Try This Festive Holiday Glazed Salmon Recipe Today

A festive holiday glazed salmon with cranberry-pineapple relish brings unexpected magic to your dinner table.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors dance together in this stunning dish.

Fresh ingredients create a memorable culinary experience that feels both elegant and approachable.

Bright cranberries and sweet pineapple deliver a tangy punch against rich, flaky salmon.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone gathered around the meal.

Delicate herbs and zesty spices make this recipe shine with seasonal charm.

Come discover how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dining moment that celebrates winter’s delicious bounty.

Why Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Impresses

• Craft a Festive Centerpiece: Impress guests with a stunning salmon dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a celebration, complete with vibrant cranberry-pineapple relish that adds a burst of color and flavor.
• Master Quick Culinary Magic: Create a gourmet meal in minimal steps, using simple ingredients that come together seamlessly for a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences and skill levels, making it a go-to crowd-pleaser.
• Burst with Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet maple glaze, tangy cranberry-pineapple relish, and succulent salmon that delivers a complex taste profile in every single bite.

Ingredients for Holiday Glazed Salmon with Relish

• Salmon Fillets: A rich and delicate fish that serves as the centerpiece of this festive holiday dish.

• Maple Syrup: A sweet and natural sweetener that adds depth and caramelization to the salmon.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Olive Oil: Helps to distribute the glaze evenly and adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the flavors.

• Fresh Cranberries: Bring a tart and vibrant flavor to the relish.
• Fresh Pineapple: Adds sweetness and tropical brightness to the sauce.
• Orange Juice: Provides a citrusy note and helps to create a smooth, cohesive relish.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, spicy undertone to the relish.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes a subtle, zesty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Adds a festive, aromatic touch and visual appeal to the dish.

How to Make Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Relish

Step 1: Create Mouthwatering Salmon Glaze

Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together sweet maple syrup, zesty Dijon mustard, golden olive oil, aromatic garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Use a pastry brush to lovingly coat each salmon fillet with this incredible glaze, ensuring every inch gets some delicious flavor.

Step 2: Cook Salmon to Perfection

• Skillet Method: Fire up a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon, creating a gorgeous golden crust. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the fish is beautifully caramelized and flakes easily.
• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and infuse incredible flavor.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Cranberry-Pineapple Relish

• Fresh cranberries
• Juicy pineapple chunks
• Bright orange juice
• Golden honey
• Warm cinnamon
• Zingy ground ginger

Simmer everything over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the cranberries burst and transform into a luscious, thick sauce bursting with holiday cheer.

Step 4: Artfully Plate Your Masterpiece

Gently transfer the salmon to serving plates and generously spoon the vibrant cranberry-pineapple relish over the top.

Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for an elegant, festive touch that’ll make your dish look like a professional chef prepared it.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Complement your salmon with roasted seasonal vegetables or fluffy wild rice.

This show-stopping dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, guaranteed to impress family and friends with its bold, festive flavors.

Tips for Flavorful Holiday Glazed Salmon Every Time

• Choose wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and better nutrition, ensuring sustainable seafood practices.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness, checking internal temperature reaches 145F for perfect doneness.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting honey with maple syrup in the relish for alternative dietary needs.
• Enhance flavor by marinating salmon in glaze for 30 minutes before cooking, allowing deeper taste penetration.
• Prepare relish ahead of time and refrigerate, letting flavors meld together for more intense cranberry-pineapple profile.

Variations to Try with Holiday Glazed Salmon

• Low-Sodium Salmon Swap: Replace maple syrup with stevia and use low-sodium soy sauce instead of salt for a heart-friendly version.
• Citrus Herb Adaptation: Substitute Dijon mustard with lemon zest and replace garlic powder with fresh chopped herbs like thyme and parsley for a bright, aromatic profile.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional wild rice to create a low-carb friendly meal.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace salmon with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, using the same glaze and cranberry-pineapple relish for a plant-based protein option.

What Goes Well with Holiday Glazed Salmon

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with subtle sweetness that complements the salmon's rich glaze and balances the tangy cranberry-pineapple relish, cutting through the fish's natural oils.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose a Belgian-style wheat beer or a light saison with citrusy notes that will enhance the orange juice and pineapple elements in the relish, creating a refreshing contrast to the salmon's richness.
• Herbal Cocktail Pairing: Mix a rosemary-infused gin cocktail that echoes the dish's rosemary garnish, adding botanical complexity that connects with the holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger in the relish.

Proper Storage for Holiday Glazed Salmon and Relish

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Wrap salmon individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate the relish and store in a different container.

Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Reheat salmon in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a small splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure a good sear.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 145°F (63°C). The fish will look opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

• Is it possible to make the relish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry-pineapple relish up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before serving.

Holiday Glazed Salmon With Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive Holiday Glazed Salmon dazzles with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for seasonal gatherings. Cranberry-pineapple relish adds a bright, zesty complement that elevates this elegant seafood dish, making you the star of any holiday meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Relish Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) ground ginger

Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious glaze by whisking maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious blend.

1. Lavishly coat salmon fillets with the prepared glaze, ensuring an even, glossy coverage.

1. Preheat skillet to medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing salmon approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.

1. Alternatively, transfer glazed salmon to a preheated 375°F oven, roasting for 15-20 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.

1. Simultaneously prepare the vibrant relish by combining cranberries, pineapple chunks, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground ginger in a saucepan.

1. Simmer relish mixture over medium heat, stirring periodically for 10-12 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens to a rich, glossy consistency.

1. Elegantly plate the salmon, generously spooning the cranberry-pineapple relish across the top.

1. Enhance presentation by garnishing with delicate, aromatic rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.

1. Complement the dish with roasted seasonal vegetables or fragrant wild rice for a complete, sophisticated holiday meal.

Notes

• Select high-quality, fresh salmon with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness, ensuring it remains moist and doesn’t overcook by checking internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Swap maple syrup with agave nectar or honey for different sweetness levels, making the recipe more versatile for dietary preferences.
• Reduce sugar content in relish by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb, diabetic-friendly version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg