You’ll love how easy this apricot glaze for salmon recipe is! AND, because I don’t want you to have to think about dinner at all, I’ve included the only side dish you need to pair with this apricot glazed salmon right in the recipe.
This healthy weeknight dinner for families is ready in 30 minutes, too!

I had originally published this recipe years ago, but it was time to revamp it, take new pictures, and add some side dishes too!
The recipe for salmon with apricot glaze is so incredibly easy and also very kid-friendly. When my meal plan group had this dish, many of them were surprised by how much their families liked it! I think a little sweetness can always help sway people. 😉
How to Make Apricot Glaze for Salmon:
Are you ready for how easy this apricot mustard glaze is?
- Stir together dijon mustard and apricot preserves.
- Spread over seasoned salmon.
- Broil.
That’s it! The apricot preserves add a sweet and tart flavor, while the dijon mustard gives it a little kick and depth. It’s the perfect combination of flavors, I think I’ll need to try it on chicken next.


Best Salmon for Apricot Glazed Salmon:
A common theme I hear about salmon is that people don’t like the taste of it or that salmon tastes too fishy. And I have a solution to this! (Or at least something that’s worth trying.) The benefits of salmon (they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is a healthy fat that many of us are short on. It’s why I’m always working on more salmon recipes for my meal plan group, it’s a really important food!
But, while I personally love any and all salmon, I know that others find the flavor a bit strong. Different varieties of salmon have different flavors. So if you typically find wild salmon too strongly flavored, I would recommend trying farm-raised salmon.
Normally, I would always say that wild-caught salmon is my first choice. For nutrition, for sustainability, for supporting local fisheries! But if you won’t eat it at all, you’re missing out on the benefits, so it’s important to find a variety that works for you. (Both in terms of flavor and price.)
And if you try this and it works? Be sure to let me know down in the comments!

What to Serve with Apricot Glazed Salmon:
As you’ll see below, I included a side dish for this recipe for salmon with apricot glaze. This quinoa stir fry is reminiscent of quinoa fried rice and it’s a great mix of grains and veggies. I always aim for a protein, vegetable, and grain/starch component in all of my weeknight dinner ideas. (Healthy fats too but they aren’t always their own component.) If you aren’t into the quinoa stir fry, here are a few other healthy side dishes to try:


faith @ lovelyascharged
Apricot is hands down one of my favorite flavors ever! I totally will be trying this glaze on tofu sometime this week!
Emily
Oooh, I never thought about tofu! I love that idea.
Holly @ The Runny Egg
Emily that looks delicious! I’ve had apricot glazed chicken but not salmon!
And I’m with you on wishing for warmer weather 🙁
Natasha
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to make it for dinner tonight!
Thank you!!
Dana
Looks delicious… I really need to start liking fish. It’s so good for you!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish
This looks delicious, Emily! I love the simplicity of the recipe. I don’t have apricot preserves on hand, but I bet raspberry glazed salmon would be tasty too!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
oooh i love the flavors in this! is that 1/3 cup apricot preserves?
Emily
Yes, sorry, I’ll update that! 🙂
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner
I LOVE APRICOTS! 😀 Thank you for sharing such an awesome recipe! 😀
Lori@FakeFoodFree
What a great idea! I’ll definitley be trying this. I’m the same way with salmon, always looking for something new.
Laura @ prettylittlewords
I make this exact same recipe, except with chicken!!
If I want to switch up the flavor a bit, I swap the apricot for figs, or even for maple! The sweet + tangy combo can’t be beat 🙂
Emily
Oooh, I love maple + dijon idea!!! Thanks!
Tut
Didn’t have apricot preserves so I used the orange marmalade on hand, with the mustard. The marmalade worked well, next time I’ll add more mustard to balance the sweet.
★★★★★
Emily
Good to know, thanks Tut!