This Honey Pineapple Salmon is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of a sweet honey pineapple glaze and savory seared salmon is a match made in heaven. Topped with a refreshing pineapple salsa, this dish is an easy way to bring tropical flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.

Honey Pineapple Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The salmon is perfectly seared, and the honey pineapple glaze adds a delightful sweetness and tang that complements the rich, flaky fish. The optional pineapple salsa brings a fresh, zesty crunch that makes this dish even more exciting. Whether served with rice or quinoa, this dish is sure to impress with its bold, tropical flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika

For the Honey Pineapple Glaze:

⅓ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
½ cup fresh pineapple juice (or canned, unsweetened)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lime juice (for balance)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra depth)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pineapple Salsa (Optional, for topping):

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp honey
Pinch of salt

Tip: you’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Salmon:

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Honey Pineapple Glaze:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, lime juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Glaze the Salmon:

Return the salmon to the pan, spooning the glaze over each fillet.
Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting with the sauce, until the salmon is fully cooked and glazed.

5. Make the Pineapple Salsa (Optional):

In a small bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and salt.
Stir to combine and let it sit for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Plate the salmon over rice or quinoa. Drizzle extra glaze over the top and add a spoonful of pineapple salsa for freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical salmon masterpiece!

Serving and Timing

Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Grilled Salmon: You can grill the salmon instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Extra Spice: If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

Storage/Heating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and consider adding a little extra pineapple juice to rehydrate the glaze.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

Can I substitute the pineapple juice with something else?

You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a different citrus flavor, though the dish will be less tangy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?

Yes, the pineapple salsa can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just stir it before serving.

What can I serve this with?

This Honey Pineapple Salmon pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens.

Conclusion

This Honey Pineapple Salmon is a sweet and savory delight that combines tropical flavors with perfectly seared salmon. The honey pineapple glaze adds an irresistible tangy sweetness, while the optional pineapple salsa brings a fresh crunch to each bite. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy this vibrant dish for a healthy, flavorful meal!