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Home Meal Type 30 Minutes
5
/5
35 minutes

Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free
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By: Denise Bustard20 Comments
Posted: 5/29/20 Updated: 12/9/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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.

spooning strawberry balsamic sauce 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 my YouTube channel.

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

collage image with ingredients required for salmon with strawberry balsamic sauce

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

collage image showing how to make strawberry balsamic sauce

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.

  1. We start by combining balsamic vinegar, garlic and maple syrup. Simmer for around 5 minutes.
  2. After 5 minutes, the sauce should be thickened and reduced by about half.
  3. Next, add in the strawberries.
  4. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
  5. 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).
  6. Enjoy this reduction immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for later.

collage image showing how to cook the salmon

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

  1. Brush a thin side of salmon with olive oil.
  2. Season generously with salt & pepper.
  3. Broil for 5-10 minutes, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F.
  4. (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.

salmon with strawberry balsamic sauce (old photo)

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 equipment in 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!

Salmon with a spoon drizzling strawberry balsamic reduction on top

Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 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.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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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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Recipe Rating




  1. L.J. says

    Posted on 8/20/21 at Posted on 8/20/21

    5 stars
    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

      Posted on 8/20/21 at Posted on 8/20/21

      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
  2. salmon junkie says

    Posted on 6/15/20 at Posted on 6/15/20

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 6/22/20 at Posted on 6/22/20

      Nice! I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Sam says

    Posted on 6/5/18 at Posted on 6/5/18

    5 stars
    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

      Posted on 6/5/18 at Posted on 6/5/18

      Woo hoo! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  4. Stephenwilliams says

    Posted on 3/9/17 at Posted on 3/9/17

    Love it

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 3/10/17 at Posted on 3/10/17

      So glad you loved it Stephen 🙂

      Reply
  5. Denise says

    Posted on 3/8/17 at Posted on 3/8/17

    So happy you liked it, Doreen!

    Reply
  6. a says

    Posted on 6/3/16 at Posted on 6/3/16

    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

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 6/8/16 at Posted on 6/8/16

      I haven't made this one in way too long! Thanks so much for the review 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kathy says

    Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

    I love salmon just don't have many recipe for it. This looks yummy going to try it.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 8/25/15 at Posted on 8/25/15

      Thanks, Kathy! I have 3 salmon recipes on my site! HOpe you like this one, it's one of my favorites!

      Reply
  8. Kaela says

    Posted on 10/14/13 at Posted on 10/14/13

    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

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/15/13 at Posted on 10/15/13

      Hey Kaela! Glad you liked the salmon! Yum, your meal sounds delish!

      Reply
      • Kaela says

        Posted on 12/22/13 at Posted on 12/22/13

        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.

        Reply
        • Denise says

          Posted on 12/30/13 at Posted on 12/30/13

          That's great Kaela! I love kale, and kale + bacon? Yum 🙂

          Reply
  9. Cathy says

    Posted on 8/31/13 at Posted on 8/31/13

    I just made this for lunch and it is incredible. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/1/13 at Posted on 9/1/13

      So glad you liked it, Cathy! One of my favorite salmon dishes 🙂

      Reply
  10. Denise says

    Posted on 7/8/13 at Posted on 7/8/13

    Aw, thanks Nicole!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

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