If you’re craving a dish that truly embodies the festive spirit with vibrant flavors and elegant presentation, the Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Pineapple Relish Recipe is just what you need. This recipe balances the rich, buttery texture of perfectly baked salmon with a sweet, tangy glaze and a lively, fruity relish that brings holiday cheer to your plate. It’s an inviting and colorful dish that’s surprisingly simple to make but feels sophisticated enough for any special occasion or cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this wonderful festive feast, you’ll use a handful of fresh and pantry staples that each play a special role in bringing out the dish’s harmonious flavors and textures. Every item, from the juicy cranberries to the zingy Dijon mustard, works together to deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart.
- Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, firm salmon for the best flavor and flaky texture after baking.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that lovely golden crust on the salmon.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Maple syrup or honey: This natural sweetener is key to the glaze’s caramelized sparkle and the relish’s gentle sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a zesty, tangy punch that brightens the glaze beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and a subtle umami richness that rounds out the glaze’s flavor.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to introduce a mellow hint of savory warmth to the glaze.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: These tart jewels are the soul of the cranberry pineapple relish, bursting with holiday color and flavor.
- Crushed pineapple: Lends juicy sweetness and tropical brightness to the relish.
- Orange juice: Adds a citrusy freshness and natural acidity that balance the sweet and tart components.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a delicate crunch and subtle sharpness to complement the fruit.
- Fresh ginger: A little grated ginger provides a warming spice that enlivens the relish.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and tangy flavors in the relish.
How to Make Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Pineapple Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Pineapple Relish
Start by combining cranberries, crushed pineapple, orange juice, honey, chopped red onion, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Simmer this mixture over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. This simmering step transforms tangy cranberries into a luscious relish layered with tropical sweetness and a subtle zing that uniquely complements the salmon.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
While the relish cools, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This glaze strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, creating a beautiful shiny coating that caramelizes on the salmon’s surface as it bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning lets the natural salmon flavor shine while providing a delicious base for the glaze.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Brush each salmon fillet generously with the glaze, making sure every inch gets that beautiful, glossy finish. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The glaze will form a sticky, flavorful crust that locks in moisture and taste.
Step 5: Serve with Cranberry Pineapple Relish
Once the salmon is baked, top each fillet with a spoonful of the vibrant cranberry pineapple relish. This finishing touch adds brightness, color, and a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon, creating a harmonious holiday plate that will impress anyone you share it with.
How to Serve Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Pineapple Relish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or thyme make excellent garnishes. They add a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the pink salmon and vibrant relish while giving a fresh, herbal aroma that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with wild rice or roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips. These sides complement the salmon’s richness with earthy textures and subtle sweetness, rounding out your holiday meal perfectly with seasonal flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salmon fillets on a wooden plank or a festive holiday-themed platter. Drizzle extra glaze around the edges and scatter whole cranberries or pomegranate seeds to add sparkle. You can also layer the salmon atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula for a fresh, peppery contrast that looks stunning on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon and relish can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep the salmon and relish separate until ready to serve again to maintain the freshest textures and flavors.
Freezing
While freshly baked salmon tastes best, you can freeze cooked salmon fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. The relish is best refrigerated and used fresh, as freezing may alter its texture and fresh flavor.
Reheating
For gentle reheating, place salmon in a warm oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the salmon. Reheat the relish separately and spoon it over the salmon just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even baking and best texture. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning and glazing.
Is it possible to make the cranberry pineapple relish ahead of time?
Yes, the relish can be made a day in advance and chilled. This actually helps deepen its flavors, making your cooking day less hectic.
Can I substitute the salmon with another type of fish?
Definitely! You can use other firm, flaky fish like trout or halibut. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
What if I don’t like maple syrup? Can I use something else?
Honey is a perfect substitute and works well in both the glaze and the relish, offering a similar natural sweetness and texture.
How spicy is the cranberry pineapple relish?
This relish has a gentle warmth from fresh ginger but is not spicy in the traditional sense. It’s more tangy and sweet with a mild zing that balances beautifully with the salmon.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining comfort food and festive flavors, and the Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Pineapple Relish Recipe does exactly that with flair and ease. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or just want to treat yourself to a colorful, flavorful meal, this dish delivers deliciousness and festive fun in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this beautiful recipe as much as I do!
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Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Pineapple Relish Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Pineapple Relish is a festive and flavorful main course perfect for special occasions. Salmon fillets are baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon glaze, then topped with a vibrant cranberry pineapple relish that adds a zesty contrast. The dish is simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with wild rice or roasted vegetables, making it an elegant yet easy holiday meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cranberry Pineapple Relish:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Make the relish: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, crushed pineapple, orange juice, honey, finely chopped red onion, grated fresh ginger, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the relish thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and garlic powder until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
- Season and oil the salmon: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Glaze the salmon: Generously brush the salmon fillets with the prepared glaze, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Bake the salmon: Bake the glazed salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the baked salmon fillets and top each with a spoonful of the cranberry pineapple relish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- The cranberry pineapple relish can be made a day in advance and chilled to allow flavors to meld.
- This festive salmon dish pairs beautifully with wild rice or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete holiday meal.
- For a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey in the recipe.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries work just as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
