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Easy Tangy Balsamic Spring Salmon Recipe with Fresh Vegetables for Perfect Healthy Meals

easy tangy balsamic spring salmon - featured image

A quick and wholesome salmon dish glazed with a tangy balsamic reduction, paired with crisp spring vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless depending on preference
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (about 4)
  • 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and honey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Marinate the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow dish and pour half of the balsamic glaze over them, turning to coat evenly. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: In a mixing bowl, toss asparagus, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Cook the salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets skin-side down if skin-on. Cook 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and fillet is halfway cooked. Flip carefully, brush remaining glaze on cooked side, and cook another 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: While salmon cooks, cook vegetables in another pan or roast in oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Plate the dish: Arrange vegetables on plates, top with salmon fillet, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and optional basil leaves. Drizzle any leftover glaze on top.

Notes

Do not marinate salmon longer than 15 minutes to avoid ‘cooking’ the fish with vinegar. Keep an eye on salmon thickness for cooking time adjustments. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen. For vegan version, substitute salmon with marinated tofu or cauliflower steaks and adjust cooking time. Use lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a lighter tang. Store leftovers separately and reheat gently to preserve glaze and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon recipe, balsamic salmon, healthy dinner, spring vegetables, quick salmon, easy salmon recipe, balsamic glaze, healthy meals