Grilled Salmon with Cherry Sauce Recipe

Quick Summary

This easy Grilled Salmon with Cherry Sauce blends sweet-tart Michigan cherries, Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, and a touch of honey for a vibrant, antioxidant-rich topping. Perfect for summer grilling or a healthy weeknight dinner.

Published: January 2011 | Updated: November 2025

Chef’s Note 

I first made this dish during a Traverse Bay Farms summer tasting event — it was an instant favorite. The Michigan Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate deepens the cherry flavor and balances beautifully with the smoky salmon and citrus notes. It’s a restaurant-quality recipe you can make at home in about 30 minutes.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Serves: 6

Ingredients

Cherry Sauce:

• 3 cups pitted fresh sweet-tart cherries

• ½ cup water

• ⅛ tsp Michigan Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• ½ cup dry white wine

• ¼ cup chopped onion

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp grated lemon peel

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

For Serving:

• 6 salmon fillets, grilled to preference

Instructions

1. Combine cherries, water, Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, wine, onion, garlic, honey, lemon juice, lemon peel, salt, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.

4. Spoon sauce generously over grilled salmon fillets.

5. Serve warm with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• For a richer sauce, reduce wine to ¼ cup and add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

• Substitute chicken or grilled tofu for a lighter variation.

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 172 | Total Fat: 1g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 370mg

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate enhances the natural sweetness of cherries without overpowering the dish. Made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible, it adds both flavor and function — rich in antioxidants, anthocyanins, and natural color. This cherry sauce transforms ordinary salmon into a vibrant, gourmet-style entrée.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I make the cherry sauce ahead of time?
Yes — store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain before cooking.

What wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the sauce perfectly.

Can this sauce be used for other meats?
Yes — it pairs beautifully with pork, chicken, or duck.

Experience the Flavor

Elevate your meals with Michigan Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, the only sediment-free guarantee in the cherry industry. Trusted by chefs and home cooks alike for authentic Michigan cherry flavor.