Certified Nutrition Specialist, PCOS Expert and Functional Dietitian passionate about guiding you through your PCOS hormone balancing journey. Let's got to the root cause of your PCOS together!
Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s simple, nourishing, and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant? This honey paprika salmon has been one of my go-to PCOS-friendly meals for years and every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe.
It’s sweet, savory, gently spiced, and best of all, it takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re managing PCOS symptoms like blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, or hormonal fatigue, this salmon dish hits the mark: protein-rich, anti-inflammatory, and low on prep.
This is my secret weapon recipe!
I’ve had this honey paprika salmon recipe under my belt for more than 20 years. When I was a teen in the early 2000s, my mom and I discovered it while on one of our diets. I still remember how insane it sounded to us- how could fatty fish be healthy? How could food that was actually delicious help us lose weight?
That time was the very beginning of people looking at food quality instead of just quantity when planning meals. It was genuinely SO good and it has always stuck with me since and holds a special place in my heart.
A few weeks ago, I had some friends over to my house and I made this for them. When I tell you they raved about it, I’m not kidding! I was asked for the recipe and it prompted a very long conversation on cooking fish, different ways to make salmon, and how this was the best way they’d ever had it.
That got me thinking, why have I not added this little gem to my blog?? So here it is, my favorite salmon recipe: honey paprika salmon. I hope you enjoy it!
Why This Recipe Works for PCOS
As a functional nutritionist and someone who lives with PCOS, I know how hard it can be to find recipes that check all the boxes:
High in protein to support blood sugar and hormone balance
Anti-inflammatory ingredients (paprika and omega-3s!)
Low in added sugar but still flavorful
Quick and realistic for busy weeknights
Salmon is one of my favorite proteins for PCOS. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower inflammation, support brain health, and promote healthy hormone production. The paprika adds gentle spice without heat, and the honey creates the perfect caramelized glaze that keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
In fact, omega 3 fatty acids are so important for PCOS and reducing symptoms that I recommend you eat fish at least three times a week and preferably more if possible! If you can’t do that, I recommend a high quality omega 3 supplement (this is my rec) to bridge those nutrient gaps.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
1 salmon fillet (wild-caught if possible)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Paprika (don’t be shy! I like to coat it generously, about a teaspoon is good if you need a general idea but I coat it well and measure with my heart)
Honey, for drizzling
Optional: extra honey for a second drizzle near the end
Optional: broccoli or another veggie to roast alongside
How to Make Honey Paprika Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: Prep the salmon. Place the salmon fillet on the sheet skin-side down. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a generous amount of paprika.
Step 3: Drizzle with honey. Use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to spread it evenly across the top.
Step 4: Bake. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Depending on thickness, check at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking. When a fork stuck into the salmon flakes easily, it’s done.
Step 5 (Optional): Around the 15-minute mark, you can add another light drizzle of honey to enhance the glaze.
Step 6: Serve. I usually pair this with roasted or steamed broccoli (pop it on the same sheet for a one-pan meal!) or a side of quinoa, rice, or cauliflower mash.
Variations & Tips
Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor
Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra dimension. Sometimes I’ll also use an all-seasoning like this one or a sweet-smoky blend (this one).
This recipe works great in the air fryer too just reduce the cooking time
Want a full meal? Add chopped broccoli florets or asparagus to the tray before roasting
Is Honey Salmon OK for PCOS?
Yes! A small amount of honey in this context is totally PCOS-friendly, especially when balanced by the protein-rich salmon and fiber from the veggies. The blood sugar response is minimal when it’s part of a balanced plate and the flavor you get is so worth it.
Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s simple, nourishing, and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant? This honey paprika salmon has been one of my go-to PCOS-friendly meals for years and every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe.It’s sweet, savory, gently spiced, and best of all, it takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re managing PCOS symptoms like blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, or hormonal fatigue, this salmon dish hits the mark: protein-rich, anti-inflammatory, and low on prep.
4tsppaprika(you can absolutely use more, go crazy lol!)
drizzlehoney
salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.Step 2: Prep the salmon. Place the salmon fillet on the sheet skin-side down. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a generous amount of paprika.Step 3: Drizzle with honey. Use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to spread it evenly across the top.Step 4: Bake. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Depending on thickness, check at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.Step 5 (Optional): Around the 15-minute mark, you can add another light drizzle of honey to enhance the glaze.Step 6: Serve. I usually pair this with roasted or steamed broccoli (pop it on the same sheet for a one-pan meal!) or a side of quinoa, rice, or cauliflower mash.Serve with roasted broccoli or other veggie for a balanced PCOS friendly meal.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a professional chef (or follow a 20-step recipe) to eat in a way that supports your pcos and hormones. Sometimes the simplest meals are the most powerful. This honey paprika salmon is proof of that.
I have SO many amazing recipes in the 4 week meal plan for PCOS Foundations. If you like this one, you’ll love the recipes there too! Find more here.
Let me know if you try it, and tag me [@functionalpcos] on Instagram. I love seeing your creations!
Affiliate disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link, you'll be taken to a product where I may receive a commission in exchange for your purchase. This does not add to your total purchase price, but is just one way that companies compensate me for spreading the word about their products. I only link to products and brands I actually use, trust, and have vetted and never promote products I don't believe in.
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MEdical Disclaimer
The information contained on amberfischernutrition.com is for informational and education purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. As a nutrition professional, I draw upon evidence based practices and personal experience with myself and clients to form recommendations like the ones made in this guide. You are an individual with your own unique set of health goals and concerns. Ensure you discuss any changes to your diet with a qualified healthcare professional, like your doctor, to ensure these changes are right for you. This is especially important if you have any other underlying medical conditions. Do not consume foods you are allergic to. Results will be individual and will vary.
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This site contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through a link provided on this website, I may make a small commission. This does not add to the purchase price of the item. I only link to items I truly use and recommend.
