Apricot Glazed Salmon with Pomegranate Salsa Recipe
This apricot glazed salmon recipe pairs tender, oven-baked salmon with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, finished with a bright pomegranate salsa. Featured on Fish the Dish, this quick and vibrant dish delivers bold flavour, fresh herbs, and a beautiful caramelized finish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
The Inspiration
Salmon is one of the most versatile and widely loved seafood options, known for its rich, buttery texture and ability to pair well with both sweet and savoury flavours. This recipe embraces that versatility by combining fruit-based sweetness with herbaceous freshness and subtle heat.
The apricot glaze draws inspiration from classic fruit glazes often used in both European and Middle Eastern cooking, where preserves are combined with spices and aromatics to create a sticky, flavourful coating. Dijon mustard adds tang and depth, while jalapeño introduces a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the jam.
On Fish the Dish, Spencer Watts often highlights how simple ingredients can be transformed into elegant dishes with just a few thoughtful combinations. This recipe is a perfect example, offering a restaurant-quality result with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Apricot Basil Glazed Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (5 ounces each or 150 grams each)
- ½ cup (120ml) of apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the salmon fillets.
- Place fish on a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon dry, and coat with apricot mix.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Bake salmon for 5-6 minutes.
- Change oven setting to high broil, and keep cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has started to caramelize.
- While broiling, have the salmon 6 inches away from the element.
- Remove from the oven, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
Pomegranate Salsa
- 2 pomegranates
- 4 apricots, seeded and diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 shallots, diced
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of honey
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) of fresh mint, chopped
Method
- Remove the seeds of the pomegranate.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together.
- Serve cold alongside the Apricot Glazed Salmon.
Serving Suggestions
This apricot glazed salmon is perfect for light dinners, elegant entertaining, or healthy weeknight meals. Its balance of sweet glaze and fresh salsa makes it a complete dish that feels both satisfying and refreshing.
Serve alongside simple sides such as steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to soak up the extra glaze. A crisp green salad or lightly dressed greens also pair beautifully, enhancing the dish’s freshness and balance.
For presentation, plate the salmon with a generous spoonful of pomegranate salsa either on top or to the side, allowing the vibrant colours to stand out. Garnishing with extra mint or basil can add an aromatic finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
This apricot glazed salmon recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a bold, elegant dish. The caramelized apricot glaze adds sweetness and depth, while the pomegranate salsa provides freshness and contrast.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance—sweet, tangy, fresh, and slightly spicy all working together harmoniously. It’s a dish that feels light yet satisfying, refined yet easy to prepare.
On Fish the Dish, this recipe reflects a signature approach: combining vibrant flavours with approachable techniques to create meals that impress without complexity. It’s a reliable go-to for both everyday cooking and special occasions.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish delivers colour, flavour, and elegance in every bite.