Maple-Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky salmon fillets coated in a rich, tangy-sweet glaze with bright citrus notes, perfect with roasted vegetables. This american-inspired seafood (low-sodium) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place skin-side down in a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dried dill, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Brush half the maple-balsamic mixture over salmon. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  4. Step 4: Brush remaining glaze over salmon and sprinkle with 1 tsp lemon zest. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Maple-Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Lemon Zest low-sodium?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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