Hey there, my friend! If you’re looking for the perfect dish to wow your holiday guests or to add a little flair to a weeknight dinner, you’ve found it. This Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish is one of those recipes that feels like a gift in itself—bright, festive, and full of flavor. Imagine crispy, perfectly glazed salmon topped with a sweet-tangy relish that has just the right amount of fruitiness and zest. Trust me, every bite is a celebration of all things delicious and cozy. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
Why You’ll Love Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
This dish isn’t just about food—it’s about creating moments of joy and comfort. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a quick, elegant meal, this recipe has the kind of versatility that fits any occasion. Here’s why this one’s going to be a new favorite:
Versatile
This glazed salmon is the perfect centerpiece, whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a bigger celebration. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up this mouthwatering dish in no time. Or, picture serving it at a holiday gathering and having guests rave about it.
Budget-Friendly
Using simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t have to break the bank to make something special. The salmon and relish come together in a way that’s surprisingly affordable but tastes anything but.
Quick and Easy
Even if you’re new to cooking or just want something hassle-free, this recipe is your go-to. The steps are super easy, and it comes together in a flash, without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable
Feel free to tweak the glaze and relish to match your flavor preferences. Want a little more heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes. Prefer a sweeter note? A drizzle of honey will do the trick!
Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, it’s one of those recipes that makes everyone feel special. Who doesn’t love a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious?

Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s all about that perfect balance of flavors. The salmon is the star, but that cranberry-pineapple relish? It takes everything to the next level. Let’s break it down:
Salmon Fillets
The heart of the dish. Fresh, flaky salmon is a joy to cook and eat, and it gets even better when coated in a luscious glaze.
Cranberries
Tart and vibrant, cranberries bring the perfect bite to balance out the sweetness in the relish. They’re a must for that festive, bright flavor.
Pineapple
Sweet and juicy, the pineapple adds a tropical flair to the relish and helps to mellow out the cranberries.
Orange Zest
A burst of citrus that brightens up the entire dish. It adds a lovely, aromatic zing to the relish.
Fresh Ginger
For a little warmth and spice, ginger adds just the right amount of kick to the glaze and relish.
Brown Sugar
A touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cranberries and the citrus. It makes the glaze stick beautifully to the salmon.
Soy Sauce
A little savory, a little umami, soy sauce deepens the flavor profile of the glaze and gives it that beautiful glossy finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive right in! Making this dish is surprisingly simple, and it’ll fill your kitchen with the most wonderful smells. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly, with a crispy exterior and a perfectly tender interior.
Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a touch of orange zest. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens into a glaze that smells just amazing. You’ll want to brush this over the salmon to create that irresistible, shiny coating.
Prepare the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each fillet generously with the glaze. Make sure each piece gets a good amount of that delicious sticky goodness.
Roast the Salmon
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The glaze will caramelize on top, making the fish even more irresistible.
Make the Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
While the salmon bakes, let’s get the relish ready! In a small bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, diced pineapple, and a splash of orange juice. Stir it all together and let the flavors meld. The relish should be bright, tangy, and just a little sweet, perfect for topping that beautiful salmon.
Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Spoon a generous amount of the cranberry-pineapple relish on top of each fillet. Serve immediately and enjoy that stunning combination of flavors.
How to Serve Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, so it pairs perfectly with sides that are equally vibrant and flavorful:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon and sweet relish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Think roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes to complement the dish with a little earthiness.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting mashed potatoes are the perfect side for soaking up the glaze from the salmon.
- Crispy Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to help scoop up the relish and juices—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re making this for a gathering, you can prep the relish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze or relish.
- Make it Sweet: For an even sweeter relish, toss in a little honey or maple syrup.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover salmon and relish in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute the salmon with trout or even tilapia, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the relish a day before. For the salmon, it’s best to cook it fresh for that perfectly flaky texture.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover salmon and relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the salmon from drying out.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing salmon is possible, but the relish is best fresh. If you want to freeze it, make sure the salmon is cooked through, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help preserve its texture.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just be sure you have a large enough baking sheet to fit all the salmon fillets. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the soy sauce label for a gluten-free variety.
Q8: What other fruits can I use in the relish?
A8: Mango, pomegranate seeds, or even apple would work great in place of pineapple for a different twist!
Q9: Can I use frozen salmon?
A9: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.
Q10: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A10: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be the perfect match for the bright, fresh flavors of the salmon and relish.
Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry-Pineapple Relish
This Holiday Glazed Salmon is the perfect festive dish, featuring a delicious maple-Dijon glaze and a tangy cranberry-pineapple relish! A quick and easy recipe that’s full of flavor, ideal for your holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared or Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 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
For the 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
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the salmon fillets generously with the glaze. - Cook the Salmon:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. - Make the Cranberry-Pineapple Relish:
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, pineapple, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. - Assemble:
Plate the salmon and spoon the cranberry-pineapple relish over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. - Serve:
Pair with roasted vegetables or wild rice for a complete holiday meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the relish by adding more or less honey to taste.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work perfectly as a substitute.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or wild rice for a satisfying, healthy meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with relish
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg