Absolutely Brilliant Balsamic Dijon Salmon Marinade

Best Salmon Marinade My Balsamic Dijon Secret

By OliviaAugust 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Get Ready to Obsess Over This Salmon Marinade

Fancy a bit of posh nosh without the fuss? Ever wondered how to make salmon taste amazing ? Well, you're in for a treat! I'm sharing my best salmon marinade recipe today.

It is a total game changer. Honestly, after you try this, you won't want salmon any other way!

A Taste of the Med

This Balsamic & Dijon Salmon Marinade recipe is inspired by the sunny Mediterranean. It blends tangy balsamic, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of sweet maple syrup.

This sauce for salmon transforms it into something special. This marinade is great for baking, grilling, or pan-frying.

This isn't just another salmon fillet recipes ! This is easy to whip up. It takes about 5 minutes to prep.

Then, the salmon gets to chill in the marinade. The dish serves four.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is packed with flavour and it's good for you! Salmon is full of omega-3s, so it's a win-win.

The marinade makes the oven baked salmon taste divine. It is a perfect dish for a dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.

What you need for this Easy Salmon Marinade Recipe .

For the Marinade:
- 60 ml Balsamic Vinegar
- 30 ml Dijon Mustard
- 30 ml Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon minced Garlic
- 15 ml Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Salmon:
- 4 Salmon Fillets (170g each), skin on or off

Marinade Magic

Now, some of you might be thinking, "Another Dijon mustard salmon recipe? Really?" But trust me, this is different. I've tweaked it over the years.

That way it can be a perfect balance of flavours. You know? It's what makes it my absolute favourite. I bet you will love it too! Try this grilled salmon marinade and prove me wrong! This is a healthy salmon marinade recipe, that you can make in less than 5 minutes, just follow the recipe.

This is an oven salmon recipe, that will make your palate explode. This Balsamic salmon marinade it's out of this world.

I once forgot the maple syrup. Let me tell you, it wasn't the same. So don't skip that bit!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Salmon Sorted!

Right then, let's chat ingredients. We're making the best salmon marinade , and trust me, using quality stuff makes all the difference.

It's like the difference between a cuppa made with proper tea bags and that dust you find at the back of the cupboard, you know? Honestly, it makes a difference.

Main Ingredients for Our Stunning Salmon Marinade

Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not rocket science. I’m not the kind of person that would be complicated with the Salmon Fillet Recipes!

Salmon Fillets: 4 fillets, each about 6 ounces (170g) . The fresher, the better! Look for salmon with vibrant colour and a firm texture. No one likes a soggy fish, right? If you can get wild caught, even better.
Balsamic Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Go for a decent quality balsamic not the super cheap stuff. A good balsamic adds a lovely depth of flavour. It goes great together with the dijon mustard salmon!
Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Dijon adds a bit of a kick.
Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Use real maple syrup, the fake stuff just doesn't cut it.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , extra virgin.
Dried Thyme: 1/4 teaspoon .
Dried Rosemary: 1/4 teaspoon .
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Sea salt or kosher salt is best.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly ground.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic is in the Mix

Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo. They bring a lovely earthy flavour. Garlic is just essential, isn't it? It adds that aromatic punch that we all love.

Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat! This healthy salmon marinade is quite versatile, so don't be afraid to experiment.

If you want to change for Lemon juice with fresh dill and parsley to the marinade for a more refreshing taste.

You can make your sauce for salmon with either sour cream or greek yogurt based, it is very tasty!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

For this easy salmon marinade recipe , you don't need any fancy gadgets! Just some everyday things.

A small bowl
A whisk (or even just a fork)
A resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish

No need to faff about with loads of equipment. The goal is to get this oven baked salmon on the table quickly and easily!

Cooking Method: Mastering the Best Salmon Marinade

Honestly, who doesn't love a good salmon dish? But sometimes, plain old oven salmon can get a bit boring. That's where a killer marinade comes in.

Today, we're diving deep into my go-to recipe for the best balsamic salmon marinade !

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place: First, gather all your ingredients. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard , 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 4 salmon fillet recipes .
Time saving organization tips: Mince that garlic ahead of time. It saves you precious minutes later on.
Safety reminders: Remember to wash your hands after handling raw fish. Don't want any nasty bugs ruining your delicious meal, you know?

Unleash the Flavor: step-by-step

Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard , maple syrup, garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Place your salmon fillet recipes in a bag or dish.
Pour the Salmon Marinade over the salmon. Make sure it's all nicely coated.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours . Not a minute more, not a minute less!
Cook salmon: Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 12- 15 minutes . Or grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
Salmon is ready when the internal temperature reaches 145° F ( 63° C) .

Salmon Marinade Secrets

Pro Tip 1: Pat the salmon dry before cooking. It helps get a beautiful crust.
Pro Tip 2: Don't over marinate! The acid can make the salmon mushy.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to preheat the oven! Trust me, it's happened to the best of us.

This easy salmon marinade recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party. The balsamic salmon marinade adds a depth of flavour that's simply divine.

Seriously, give it a go! You won't regret it. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy making Oven Baked Salmon .

You're going to love our fantastic sauce for salmon . You'll discover how it may become your favourite grilled salmon marinade .

Don't wait!

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Salmon Game

Alright, love, let's chat about how to take this "Absolutely Brilliant" Balsamic & Dijon Salmon Marinade recipe to the next level.

It's the best salmon marinade recipe, and I am here to help. Honestly, it's all about the little things, innit? Think of these as your secret weapons for truly spectacular Oven Salmon every time.

Plating Like a Pro

Forget just slapping it on a plate! Think about making it look gorgeous.

A sprig of fresh dill or parsley does wonders. You know? Maybe a lemon wedge on the side. Sauce for Salmon really elevates plating.

I've even seen people use edible flowers! Bit fancy, that, but why not?

As for sides? Roasted asparagus is always a winner. Lightly dress asparagus with lemon juice to highlight Salmon's flavor. Also, think about a quinoa salad, or even just some crusty bread to mop up all that lovely salmon marinade .

Don't forget a crisp white wine or a refreshing G&T perfect!

Storage Sorted

Right, you've cooked your gorgeous salmon, and you've got leftovers. No worries.

Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge. It will happily keep for up to 3 days. Always make sure your fridge is at 40° F ( 4° C) or below to keep it safe.

Freezing? It's not my first choice, as it can affect the texture of the Oven Baked Salmon . But if you must , wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.

It can last for up to a month. To reheat, gently bake it in the oven OR even better, flake it through pasta.

Remixing the Marinade

Want to shake things up? Absolutely!

For a dietary twist, you can swap out the maple syrup for honey. Or use a sugar-free alternative for a low-sugar version.

Easy peasy! You could try lemon juice or soy sauce for a healthy salmon marinade .

Seasonal swap? If it's summer, use fresh herbs from the garden. Winter? A little orange zest adds a cozy vibe.

A Balsamic salmon marinade adapts well. Dijon mustard salmon can also be modified. For another variation, try a grilled salmon marinade .

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, quick health lesson. This Easy salmon marinade recipe is packed with goodness!

Salmon is brilliant for omega-3 fatty acids. They are fab for your heart. The marinade adds antioxidants from the balsamic vinegar and garlic.

This recipe delivers a great combination of flavor and nutrients.

Each serving is about 350 calories with good amounts of protein and healthy fats. Remember this is just an estimate. Use the recipe as a tool for flavor and nutrients.

So, there you have it. All the little things that make a big difference. With these tips, you will have restaurant quality Salmon Fillet Recipes . Now go on, get cooking, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this the best salmon marinade recipe, and why should I use it?

This Balsamic & Dijon Salmon Marinade delivers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savoury flavours, transforming your salmon into a restaurant quality dish. The combination of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup creates a wonderful depth of flavour that complements the richness of the salmon.

Plus, it's incredibly easy to make even easier than ordering a takeaway!

Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 2 hours? I'm a busy bee, you know?

While you can marinate it slightly longer (up to 4 hours max), be careful not to overdo it. The acid in the balsamic vinegar can start to break down the salmon, resulting in a mushy texture. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes will impart a lovely flavour.

Think of it like brewing a good cup of tea you want it strong, but not stewed!

I'm not a fan of balsamic vinegar. What's a good substitute for this best salmon marinade recipe?

No worries, mate! If balsamic isn't your cup of tea, try using lemon juice or a dry white wine instead. For a brighter, more citrusy flavour, lemon juice works wonders. Alternatively, soy sauce and grated ginger can be a nice switch as well! You might want to adjust the maple syrup to balance the flavours.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly? I always seem to overcook it!

The key to perfectly cooked salmon is to avoid overcooking it, we've all been there. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here! If you don’t have one, look for the salmon to become opaque throughout.

Remember, it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat, so don't wait until it's completely dry.

Can I store leftover marinated salmon, cooked or uncooked?

Uncooked, marinated salmon should be cooked within 24 hours for food safety reasons. Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it's cooled completely before refrigerating.

It's great flaked into salads or used in salmon cakes the next day waste not, want not!

Is this salmon marinade healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline!

Absolutely! Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, so this is a nutritious meal choice. While the marinade does contain maple syrup, it's a relatively small amount per serving.

You can reduce the sugar content further by using a sugar-free maple syrup substitute, or a smaller quantity of honey. Pair with plenty of veggies for a balanced and healthy meal, darling.