Imagine a dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a sparkling celebration: that’s the magic of Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish. This recipe is bursting with sweet-and-tart vibrance, glossy glaze, and the bold flavors of the season. It’s as festive on the plate as it is easy to make, making your holiday table look and taste spectacular in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating your family to something special, Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish is a guaranteed showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this festive main course is refreshingly straightforward, yet every component adds a pop of taste, color, or texture that makes the dish memorable. From juicy salmon to zingy relish, there’s no filler here—just pure flavor!
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, center-cut salmon fillets for buttery tenderness and a beautiful presentation.
- Cranberry sauce (whole berry): Brings a bold, tangy foundation to the glaze—homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Pineapple juice: Adds sunny sweetness and extra moisture, keeping the glaze bright and balanced.
- Brown sugar: Lends caramel notes, depth, and just the right amount of stickiness to the glaze.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a little heat and creamy sharpness that pulls everything together.
- Soy sauce: A secret dash rounds out the glaze with savory undertones.
- Ground ginger: Gives the glaze a zesty warmth that feels unmistakably festive.
- Ground cinnamon: A pinch infuses subtle spice and aromatic holiday flair.
- Fresh pineapple (finely diced): Juicy bits scattered through the relish deliver pops of tropical sweetness and crunch.
- Dried cranberries (chopped): Supplies chewy tang and gorgeous jewel-like color.
- Red onion (finely minced): Offers gentle sharpness and vibrant contrast in the relish.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): Brightens the relish with fresh, herbal notes.
- Lime juice: A little citrus zip brings the relish to life.
- Olive oil: Rich but subtle, it melds the flavors of the relish and adds shine.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the final dish just right.
How to Make Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze, and arrange your salmon fillets skin-side down. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from sticking, making sure every fillet comes out picture perfect.
Step 2: Simmer the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir everything together, watching as the mixture transforms into a glossy, aromatic glaze. Let it gently simmer for five minutes—enough time for flavors to blend into savory harmony.
Step 3: Glaze the Salmon
Brush half of that beautiful cranberry-pineapple glaze over the salmon fillets, generously coating each one. The glaze will caramelize as the fish bakes, sealing in moisture and flavor that makes Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish so delightful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Keep a close eye, because salmon cooks fast and you want it perfectly tender.
Step 5: Mix the Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
While your salmon bakes, toss together the diced pineapple, dried cranberries, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Gently stir and season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper. The relish should be colorful and bursting with freshness—just what you want crowning each fillet!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the salmon is cooked, brush on the remaining glaze so your fillets glisten. Spoon a generous heap of cranberry-pineapple relish over each one, and get ready for a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” at the table. This, right here, is the essence of Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish magic.
How to Serve Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to making Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish look even more festive. Try a scatter of extra cilantro, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, or thinly sliced lime rounds for extra color and a hint of zing. They brighten up your platter and bring holiday sparkle to every plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your salmon with simple yet elegant sides—think fluffy wild rice, garlicky green beans, or roasted root vegetables. These all soak up the glaze while providing hearty contrast, and their earthiness complements the cheerful tang of the relish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping look, serve the fillets on a gorgeous wooden platter, arrange them family-style on a bed of greens, or stack them over a scoop of citrusy quinoa. Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish also shines sliced into thick pieces and served atop mini toasts for a memorable party appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap your salmon and relish separately in airtight containers. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making for a dreamy lunch the next day! Store both in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Freezing
You can freeze baked salmon fillets (without the relish) for up to a month. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and seal in a freezer-safe bag. Make a fresh batch of cranberry-pineapple relish when you plan to serve for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat salmon in a low oven (about 300°F) just until warmed through to maintain its moistness. For an even quicker fix, cover and microwave on medium in short bursts, checking often. Top with cold relish just before serving for a pop of brightness.
FAQs
Can I make Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a few days in advance and refrigerate it. The relish can also be mixed a few hours ahead—just add the cilantro and lime juice right before serving for the freshest flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
Canned pineapple (well drained and finely diced) works beautifully. It still gives that tropical sweetness and soft texture—just be sure to pat it dry, so it doesn’t water down the relish.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes! Thaw frozen fillets completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before glazing and baking. This will help the glaze adhere and ensure even cooking.
How spicy is Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish?
The dish is mild and family-friendly, but for a little extra warmth, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the relish or glaze. It’s easy to customize to your own spice-loving preference!
Is this dish gluten-free?
It is! With naturally gluten-free ingredients, Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish fits a variety of dietary needs. Just be sure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to dazzle your guests and treat yourself to something extra-special, go ahead and try Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish. The burst of color, festive flavor, and effortless prep make it a holiday favorite in my kitchen—and I know it’ll become one in yours, too!
