Salmon in White Wine Sauce

This White Wine Salmon Recipe is made with salmon, white wine, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic and garnished with parsley.

The wine makes the salmon so soft and gives it a nice flavorful kick and a subtle layer of flavor. It only takes about 20 minutes to make in total which makes this a great healthy weeknight meal. The blistered tomatoes compliment the fish so much. A tip is to double the blistered tomato amount and use half for the fish and the other half can be used as sauce for cooked pasta on the side. It is so great if you are looking to make a healthy meal. The leftovers taste just as good the next day and goes great with a nice light salad.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Everything but the Bagel Salmon or my Salmon Rice Bowl.

Jump to:

• What is White Wine Salmon?
• Why you will love this recipe
• White Wine Salmon Recipe Ingredients
• How to make White Wine Salmon
• What to serve with White Wine Salmon
• Substitutions
• White Wine Salmon Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store White Wine Salmon
• White Wine Salmon Recipe Top tips
• Salmon in White Wine Sauce
• Food safety

What is White Wine Salmon?

White Wine Salmon is a dish where salmon is cooked using white wine as a key ingredient. It involves marinating the salmon in a mixture of white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to infuse it with flavor. The salmon is then typically baked in the wine sauce until it is cooked through and tender. The white wine adds a subtle acidity and enhances the natural flavors of the salmon, resulting in a delicate and flavorful dish. It is often served with additional sauce or accompanied by sides such as roasted vegetables or rice.

Why you will love this recipe

• Flavor Enhancement: White wine adds a unique flavor profile to the salmon, enhancing its natural taste. The acidity and subtle fruity notes of the wine complement the richness of the fish, creating a well-balanced and delicious flavor combination.
• Moisture and Tenderness: Cooking salmon with white wine helps retain moisture and ensures that the fish remains tender and succulent. The wine's gentle heat and acidity contribute to a moist and flaky texture, making each bite enjoyable.
• Versatility: White Wine Salmon is versatile and can be prepared in various ways. It can be marinated and grilled, baked in the oven, or even poached in a white wine broth. This versatility allows for different cooking techniques and flavor profiles to suit individual preferences.
• Elegance and Presentation: White Wine Salmon has an elegant and sophisticated appeal, making it a great choice for special occasions or dinner parties. The beautiful color of the salmon combined with the aromatic white wine sauce creates an impressive presentation on the plate.

White Wine Salmon Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Salmon
• White wine
• Olive oil
• Parsley
• Lemon
• Cherry tomatoes
• Butter
• Onion
• White wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Garlic

See recipe card for quantities for this Salmon in White Wine Sauce.

How to make White Wine Salmon

What to serve with White Wine Salmon

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the salmon alongside a medley of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables harmonize well with the salmon.
• Steamed or Sautéed Greens: Prepare a side of steamed or sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. These nutritious greens provide a fresh and vibrant element to the meal.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the White Wine Salmon over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa. The grains can soak up the flavorful juices from the salmon and sauce.
• Lemon Herb Couscous: Prepare a light and citrusy couscous flavored with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. The bright flavors complement the salmon well.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting side dish that pairs nicely with the rich and flavorful White Wine Salmon.
• Salad: Serve a refreshing salad alongside the salmon, such as a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The salad provides a light and crisp contrast to the salmon.
• Grilled Asparagus: Season and grill fresh asparagus spears until tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavors of the grilled asparagus work well with the salmon.
• Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up any delicious sauce from the salmon.

Substitutions

• Salmon: You can use other types of fish like trout, cod, halibut, or sea bass as a substitute for salmon in the recipe.
• White Wine: Replace the white wine with vegetable broth or stock to add some liquid and flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, which have neutral flavors and can be used for cooking.
• Parsley: Use fresh cilantro as an alternative to parsley, providing a different herbaceous flavor.
• Lemon: Swap lemon with lime juice for a tangy citrus flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use a small amount of white vinegar to add acidity and tang, similar to lemon juice.
• Cherry Tomato: Diced or sliced regular tomatoes can be used instead of cherry tomatoes, although they might have a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Butter: Increase the amount of olive oil or use a non-dairy butter substitute like margarine or coconut oil for a plant-based option.
• Onion: If you don't have onions, shallots can be used as a substitute, providing a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
• Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as a substitute. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

White Wine Salmon Recipe Variations

• Lemon and Herb White Wine Salmon: This variation combines the flavors of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a selection of herbs such as parsley, dill, and thyme. The white wine adds brightness and depth to the marinade, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.
• Creamy White Wine and Mushroom Salmon: This variation combines earthy mushrooms with a creamy white wine sauce. The richness of the cream, along with the savory flavors of mushrooms, creates a luxurious coating for the salmon, making it a comforting and indulgent dish.
• Garlic and Parmesan White Wine Salmon: This recipe combines the richness of garlic and the nutty flavors of Parmesan cheese. The white wine acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the savory qualities of the garlic and cheese, resulting in a delicious and savory salmon dish.
• Dijon Mustard and Tarragon White Wine Salmon: This variation features the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the distinct taste of tarragon. The white wine adds a subtle acidity that complements the flavors of the mustard and herb, creating a well-balanced and sophisticated salmon dish.
• Spicy White Wine Salmon: This recipe adds a kick of heat with Cajun spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. The white wine helps to mellow the spice and infuse the salmon with a flavorful and spicy Cajun twist. Check out my Spicy Baked Salmon.

Equipment

• Baking dish: Choose an appropriately-sized baking dish that can comfortably accommodate the salmon fillets without overcrowding them.
• Saucepan: This will be used to make the cherry tomato sauce.
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper: These can be used to line the baking dish, preventing the salmon from sticking and making cleanup easier.
• Mixing bowl: A bowl will be needed to prepare the marinade or sauce for the salmon.
• Whisk or fork: Use a whisk or fork to mix and combine the ingredients for the marinade or sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: These are useful for accurately measuring the ingredients for the marinade or sauce.
• Oven: Baked white wine salmon requires an oven for cooking. Make sure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature mentioned in the recipe.
• Oven mitts: These will protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish.
• Tongs or a spatula: Use tongs or a spatula to carefully transfer the salmon fillets to and from the baking dish.
• Knife and cutting board: These are needed for slicing and preparing any additional ingredients, such as lemon or herbs, for garnishing.
• Serving platter or plates: Use a serving platter or individual plates for presenting and serving the baked white wine salmon.

How to store White Wine Salmon

To store White Wine Salmon properly, follow these steps:

1. Let it cool: Allow the cooked White Wine Salmon to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can lead to a loss of texture and quality.
2. Separate from sauce: If you have prepared the salmon with a sauce or marinade, it's best to separate the salmon from the sauce before storing. This prevents the salmon from becoming overly saturated or mushy.
3. Refrigeration: Place the cooled salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can use a resealable plastic bag. Properly sealed containers help maintain the freshness and prevent any odors from affecting the salmon.
4. Label and date: If you're storing the salmon for an extended period, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Salmon is best consumed within 2-3 days of cooking.
5. Refrigerator placement: Store the White Wine Salmon in the refrigerator, preferably on a shelf rather than in the door or crisper drawer. The consistent temperature on the shelf helps maintain the quality and flavor of the salmon.
6. Reheating: When you're ready to eat the stored salmon, gently reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon to avoid dryness.

White Wine Salmon Recipe Top tips

• Choose a quality white wine: Select a white wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay work well in White Wine Salmon recipes.
• Use fresh and quality ingredients: Opt for fresh salmon fillets, as they will contribute to the overall taste and texture of the dish. Also, use fresh herbs, garlic, and other ingredients to enhance the flavors.
• Marinate for optimal flavor: Marinating the salmon in the white wine mixture for at least 30 minutes (or longer if time allows) helps infuse the flavors into the fish. Ensure the salmon is evenly coated in the marinade for maximum flavor.
• Don't overcook the salmon: Salmon is best when it's cooked just until it's opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness.
• Season properly: Season the salmon with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavors. You can also add additional seasonings such as herbs, spices, or lemon zest to suit your taste preferences.
• Garnish for presentation: Sprinkle fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, on top of the cooked salmon before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finishing touch.
• Rest the salmon: Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
• Serve it hot: White Wine Salmon is best enjoyed when served hot or warm. Make sure to time the preparation and serving so that the dish is still hot when it reaches the table.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.