Description
This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans offers a delightful blend of tender, flaky salmon topped with a zesty and sweet cranberry salsa, complemented by the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe combines fresh ingredients and simple baking techniques for an elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cranberry Salsa
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Topping
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the fillets and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Prepare Cranberry Salsa: While the salmon bakes, combine the chopped fresh cranberries, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the baked salmon from the oven and top each fillet with a generous spoonful of the cranberry salsa and toasted pecans. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or fresh orange slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Ensure you do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- The cranberry salsa can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated for up to one day.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the salsa.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tangy flavor—frozen cranberries may alter texture.
- Toast pecans carefully as they can burn quickly; remove from heat as soon as fragrant.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light quinoa salad.
