Fresh Grilled Trout with Strawberry Salsa Recipe

This Fresh Grilled Trout with Strawberry Salsa recipe combines delicate freshwater trout with bright citrus, fragrant herbs, and a refreshing homemade strawberry salsa for an unforgettable summer barbecue meal. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this seafood recipe showcases how simple grilling techniques and fresh seasonal ingredients can create an elegant yet approachable dish.

The Inspiration

Grilling whole fish is one of the oldest and most rewarding cooking traditions found in coastal cuisines around the world. Cooking the fish whole helps retain moisture while allowing the delicate flesh to absorb the subtle smokiness of the grill. Stuffing the cavity with citrus, fresh herbs, garlic, and onions gently perfumes the fish from the inside, creating layers of flavor without overpowering its naturally delicate taste.

On Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo embrace fresh seasonal cooking by pairing grilled trout with a colorful strawberry salsa. While fruit salsas are commonly served with seafood in tropical and Mediterranean-inspired cuisines, strawberries provide a unique twist that complements trout beautifully. Their natural sweetness balances

Ingredients

For the trout
2 whole trout (1.5 lbs each), head on but insides removed
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 lemons, sliced into ¼ inch rings
1 yellow onion, sliced into ¼ inch rings
6 garlic cloves, smashed
6 sprigs of parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 inch wood skewers, soaked in water for 30 mintues
Olive oil for brushing
Lemon wedges, for serving

For the strawberry salsa

2 cups of strawberries, cleaned and hulled
¼ cup of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
¼ cup tbsp red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp good quality white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Pre-heat grill to medium (350F).
Season the inside of the trout with salt and pepper.
Stuff the belly of the trout with lemon slices, onion slices, smashed garlic and parsley sprigs.
Drizzle some olive oil inside the trout.
Use a skewer to thread the cavity of the trout shut.
Brush the outside of the trout with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Oil the grill. Place trout on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes, lid closed.
Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the salsa.
Chop the strawberries into ¼ inch pieces.
Place the strawberries in a bowl.
Add the mint, red onion, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Mix everything together.
Remove the trout from the grill and tent with aluminum foil.
The internal temperature of the trout should be 150F.
Let the trout rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the trout whole with strawberry salsa and lemon wedges on the side.
Use a fork to pick away nice pieces of the skin and flesh of the trout. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Fresh Grilled Trout with Strawberry Salsa makes a stunning centerpiece for summer lunches, outdoor dinners, and backyard barbecues. Pair it with grilled asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, seasonal vegetables, wild rice, couscous, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. The fresh strawberry salsa also complements grilled shrimp, salmon, and chicken, making extra salsa a welcome addition to the table.

For entertaining, present the whole grilled trout on a large serving platter surrounded by lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and bowls of strawberry salsa for guests to serve themselves.

This recipe also pairs beautifully with chilled sparkling water, homemade lemonade, crisp white wine, or light rosé, making it ideal for warm-weather dining. Whether served for a casual family meal or an elegant outdoor gathering, this colorful seafood dish is guaranteed to impress.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Grilled Trout with Strawberry Salsa recipe celebrates the simplicity of fresh ingredients and the versatility of barbecue cooking. The delicate, flaky trout absorbs subtle smoky flavors from the grill while remaining moist thanks to its aromatic stuffing of lemon, garlic, onion, and parsley. The vibrant strawberry salsa provides a refreshing burst of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the savory fish.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!