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 my YouTube 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
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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
Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction
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.
salmon junkie
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. 🙂
Denise Bustard
Nice! I hope you enjoy!
Sam
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,
Denise
Woo hoo! Glad you enjoyed!
Stephenwilliams
Love it
Denise
So glad you loved it Stephen 🙂
Denise
So happy you liked it, Doreen!
a
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
Denise
I haven't made this one in way too long! Thanks so much for the review 🙂
Kathy
I love salmon just don't have many recipe for it. This looks yummy going to try it.
Denise
Thanks, Kathy! I have 3 salmon recipes on my site! HOpe you like this one, it's one of my favorites!
Kaela
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
Denise
Hey Kaela! Glad you liked the salmon! Yum, your meal sounds delish!
Kaela
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.
Denise
That's great Kaela! I love kale, and kale + bacon? Yum 🙂
Cathy
I just made this for lunch and it is incredible. Thanks!
Denise
So glad you liked it, Cathy! One of my favorite salmon dishes 🙂
Denise
Aw, thanks Nicole!