This Grilled Salmon & Polenta dish strikes a beautiful balance between tender, smoky salmon and hearty, pan‑seared polenta rounds, all brightened by a juicy grape tomato garlic packet infused with thyme and white wine. It’s a wonderfully simple yet elegant summer meal ideal for grilling fans and quick weeknight dinners.
Polenta is a coarse cornmeal porridge common in Italian cooking. In this recipe, pre‑cooked polenta is sliced and grilled until it develops a crispy exterior while staying creamy inside. The tomato‑garlic foil packet not only steams the tomatoes but also creates a flavorful jus to spoon over each plate, enhancing both salmon and polenta.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 cups grape tomatoes
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2 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil (plus more for the grill)
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3 cloves garlic, finely grated
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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½ tsp chopped fresh thyme, plus 3 sprigs
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¼ cup dry white wine
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1 (17–18 oz) tube polenta, cut into 12 rounds
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4 (6‑oz) skin‑on, center‑cut salmon fillets (preferably wild)
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1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
Directions:
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Preheat grill to medium‑high. On a large piece of foil, toss tomatoes with 1 Tbsp olive oil, garlic, ¾ tsp salt, pepper, and thyme sprigs. Pour in wine and fold foil to form a packet; set aside.
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Brush polenta rounds with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Season salmon with chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Oil grill grates. Grill tomato packet until tomatoes are soft, 10-12 min. Meanwhile, grill polenta and salmon, skin‑side down, 3-4 min. Flip and cook another 3-4 min, until salmon is just cooked through.
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Plate salmon and polenta; spoon tomatoes and juices over top. Garnish with chives.
Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min | Kcal: 421 per serving | Servings: 4
Grilled Salmon and Polenta with Tomato Packet: A Flavorful Summer Classic
Grilled Salmon and Polenta with Tomato Packet is a standout dish that blends rustic Mediterranean charm with modern grilling techniques. It’s a meal that checks all the boxes it’s quick to prepare, visually stunning, healthy, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. With minimal prep and a few quality ingredients, this recipe becomes more than the sum of its parts. It’s not only ideal for weeknight dinners but also elevated enough for casual entertaining.
At the heart of this dish are three main elements: perfectly grilled salmon, crispy yet creamy polenta rounds, and a foil packet of tomatoes infused with garlic, white wine, and herbs. Each component is simple on its own, but together they create a symphony of textures and tastes. The foil packet cooking technique enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness while preserving their juiciness. Grilled salmon lends a satisfying protein-packed base with rich omega-3 flavor, and the golden polenta adds a beautiful contrast crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
The Magic of the Tomato Packet
Foil packet cooking, also known as “en papillote” when done with parchment in French cuisine, is an underutilized gem in outdoor cooking. This method seals in moisture and flavor while allowing ingredients to cook gently and evenly. In this recipe, grape tomatoes are tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme sprigs before being sealed in foil and placed on the grill. A splash of white wine adds acidity and complexity, steaming the tomatoes until they burst and create a naturally rich and herbaceous sauce.
This tomato packet is more than just a side it’s the flavor anchor of the whole dish. Its warm, garlicky juices seep onto the polenta and salmon, marrying all elements with a silky, slightly tangy finish. The thyme infuses a subtle earthiness that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and enhances the grilled flavor of the fish.
Polenta: The Creamy-Carb That Grills Like a Dream
Polenta, made from coarsely ground cornmeal, is a staple in Italian kitchens. While traditionally served as a creamy porridge, pre-cooked polenta (available in tubes at most supermarkets) makes it easier to slice and grill. When grilled, polenta develops a lightly crisp, golden crust on the outside while retaining a smooth and creamy center. It’s an ideal carbohydrate base that’s both gluten-free and incredibly versatile.
Grilling polenta rounds takes this humble ingredient to a new level. They add texture and visual interest to the plate and soak up the tomato juices beautifully. Whether you’re catering to gluten-sensitive guests or just want an alternative to pasta or potatoes, grilled polenta is a smart and satisfying option.
Salmon: A Protein Powerhouse
Salmon is one of the most nutritious fish available, known for its high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Grilling salmon imparts a subtle smokiness while preserving its natural moisture. In this recipe, skin-on salmon fillets are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and chopped thyme the goal is to let the fish’s natural flavor shine while enhancing it with fresh herbs.
Cooking salmon with the skin on not only helps hold the fillets together but also crisps up beautifully when grilled correctly. The skin also provides a barrier that protects the tender flesh from drying out over direct heat. The result is a fish that’s lightly charred, buttery in texture, and incredibly flavorful.
Pairing salmon with the tomato packet and grilled polenta creates a well-rounded dish in terms of both nutrition and flavor. You get lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and a dose of vegetables in every serving without needing to rely on heavy sauces or elaborate garnishes.
Cooking with Simplicity and Elegance
One of the joys of this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are familiar and easy to find, yet the presentation feels elevated and thoughtful. Everything cooks on the grill, minimizing cleanup and making it ideal for warm-weather evenings or even tailgate parties. It’s a recipe that invites personalization you can swap in seasonal herbs, use cherry tomatoes instead of grape, or experiment with different white wines for varied acidity.
This dish also caters well to meal prep and leftovers. The grilled polenta rounds can be stored and reheated easily, and leftover salmon flakes beautifully over a salad or into a wrap. The tomato mixture can be blended into a light sauce or used as a bruschetta topping the next day.
Perfect for Entertaining
Grilled Salmon and Polenta with Tomato Packet is a showstopper for summer get-togethers. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to scale up for larger crowds. Since everything can be prepped in advance and cooked quickly on the grill, you won’t spend your evening in the kitchen. It’s also customizable if someone doesn’t eat fish, they can enjoy the polenta and tomato packet on its own or with grilled vegetables or tofu.
The visual appeal of the dish shouldn’t be overlooked. The rich pink of the salmon, golden rounds of polenta, and burst cherry tomatoes come together to create a plate that looks as good as it tastes. Add a sprinkle of chopped chives and a drizzle of olive oil to finish, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right in your backyard.
Nutritional Balance and Health Benefits
Each component of this recipe offers valuable nutritional benefits:
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Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. It’s also a great source of B vitamins and selenium.
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Polenta, made from cornmeal, is naturally gluten-free and provides slow-burning carbohydrates and essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
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Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been linked to reduced inflammation and better cardiovascular health. When cooked, their lycopene content becomes even more bioavailable.
The use of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs further enhances the nutritional profile by adding heart-healthy fats and antimicrobial properties.
Ideal Pairings
If you’re looking to round out the meal with drinks or sides, here are a few ideas:
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Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio complements the acidity of the tomato packet and the richness of the salmon.
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Side Salad: Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a fennel and orange salad for a refreshing bite.
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Dessert: Something light like lemon sorbet or grilled peaches with yogurt would be the perfect finale.
Conclusion:
Grilled Salmon and Polenta with Tomato Packet is a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and freshness. It embodies everything we love about summer cooking fast, fuss-free prep; big, satisfying flavors; and wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe offers a rewarding and stress-free way to impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner routine.
Beyond just taste, this dish offers nutritional balance, visual appeal, and adaptability, making it a staple you’ll return to all season long. Try it once, and you’ll see why it deserves a permanent spot in your warm-weather recipe rotation.