaky salmon with a slightly caramelized glaze, paired with a fresh, crisp salad.
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes, plus a few minutes for salad prep.
- Difficulty: Easy. This recipe is simple to follow, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
What You’ll Need
This recipe features perfectly cooked salmon, a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, and a simple, refreshing salad. You’ll need fresh salmon fillets, strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and a few pantry staples to bring this delicious meal to life.
Ingredient Notes
- – Salmon – Choose fresh salmon fillets, preferably with the skin on. The skin helps to protect the salmon while cooking and adds a layer of flavor and texture.
- – Strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for the glaze and the salad. Their natural sweetness and acidity meld beautifully with the balsamic vinegar.
- – Balsamic Vinegar – High-quality balsamic vinegar is key for the glaze; it’s the star of the show! It adds a deep, complex flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- – Mixed Greens – A blend of mixed greens provides a variety of textures and flavors for the salad, offering a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the salmon.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute fresh raspberries or blackberries for some of the strawberries.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze while cooking for a touch of heat.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use a different type of lettuce or salad mix to your preference.
How to Make Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon
This recipe is simple to prepare and results in a stunning dish. Here’s how to create this culinary delight.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries, the 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, until the strawberries soften and the glaze has slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Finish Cooking the Salmon: Flip the salmon and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Glaze the Salmon: Spoon the strawberry balsamic glaze over the salmon during the last minute of cooking. This allows the glaze to warm through and cling to the fish.
- Make the Salad: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the salad. Toss the mixed greens, remaining sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Serve: Place the glazed salmon on plates, and serve with the fresh strawberry salad.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the salmon. Cook the fillets in batches if needed to ensure the salmon cooks evenly.
Recipe Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be moist and flaky.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking by adding a touch of maple syrup or honey.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
- What if I don’t have a skillet? You can try cooking the salmon on a grill pan or in the oven, but the cooking times and method will vary.
- How do I know when the salmon is cooked? The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus.
- Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Add other ingredients to your salad such as avocado, goat cheese, or feta cheese.
- Serve the salmon with a side of quinoa or wild rice for a heartier meal.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make the strawberry balsamic glaze a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The salad can also be prepped ahead, but it’s best to dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
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Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Fresh Salad
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This beautiful dish combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with a vibrant, sweet-and-tangy strawberry balsamic glaze. It’s paired with a crisp, refreshing fresh salad that complements the flavors perfectly.
Ingredients
Salmon:
12–16 oz salmon fillets with skin on
Salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
Little bit of oil for baking
Glaze:
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp brown sugar
6–8 large strawberries diced
1 large shallot diced
Salad:
6 oz Spring mix
4 strawberries sliced
1 shallot thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup candied pecans
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, saut diced strawberries and shallots with brown sugar for about a minute. Pour in balsamic vinegar and stir well. Simmer, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Salmon: Rub salmon skin with oil and place it skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Spread half of the balsamic glaze over the salmon.
Bake the Salmon: Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness. Let rest for a couple minutes before adding to salad.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange spring mix, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced shallots, pecans, and feta cheese in a dish. Place the salmon on top of the salad and drizzle with remaining glaze.
Notes
Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be moist and flaky.
Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking.
Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking by adding a touch of maple syrup or honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus a few minutes for salad prep)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
