If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself this season, the Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This dish beautifully balances the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a vibrant, tangy-sweet relish that bursts with festive colors and flavors. The glaze adds a shiny, sticky finish that seals in moisture while the relish brings a refreshing contrast that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a recipe that turns a simple fish dinner into a celebration worthy of any holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are delightfully straightforward yet essential to creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays its part in making this recipe shine, from the succulent salmon fillets to the zesty and fruity relish.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh or thawed, these are the star protein, rich in flavor and omega-3s.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness to the glaze and helps sear the salmon perfectly.
- Maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overwhelming the fish.
- Salt and pepper: Key seasonings to balance and elevate all flavors.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Give the relish that festive tartness and vibrant color.
- Pineapple, diced: Adds juicy sweetness and tropical flair to the relish.
- Orange juice: Brightens the relish with citrusy acidity and liquid ease for simmering.
- Honey: Sweetens the relish naturally, complementing the tangy cranberries.
- Cinnamon: Warms the relish with a gentle spice perfect for holiday vibes.
- Ground ginger: Adds a zingy spice that balances sweetness gracefully.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Gorgeous garnish that adds piney aroma and festive elegance.
How to Make Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Glaze
Start by mixing the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This simple glaze is the secret to locking in moisture and infusing the salmon with a sticky, flavorful coating. Be generous when brushing it over the salmon fillets so every bite is bursting with sweet-savory goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium heat and carefully place your glazed salmon fillets skin-side down if the skin is on. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through, or bake them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes if you prefer an effortless method. Either way, you’ll get tender, flaky salmon with that irresistible caramelized crust.
Step 3: Make the Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
While the salmon cooks, prepare the relish by combining cranberries, diced pineapple, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a luscious sauce—about 10-12 minutes. This relish is the heart of your festive flavor, balancing tart, sweet, and warming spice in every spoonful.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Plate your perfectly cooked salmon fillets, then spoon a generous helping of the cranberry-pineapple relish over the top. The bright reds and golds of the relish against the rosy salmon make a stunning presentation. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to each plate to elevate both aroma and appearance with an elegant holiday touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe alongside your favorite seasonal sides. The combination of sweet glaze and tart relish is so dazzling it turns any mealtime into a festive celebration worth savoring.
How to Serve Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs are the ideal garnish here, adding a subtle pine fragrance and a gorgeous pop of green. You might also sprinkle a few extra whole cranberries around the plate for sparkle and contrast. A wedge of orange on the side is both functional and visually appealing, perfect for an extra citrusy squeeze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with lightly roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus that echo the warm spices in the relish. Wild rice or quinoa adds a nutty, hearty element and soaks up any extra glaze and relish for a comforting complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the salmon over a bed of creamy mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower puree for a soft texture contrast. Another idea is to layer the relish on top of individual toasted brioche slices alongside the salmon for a fancy finger-food version perfect for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe, store the salmon and relish separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the salmon’s texture and freshness while keeping the relish vibrant and flavorful for up to 2 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon, but the relish is best kept fresh due to its fruity texture. For freezing, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Consume within 1-2 months for optimal taste and quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, warm the salmon gently in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) or microwave in short bursts. Reheat the relish on the stovetop over low heat to maintain its texture. Then, bring the two back together for a dish that tastes just as festive as when first served.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon before glazing and cooking. Pat it dry to get the best sear and glaze adherence.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday dinner party?
Definitely. The vibrant colors and festive flavors make the Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe a stunning main course that impresses guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
What if I don’t like spicy ginger?
You can reduce or omit the ground ginger if you prefer a milder relish. The cinnamon will still add plenty of warmth and flavor without the zing.
Can I make the relish ahead of time?
Yes, the relish can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated. Bring it back to room temperature or warm gently before serving for best results.
What sides go best with this salmon dish?
Roasted vegetables, wild rice, or mashed root vegetables pair beautifully. Their earthy flavors and textures complement the sweet and tangy glaze and relish perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to your table with ease. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging on a special night in. Give it a try and let the glorious blend of sweet, tart, and savory brighten your holiday season!
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Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions. The tender salmon fillets are brushed with a sweet and tangy glaze, then seared or baked to perfection. Topped with a vibrant cranberry-pineapple relish seasoned with warm spices, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory and fruity flavors that make it ideal for holiday dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Salmon and Glaze
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon glaze: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this glaze generously over all sides of the salmon fillets to ensure a flavorful coating.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the glazed salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the glazed fillets for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Make the cranberry-pineapple relish: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced pineapple, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to a relish consistency.
- Assemble the dish: Plate each salmon fillet and spoon the warm cranberry-pineapple relish over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to add a festive aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the holiday glazed salmon with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or wild rice for a complete and satisfying holiday meal.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Fresh cranberries are preferable but frozen can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust sweetness of the relish by adding more honey to taste, especially if using tart cranberries.
- To ensure even cooking when pan-searing, avoid overcrowding the skillet and cook fillets in batches if necessary.
- Garnish with rosemary just before serving to keep it fresh and aromatic.
