Apple, Horseradish & Rosemary Grilled Salmon
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Grilled salmon featuring a unique twist – a delectable sauce featuring a medley of crisp apple sweetness, bold horseradish heat, and the earthy warmth of rosemary.
Dietary Preferences: High-protein, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, egg-free
Macronutrients (per serving):

Carb Energy
2.3g | 9 kcal

Protein Power
23.6g | 94 kcal

Fat Fuel
8.7g | 78 kcal
Learn more about the importance of macronutrients in your outdoor adventure meal plan
Why this salmon rocks
- Salmon doesn’t stick to the grill
- Quick and easy to make
- A unique and delicious flavour profile
- Healthy ingredients used make this nutrient-packed meal
- The sauce is versatile. Use any leftovers to accompany other proteins such as pork or sausage
Apple, Horseradish & Rosemary Grilled Salmon Ingredients
Before you go running to the store, let me give you the inside scoop on the key ingredients:
Native to: North Pacific and Atlantic Ocean (species dependent)
Top 3 nutrients: omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D
You can use any salmon you prefer such as Sockeye, Coho or Atlantic. Regardless of the species you go for, I always recommend opting for wild-caught. Besides being a more environmentally sustainable source, wild-caught salmon is often higher in nutrients due to their diet and living conditions.
Native to: central Asia
Top 3 nutrients: fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants
Unsweetened applesauce contains no added sugars. The natural sweetness comes from the apples themselves. This option is often favoured by those looking to reduce their sugar intake or by those who prefer a more tart and natural apple flavour. If you have sweetened applesauce on hand, it’s completely okay to use as well. The sauce will be a bit more sweet.
Native to: southeastern Europe (horseradish)
Top 3 nutrients: vitamin C, fiber, calcium
Creamed horseradish is smooth and creamy which helps mellow the pungency of the horseradish, resulting in a less intense and more balanced flavour profile. You can use non-creamed horseradish as well, but know it provides a bold and pungent kick, making it a choice for those who enjoy the distinctive taste of horseradish.
Native to: Mediterranean
Top 3 nutrients: antioxidants, vitamin C, iron
You can use either dried or fresh rosemary. If using fresh, triple the amount called for in the recipe.
Native to: world-wide (domesticated)*
Top 3 nutrients: protein, calcium, vitamin D
A little bit of butter does a lot of magic!
- helps amplify and carry the flavours of the rosemary
- adds a creamy and velvety texture to the sauce
- mellows the acidity of the apples
*Milk cows are not native to a single specific location but have been bred and developed from wild aurochs over thousands of years. Aurochs were native to various parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Native to: variety dependent
Top 3 nutrients: fats, vitamin E, omega 3 or 6
Avocado, sunflower, canola and grapeseed have mellow flavours and hold the best heat allowance.
Native to: world-wide
Table, kosher, sea, himalayan… whatever salt you have will do!
Native to: Southwest India
Top 3 nutrients: protein, calcium, phosphorous
Like my dad says : “I’m not saying I put black pepper on everything, but if it doesn’t have black pepper, I’m probably not eating it.”
What to Serve With Apple, Horseradish & Rosemary Grilled Salmon
The combination of apple, horseradish, and rosemary with this grilled salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complement and enhance the overall dish:
- Roasted Vegetables:
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots can add a wonderful depth of flavours and textures.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice:
- Serve the grilled salmon over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious and satisfying base. The grains can absorb the delicious flavours of the salmon and sauce.
- Citrus Salad:
- A light and refreshing citrus salad with segments of oranges or grapefruit, mixed greens, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a zesty contrast to the richness of the salmon.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- Creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the sweetness of the apple in the sauce while offering a delightful side dish.
- Couscous with Dried Fruits:
- Couscous mixed with dried fruits such as apricots or raisins can add a sweet and savoury element to the meal, balancing the flavours of the salmon.
- Sautéed Spinach or Swiss Chard:
- Lightly sautéed leafy greens with garlic or shallots can provide a nutritious and vibrant side that pairs well with the salmon.
- Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad:
- Prepare a quinoa salad with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro, along with diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes, dressed in a lemon vinaigrette for a light and flavourful side.
- Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans:
- Simple grilled asparagus or green beans seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper can add a crisp and tender side to the dish.

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Apple, Horseradish & Rosemary Grilled Salmon FAQ's
Can this be cooked in a pan or in foil?
Although you’ll miss out on the nice char and smoky touch from a grill or fire, you can certainly cooking these in a pan or in foil too. If using foil, you’ll want to lightly coat the foil with some oil or butter as an extra preventative against sticking.
Can I use non-creamed horseradish?
Yes, but know it provides a bold and pungent kick, making it a choice for those who enjoy the distinctive taste of horseradish. It will still be delicious but can easily overpower the salmon.
More campfire + grill recipes:

Apple, Horseradish & Rosemary Grilled Salmon
Notable Equipment
- grill or campfire broiler
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 100g each
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp creamed horseradish
- 1 tbsp butter, or vegetable oil
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- vegetable oil, to lightly coat salmon
- salt and pepper to taste; to lightly coat salmon
Instructions
Prep salmon for the grill:
- 1. Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat
- 2. With a paper towel, pat salmon to remove moisture (this prevents sticking)
- 3. Lightly coat with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- 4. Barbecue directly on grill skin down for 7 - 10 minutes. Flip and grill flesh side down for an addition 5-7 minutes Tip: Salmon usually takes about 15 minutes per inch of thickness (at thickest part) When done, thermometer should read 145℉.
While salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce:
- 5. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter or warm vegetable oil. Once melted (or warmed), add rosemary. Allow to cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- 6. Add applesauce and horseradish. Bring to a light simmer. Reduce heat to low to keep warm until salmon is finished cooking.
- 7. Once salmon is cooked, dollop about 1 tbsp of sauce on top of each filet. Feel free to add more as per taste preference.
Notes
- The sauce makes 0.5 cups worth - which is more than enough for 4 fillets. I recommend using 1 tbsp per fillet as to not overpower the salmon. Feel free to use more - especially if serving the fish over a grain like quinoa or rice.
- Cooking over the campfire? Learn how to estimate fire cooking temperatures - How to Cook Over the Campfire Like a Master Chef
- Did you know that foil is recyclable? Just ensure to remove food particles as much as possible and crumple up in a ball before recycling
Nutrition
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The Foodie Behind the Screen

Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.



