Description
This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans is a vibrant and festive dish featuring tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a tangy, sweet-tart cranberry salsa mixed with crunchy pecans. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delightful blend of textures and fresh flavors that will brighten any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
For the Cranberry Salsa
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or 1/2 cup cranberry sauce if using pre-made)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the salsa)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place the salmon fillets on it.
- Season the salmon: Drizzle the salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fillets and set aside.
- Make the cranberry salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, chopped red onion, cilantro, honey, and lime juice. Use the back of a spoon to lightly mash the cranberries, releasing some juice while leaving some whole for texture.
- Add pecans and oil: Stir in the chopped pecans and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
- Bake the salmon: Place the prepared salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Assemble the dish: Remove the baked salmon from the oven and place each fillet on serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the cranberry salsa over each fillet and sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately: Serve your baked salmon with cranberry salsa alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish!
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute salmon with firm tofu or a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup in place of honey.
- Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and brightness, but cranberry sauce can be used as a convenient shortcut.
- To make the salmon extra crispy, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover cranberry salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the level of sweetness in the salsa by adding more honey or maple syrup if desired.
