Grilled Salmon with Wild Berry Salsa

Grilled Salmon with Wild Berry Salsa Recipe - Ingredients & Steps

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner. The addition of a flavorful wild berry salsa takes this dish to the next level, adding a burst of fresh and tangy flavors to complement the rich and savory salmon.

History

The combination of grilled salmon with a fruity salsa is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for many years. The idea of pairing the rich and buttery flavor of salmon with the bright and fresh flavors of berries is a classic culinary combination that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

4 fresh salmon fillets, approximately 8 oz (227 g) each
3 tbsp mayonnaise
2 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup blueberries
zest from 1 orange
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp ground cardamom
0.5 tsp kosher salt
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
0.13 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper

How to prepare

In a small saucepot over high heat, combine the cranberries, juices, sugar, and cinnamon stick.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the cranberries start to break down and open up.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the orange zest, spices, and blueberries. Mix well and continue to cool.
Add the strawberries, raspberries, and pepper. Mix well.
Refrigerate the mixture overnight to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Coat the salmon fillet with a thin layer of mayonnaise.
Place the fillet on a hot grill and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the fillet is firm to the touch and begins to flake. This should result in a medium-rare doneness.
Remove the fillet from the grill and place it on a hot dinner plate. Serve with your favorite accompaniments.
Spoon the salsa over half of the fillet.

Variations

For a different twist on this dish, try using different types of berries in the salsa, such as blackberries or cherries. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When grilling salmon, it's important to cook it just until it is firm to the touch and begins to flake. Overcooking salmon can result in a dry and tough texture, so be sure to keep a close eye on it while it's on the grill. Additionally, using mayonnaise as a coating for the salmon helps to keep it moist and adds a delicious flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled salmon with wild berry salsa alongside a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The bright and tangy flavors of the salsa pair perfectly with the rich and savory salmon.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the salmon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also bake or pan-sear the salmon if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the salmon is cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh berries on hand, you can use frozen berries in the salsa instead. You can also substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for the mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter coating for the salmon.

Make Ahead Tips

The wild berry salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, making the salsa even more delicious when served with the grilled salmon.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish even more visually appealing, garnish the salmon with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds. You can also serve the salsa in a separate bowl on the side for guests to help themselves.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The bright and fruity flavors of the wine complement the flavors of the salmon and salsa perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover grilled salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of grilled salmon with wild berry salsa contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

The wild berry salsa in this recipe is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your body throughout the day. The fresh berries are packed with natural sugars and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious addition to this dish.

Fats

Salmon is a rich source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. The mayonnaise used to coat the salmon adds a creamy texture and a touch of additional fats to the dish.

Proteins

Salmon is also a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Each 8 oz fillet of salmon provides a generous amount of protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

The wild berry salsa is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. These nutrients are important for supporting a healthy immune system, promoting bone health, and aiding in the body's natural processes.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (salmon) and eggs (mayonnaise), which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies or sensitivities before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded and nutritious option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's a delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal.

Summary

Grilled salmon with wild berry salsa is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The combination of rich and savory salmon with bright and fresh berries creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through a local farmers market, browsing the stalls for fresh ingredients to use in my cooking. As I passed by one particular vendor, I saw a beautiful display of wild berries that caught my eye.

The vendor, a kind elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, noticed my interest and struck up a conversation. She told me all about the different types of berries she had for sale – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and more. She also shared with me her favorite way to enjoy them – paired with grilled salmon.

I was intrigued. Grilled salmon was one of my favorite dishes to prepare, and I had never thought of pairing it with a wild berry salsa before. The vendor must have sensed my curiosity because she offered to share her recipe with me.

She told me that she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to the Pacific Northwest and had brought back the idea of combining fresh salmon with local berries. The friend had taught her the recipe, and she had been making it ever since.

I listened intently as the vendor described the simple yet flavorful ingredients – fresh salmon fillets, a mixture of wild berries, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of honey. She explained how the sweetness of the berries paired perfectly with the richness of the salmon, creating a delicious and vibrant salsa.

I thanked the vendor for sharing her recipe with me and purchased a pint of her mixed wild berries to use in my own version of the dish. As I walked away from the stall, I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking.

That evening, I prepared the grilled salmon with wild berry salsa for my family. The aroma of the salmon cooking on the grill mingled with the sweet scent of the berries as they simmered on the stove. When I finally plated the dish and took a bite, I was transported to a world of flavors – the smoky char of the salmon, the bright acidity of the berries, the heat of the jalapeno, and the freshness of the cilantro all combined to create a truly unforgettable meal.

My family raved about the dish, and from that day on, it became a staple in our household. I couldn't get enough of the grilled salmon with wild berry salsa, and I found myself making it whenever I could get my hands on fresh berries.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of pairing salmon with wild berries. Each time I make the dish, I think back to that warm summer day at the farmers market and the kind vendor who introduced me to this delicious recipe.

Now, as I prepare the grilled salmon with wild berry salsa for a special family gathering, I can't help but smile at the memories that this dish holds. It has become more than just a recipe – it is a connection to the past, a reminder of the friendships made and the stories shared over good food.

As I serve the dish to my loved ones, I know that I am passing on not just a recipe, but a piece of my own culinary journey. And as we savor each bite of the flavorful salmon and sweet berry salsa, I am grateful for the moments that brought me here – to a place of joy, community, and delicious food.