This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
This Pan Roasted Salmon with Parsley Pineapple Relish is a healthy, delicious dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes! It takes simple salmon to dinner party status!
Parsley is most often used and thought of solely as a garnish, but it has has lots of other wonderful attributes. It's hue is vibrant and the curly variety is quite whimsical in texture. Parsley has a bright, fresh, slightly peppery flavor and is a very hearty herb. It has much less tendency to wilt and/or turn brown than the more beloved basil, thyme and rosemary. To me, parsley seems to bring out the flavor of other herbs and ingredients. This Pan Roasted Salmon with Parsley Pineapple Relish is a perfect example of how parsley goes way beyond a garnish!
Growing up, my mom always used parsley to spiff up a bowl of potato salad or add a bit of color to a plate of deviled eggs, but I can still hear her saying, at the end of a meal, "Eat your parsley, it's a blood purifier!" We used to laugh at this repetitious statement but guess what? Mom was right! Not only does parsley have nutritional value in the form of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients, it also is an incredible source of iron and vitamin K -- two nutrients important for healthy blood!
Two types of parsley, different yet the same
There are two distinct types of parsley; curly and flat leaf. In the summer, we grow both types in a big pot and they get along like best friends. The flat leaf variety is not as hearty as it's curly sibling, but is delicious and used often in Italian dishes. In fact, sometimes it's called Italian parsley. Recipes often call for simply "parsley" and, though they can be used fairly interchangeably, their flavors are not identical.
This Pan Roasted Salmon with Parsley Pineapple Relish is a simple combination of parsley (lots of it), fresh pineapple, diced, dried cranberries, garlic and lemon zest. There's a splash of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to tie it all together. This time, I spooned the relish over a simple pan roasted salmon, but it's also wonderful with chicken, shrimp, fish, etc.
I've been making this delicious relish for years now, but just recently added diced, fresh pineapple. I love the touch of sweetness it adds as well as the visual appeal. Raisins or dried currants can be used instead of cranberries, but I really like the little flecks of bright red color and the tartness provided by the dried cranberries.
The salmon? Super simple. Seasoned with just salt and pepper, the salmon is sautéed in a hot skillet till golden, then flipped and cooked just a few more minutes. This is a great recipe for serving guests as it takes only minutes to cook the salmon just before serving.
I like to serve this Pan Roasted Salmon with Parsley Pineapple Relish with jasmine or basmati rice, but mashed potatoes or pasta would also be nice. I don't worry about serving a veggie as there's so much freshness and great nutrition in the relish.
Don't worry, it's okay that for all these years, you've thought of parsley as a culinary underdog. I think this dish will change your mind and you'll agree that, when combined with just a few other simple ingredients, parsley can be a delicious winner. Try it, it's perfect for an easy, week night dinner but also elegant and pretty enough for company! Bon Appetit!
Café Tips for making this Pan Roasted Salmon with Parsley Pineapple Relish
- For this recipe, I like to peel the lemon with a vegetable peeler (being careful to just remove the yellow peel and avoid the white pith) then finely chop with a knife, rather than using a zester. It just makes a prettier relish than if you use a zester.
- Try to use salmon fillets that are similar in size. Otherwise some will be done before others.
- Use the best olive oil you can find. It's one of the ingredients that will shine in this dish.
- 1 ½ cups fairly finely chopped curly leaf parsley
- ½ cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1 medium clove garlic
- ¼ cup roughly chopped dried cranberries
- finely chopped lemon zest from 1 medium size lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 skinless salmon fillets about 4 ounces each
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
-
For the relish, combine all ingredients except the lemon juice and olive oil in a medium size bowl. Set aside.
-
For the salmon, combine the sugar salt and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the salmon evenly on both sides with the sugar/salt mixture.
-
Heat the 2 teaspoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the pan. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Turn to opposite side and cook until salmon feels firm to the touch, about 3-4 minutes more, depending on thickness of fillets
-
To serve, divide rice between 4 dinner plates or large shallow bowls. Add salmon.
-
Add lemon juice and olive oil to the prepared relish. Stir well to combine. Spoon relish over salmon and rice. Drizzle with a little more good quality olive oil, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
Sandra says
You've elevated parsley to a new level and I'm sure this beautiful dish will convince many nay sayers to give it a try. I planted flat leaf and now wish I had included curly as well.
TheKitchenLioness says
Thiis looks like a fresh and healthy summer recipe - with a wonderful flavor profile!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Your relish must really perk up the flavor of the salmon…nice!
Liz says
Your salmon looks perfectly cooked---and topped with your tasty, refreshing salsa makes for a fabulous, healthy meal. Another winner, Chris!!!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I love the clean green flavor of parsley but haven't tried it in a dish like this! Love the salmon, and love rice bowls. I bet the parsley is great with the pineapple - yum!
Susan says
I love the flavor of parsley! I just cut a bunch to use in a Serbian salad that we had for dinner last night and I love it with lemon butter over fish. What a beautiful and delicious salmon recipe and so light for summer dining. I miss when my garden herbs are done for the season 🙂
cheri says
Hi Chris, I grow parsley all year round, one of my favorites. This kind of meal is the kind that makes my heart sing, love everything about it.
Katherine | Omnivore's Cookbook says
Quick and easy but still very elegantly put! Love this!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Katherine!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
My garden is full of parsley -- love the stuff! It has a ton of flavor. Try parsley pesto sometime -- amazing! Anyway, what's amazing is this dish. Really lovely flavors. Thanks!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
You always prepare salmon so beautifully, Chris! It's one of my favorite dishes so I love seeing your latest creations. I'm with you on the parsley. In fact, I make parsley tea. It's not very tasty but it makes you feel like a million bucks.
I always have a pot or two growing and it gets added to most everything.
Loved this post. Sharing 🙂
laura says
Your website is my favorite for recipes and beautiful photography. Your recipes are both elegant and simple to make. I am always proud to introduce your website to someone who has not yet found this gem.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Laura, that is so sweet! You made my day!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Such a fresh and beautiful meal! I love the combo of flavour, plus salmon is my top favourite fish.
Ginny Hartzler says
I can see how this recipe would really bring out the parsley's flavor, and enhance it. Such a beautiful dish! I love pineapple, too!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Beautiful! What a perfect way to enjoy salmon and I love the parsley addition. I always have flat-leafed parsley on hand, as I use it as a substitute for cilantro (which I dislike). It's a great stand-in!
Jackie says
We eat salmon once a week and I would be willing to try this relish. I am trying to become a lover of parsley but not quite getting there.
Chris Scheuer says
Jackie, the pineapple is the dominant taste in this relish, so I think you won't mind the parsley, since it blends so well with other tastes.
Vicki Bensinger says
I'm making salmon this evening a favorite of mine. Your recipe looks wonderful, colorful and full of flavor. How nice to have someone take photos of your dishes. Your hubby makes it all look so inviting - of course I know it's tasty but he sure does a nice job capturing the true flavor of each dish. Love this!
Madonna says
Love parsley. I try to always have a bouquet close by. It is cilantro that I can't get used to, I shudder at the thought. Your salmon looks like a very expensive restaurant.
My propagated basil is doing well, even though it is soooooo hot here. Thanks again for the lesson. 🙂
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
What a gorgeous presentation, Chris! I love your pineapple relish with the roasted salmon, such an elegant meal!
Denise Browning says
One quick and healthy meal to put together... so mouthwatering for fish lovers!!!
monique says
I am most usually:) on the underdog's side..
because I have been one so often:)
Chris..,last night we had cod..w/ a topping made with a lot of parsley..:)
I disagree that it is only for color..taste..ye naysayers:)
Yours is far more colorful and I will make this..
I do prefer curly parsley now..far outperforms Italian parsley in our gardens..
Adina says
I love parsley, it's the herb I use the most and not only because it's pretty. I was taken with basil too the first time I had it (I was about 25!!) , but after using it quite intensively for a while, I came back to my beloved parsley, it is the herb my grandma used all the time (along with dill) so I have it in my blood... Your dish looks so pretty!!!! I am craving it right now.