The Perfect Fruit Pairings for Salmon

Salmon is a healthy fish that can be cooked in a huge number of different ways. Its thick, fatty texture goes well with strong flavors and goes well with sweet, sour, and acidic foods. Adding fresh fruit to salmon is one of the best ways to balance out its low fat content. The sweetness and acidity of fruit complements the fish beautifully. Here are some of the best fruits to serve with salmon.

Berries

Berries of all kinds make excellent partners for salmon. Their sweet-tart flavor profile works perfectly with the richness of the fish. Berries also add vibrant pops of color, making for an attractive plate. Some top choices include:

• Strawberries – Diced strawberries lend both sweetness and texture contrast. If you don’t let the berries sit for too long, they will turn soft. Use fresh, ripe berries.

• Blueberries – Blueberries pair well with salmon both cooked and raw, Their little bursts of juicy sweetness balance the fish

• Raspberries – Raspberries add great acidity along with subtle sweetness. Salmon with raspberry salsa is a popular combination.

• Blackberries – The slightly more bitter, earthy flavor of blackberries complements salmon nicely Try a blackberry balsamic glaze

• Cranberries – Both fresh and dried cranberries work with salmon. Their tartness cuts through the fattiness of the fish.

• Cherries – Fresh cherries add juiciness and vibrant acidity when paired with salmon. Dried cherries can also be used to add chew.

Citrus Fruits

Bright, acidic citrus fruits like lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange make refreshing complements to rich salmon fillets. The acid helps cut through the fish’s fat and oiliness. Citrus also adds lots of fresh flavor. Squeeze lemon or lime over simply prepared salmon, or use segments or zest of fruits like grapefruit and orange in a relish or salsa.

Tropical Fruits

The juicy sweetness and exotic flavors of tropical fruits marry beautifully with salmon’s richness. Some top picks include:

• Mango – Mango’s tropical sweetness and hint of acid balances salmon’s fattiness. Use fresh diced mango in a salsa or chutney.

• Pineapple – Grilled or roasted pineapple pairs wonderfully with salmon, lending moisture and sweetness.

• Kiwi – Kiwi adds vibrant sweet-tart flavor to salmon dishes. Try a kiwi relish or salsa.

• Papaya – Green papaya pairs especially well, lending a crisp, slightly tart crunch and lots of moisture.

• Guava – Guava has a unique sweet-tart flavor that complements salmon. Use raw or cooked.

• Passionfruit – Passionfruit’s exotic tartness helps cut through salmon’s richness. Add passionfruit sauce or folds diced passionfruit into a salsa.

Melons

Refreshing, juicy melons like honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon make tasty partners for salmon. Melon’s high water content helps cleanse the palate while its sweetness provides balance. Try a melon salsa with cucumber, jalapeño and cilantro. Or wrap salmon fillets in melon slices and grill.

Apples

Apples provide crunchy texture contrast and sweet-tart flavor when served with salmon. Raw apple slices or an apple relish are delicious simple options. For something more intricate, consider an apple and pear chutney or apple cranberry compote.

Pears

Like apples, pears lend a sweet, mild flavor along with crisp texture to contrast the supple salmon flesh. Thin slices of fresh pear taste fantastic when layered with smoked salmon. For cooked preparations, try a poached pear sauce.

Peaches

Juicy summer peaches pair amazingly with salmon, lending sweetness to balance the fish. Make a simple peach salsa by dicing peaches with red onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapeño. Grilled peaches also go well with salmon.

Apricots

The sweet-tart flavor and soft texture of apricots complements salmon preparation both raw and cooked. Raw apricot slices or chutney are simple options. Or try roasting salmon with apricots and carrots.

Plums

Plums have a nice balance of sweetness and acidity that works well with salmon. Raw plums lend a sour note while cooking tempers their tartness. Grilled plums soften and caramelize beautifully.

Grapes

Seedless red and green grapes pair surprisingly well with salmon, adding juicy bursts of sweetness to balance the fish. Try skewering salmon and grapes to grill or broil. Or toss whole grapes into a fruit salsa.

Figs

Fresh figs lend salmon dishes a wonderfully earthy sweetness and soft, jammy texture. Layer thinly sliced figs over smoked salmon, or add diced figs to cooked salmon salads and grain bowls.

Dates

Chopped dried dates can make a tasty sweet complement to salmon dishes, adding chewy texture and caramel-like flavor. Blend into a chutney or stuff whole pitted dates with salmon mousse for an appetizer.

Cooking with Fruit and Salmon

There are endless ways to incorporate fruit flavors into salmon dishes:

• Make a fresh fruit salsa with mango, kiwi, berries or melons to spoon over simply cooked salmon fillets.

• Grill or roast fruits like pineapple, peaches, plums and grapes to serve alongside salmon.

• Make a chutney, compote or relish with apples, pears, apricots, berries or other fruits.

• Stir fruit preserves or all-fruit spreads into glazes for salmon.

• Layer thinly sliced fruits like kiwi, strawberries, figs or melon over smoked salmon appetizers.

• Fold diced fruit into cooked salmon salads along with veggies, greens, nuts and a dressing.

• Wrap salmon and fruit kabobs in foil or banana leaves and grill for amazing flavor infusion.

Choosing Salmon for Fruit Pairings

Wild caught salmon varieties like king, sockeye and coho have the richest, fattiest texture that stands up best to fruit pairings. However, farmed Atlantic salmon also works well, and is more budget-friendly. For simple preparations, choose center-cut salmon fillets. For elegant presentations, opt for a whole side of salmon. Smoked salmon also complements many fruits nicely.

Wine Pairings

When serving fruit with salmon opt for a light, fruity white wine. Good choices include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Riesling or dry rosé. Sparkling wines also pair nicely. The fruitiness of the wine should mirror the fruit flavors of the dish.

Key Takeaways

• Sweet-tart berries, juicy tropical fruits, crunchy apples and pears and bright citrus fruits all complement salmon wonderfully.

• Raw fruits lend brightness, while grilled, roasted or cooked fruits offer deeper, sweeter caramelized flavors.

• Fruits balance salmon’s richness and provide sweetness, acidity, moisture and texture contrast.

• Wild salmon has the fattiest texture for standing up to fruit pairings, but farmed also works well.

• Light, fruity wines pair best with salmon and fruit combinations.

With endless fruit and preparation options, you can create amazing flavor combinations with salmon and fruit. Take advantage of seasonal fruits and get creative with salsas, relishes, chutneys and more to serve up beautiful, balanced salmon dishes.