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
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Serves: 6
Ingredients
Cherry Sauce:
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3 cups pitted fresh sweet-tart cherries
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½ cup water
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½ cup dry white wine
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¼ cup chopped onion
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1 clove garlic, finely chopped
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2 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp grated lemon peel
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For Serving:
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6 salmon fillets, grilled to preference
Instructions
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Combine cherries, water, Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, wine, onion, garlic, honey, lemon juice, lemon peel, salt, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
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Spoon sauce generously over grilled salmon fillets.
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Serve warm with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
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For a richer sauce, reduce wine to ¼ cup and add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
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Substitute chicken or grilled tofu for a lighter variation.
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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.
