Short Description
Salmon foil packets with pineapple and lemon garlic butter sauce are a flavorful, juicy, and easy-to-make meal. This dish features tender, flaky salmon paired with sweet pineapple and a rich, buttery garlic sauce infused with fresh lemon. Baked or grilled, these foil packets are a perfect option for a healthy and delicious dinner with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just assemble, wrap, and bake!
- Juicy and flavorful – Pineapple adds natural sweetness, balancing the garlic butter sauce.
- Healthy and nutritious – Loaded with omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Minimal cleanup – Everything cooks in one foil packet.
- Great for grilling or baking – Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy indoor dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Honey or maple syrup
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven or grill – Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high.
- Prepare the foil sheets – Tear out large pieces of aluminum foil and lightly grease them with olive oil.
- Season the salmon – Place each salmon fillet in the center of a foil sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Make the lemon garlic butter sauce – In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey.
- Assemble the packets – Spoon the sauce over the salmon and top with pineapple chunks.
- Seal the foil packets – Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, sealing tightly.
- Bake or grill –
- Oven: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the salmon is flaky.
- Grill: Cook for 12-15 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Garnish and serve – Open the packets carefully, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm with rice or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-18 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes.
- Coconut twist – Replace butter with coconut oil for a tropical flavor.
- Vegetable addition – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the foil packet.
- Soy-glazed version – Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.
- Dairy-free option – Use olive oil instead of butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as pineapple can become watery.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 1 minute.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking.
What’s the best way to prevent salmon from sticking to the foil?
Grease the foil with olive oil or use parchment paper inside the foil.
Can I cook these packets in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Do I have to use fresh pineapple?
No, canned pineapple works too—just drain the juice first.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the packets and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes! Try cod, trout, or tilapia using the same method.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Can I add a glaze instead of the butter sauce?
Yes! A teriyaki or ginger-soy glaze would be delicious.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, just reduce the pineapple or replace it with low-carb veggies.
Conclusion
Salmon foil packets with pineapple and lemon garlic butter sauce are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy, flaky salmon, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a touch of sweetness from pineapple, this dish is both healthy and indulgent. Try it today for a hassle-free, flavorful dinner!
PrintSalmon Foil Packets with Pineapple and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
These Salmon Foil Packets with Pineapple and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce are an easy, healthy, and flavorful meal. The salmon is perfectly tender, infused with citrus and buttery garlic flavors, and topped with juicy pineapple for a sweet and savory balance. Cooked in foil, this dish is great for the oven, grill, or even a campfire!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Salmon & Vegetables:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Foil Packets
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut 4 large sheets of aluminum foil (about 12 inches each).
Step 2: Assemble the Packets
- Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet.
- Divide zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple evenly among the packets.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and parsley.
- Spoon the sauce evenly over each salmon fillet and vegetables.
Step 4: Seal & Cook
- Fold the foil over the salmon and crimp the edges tightly to form a sealed packet.
- For the oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- For the grill: Cook packets over direct heat for 12–15 minutes.
- Carefully open packets (watch out for steam!) and serve immediately.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Swap the Pineapple: Use mango or orange slices for a different fruity twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of grains.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked packets for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.