Description
This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans is a festive and flavorful dish, perfect for special occasions or a healthy dinner option. The tender salmon is complemented by a sweet-tart cranberry salsa and crunchy pecans, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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 the oven and prepare the salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Drizzle the salmon with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and set aside.
-
Prepare the cranberry salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, red onion, cilantro, honey, and lime juice.
- Use the back of a spoon to lightly mash the cranberries, releasing some of their juices, but leaving some whole for texture.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey, if desired.
-
Bake the salmon:
- Place the prepared salmon fillets in the 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:
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and place each fillet on serving plates.
- Spoon a generous amount of cranberry salsa over the top of each salmon fillet and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans for added crunch.
-
Serve:
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Enjoy this vibrant and festive meal!
Notes
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute with canned or homemade cranberry sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- You can make the cranberry salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salsa
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 60mg