Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe with Pomegranate

This maple glazed salmon recipe requires just 10 ingredients, including salt and pepper! It's the perfect healthy weeknight dinner.

Salmon is on the regular meal plan rotation in the Schaaf household. Why? It's incredibly nutritious, easy to find and we all love it in my family! While I enjoy a simple salmon filet with just a bit of salt and lemon juice, I also love finding new ways to prepare this seafood staple.

This maple glazed salmon with pomegranates just may be my new favorite way to make salmon in the colder months. Not only is it beautiful, it's also the perfect blend of sweet and savory. If you have kiddos, invite them to help you remove the arils from the pomegranate – this is so fun for little ones! (Here is an easy way to seed a pomegranate.)

To make this maple glazed salmon recipe, you'll start by chopping your fennel. Feel free to omit the fennel if you don't like it but I must say, it's delicious here! Next, you'll toss your fennel and potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder and roast. I love using fingerling potatoes here because there's no need to chop them!

You'll then make your maple pomegranate glaze by combining olive oil, pure maple syrup, soy sauce (or sub tamari or coconut aminos) and pomegranate arils. You'll sprinkle your salmon filets with salt and pepper, evenly pour the glaze over them and bake until nice and flaky. I recommend lining your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

This dish is so lovely, it would be perfect to serve to guests. It's also easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner though, especially with a bit of meal prep. If you try it out, I'd love to see! Tag me @prepdish on Instagram or message me on Facebook with your food photo.

 

Is salmon with pomegranate good for meal prep?

Yes, like all Prep Dish recipes, this salmon with pomegranate works well for meal prep. One caveat – you want to eat your fish within a day or two of purchasing. I always schedule fish toward the beginning of the week unless I'm using frozen.

That said, you can certainly prep the sides and sauce ahead of time. To prep ahead, wash and cut your fennel and make your pomegranate glaze. With those two steps complete, dish day will be quite easy. You'll simply roast your prepped vegetables, top your salmon with seasonings and the glaze, bake the salmon and enjoy. Meal prep for the win!

What’s the nutrition like for this Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe?

This maple glazed salmon recipe is full of nutritional goodness! With around 35 grams of protein (Assuming 5 oz filets), it will help you meet your protein needs while also providing plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Here are some of the nutritional highlights:

Salmon (Omega-3 Fatty Acids, B Vitamins, Potassium, Selenium, Antioxidants)

Salmon is one of the more powerful sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show Omega-3s can help reduce blood pressure, fight inflammation and even decrease the risk of cancer. B vitamins are also abundant in salmon. B vitamins help you have enough energy and also help fight inflammation. There are some nutritional differences between farmed salmon and wild salmon. In particular, wild salmon contains greater levels of potassium, which can help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Salmon's selenium content makes it a healthy choice for both your bones and your thyroid.

Pomegranate (Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium)

In addition to vitamin C and folate, pomegranates are rich in a powerful antioxidant called punicalagins and another highly beneficial plant compound known as punicic acid. Pomegranates are highly anti-inflammatory and may help fight cancer, lower blood pressure and even improve athletic performance. As always, check the ingredients to make sure you're getting 100% pomegranate juice!

Maple Syrup (Manganese, Zinc)

1/3 cup of pure maple syrup contains 165% of the recommended dietary intake for manganese and 28% for zinc. It also has a lower glycemic index than table sugar, reducing blood sugar spikes.

Fennel (Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium)

Fennel contains powerful antioxidants and plant compounds that may help fight inflammation and disease. This versatile ingredient may also support heart health and may exhibit anticancer properties.

Potatoes (Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium)

They get a bad rap sometimes, but the reason potatoes are considered unhealthy by some has much more to do with preparation than nutritional content. Sure french fries won't make the cut for superfoods, but neither would deep fried brussels sprouts…. Cooked in a healthy way, potatoes can be quite a nutritious side. They offer vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese and antioxidants. Much of the vitamin content is in the peel, so make sure to leave the skin on!

Olive Oil (Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Monounsaturated Fats, Antioxidants)

Due to the type of fat it contains, olive oil may reduce inflammation. It also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's, stroke and heart disease. Make sure to get high quality extra virgin olive oil, as it retains more antioxidants and nutrients.

What is the best side dish for salmon?

While I love the fennel and fingerling potatoes included in this recipe, that's certainly not the only side that pairs well with this salmon. Here are a few other delicious options:

• Cauliflower Rice: If you don't love plain cauliflower rice, you should definitely check out this post where I share 5 of my favorite ways to prepare this nutritious side.
• Herbed Corn & Kale: This is a pantry/freezer superstar! It comes together in just minutes and you can always keep the ingredients on-hand for a last minute side dish.
• Kale Salad: This simple kale salad is the perfect weeknight side dish for the colder months. The salad includes walnuts and apples, giving it the perfect hint of sweetness and crunch.
• Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad: You can either make this salad to serve as a side dish or just follow the instructions for the balsamic roasted beets – they make a lovely side on their own as well!
• Whole Roasted Carrots: You'll find recipes for 10 of my favorite easy veggie sides here, including one of my family's very favorites – whole roasted carrots!

I want more easy seafood recipes!

Seafood is perfect for weeknight dinners – it cooks so quickly! Here are three easy seafood recipes to get you started:

FAQ – Everything You Want to Know about this Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

Have a question that's not answered below? Leave a comment and we will get back to you!

How long to cook salmon in oven at 400F?

For salmon filets, cook for 12-15 minutes at 400F. For a larger piece of salmon, cook time will really depend on the size and thickness of the fish. Check salmon at 15-20 minutes and cook until nice and flaky.

Do you need to flip salmon when baking?

No, there is no need to flip salmon when baking. You should bake salmon skin side down.

How to make salmon more flavorful?

There are SO many delicious ways to add flavor to salmon. Salt and a bit of acid, like lemon juice or the soy sauce in this recipe, go a long way. Many people also enjoy a sweet and savory preparation, such as our maple pomegranate salmon.