Easy Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans Recipe

Salmon lovers find pure bliss in this unexpected cranberry salsa recipe that combines rich, buttery fish with tart, zesty flavors.

Crisp pecans add a delightful crunch to every perfectly flaked bite.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across the fillet, creating depth and complexity.

Fresh cranberries burst with tangy brightness against the tender salmon.

We carefully balance sweet, savory, and nutty elements for a dish that surprises and delights.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in crafting an unforgettable meal.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Crunchy Pecans

• Craft Gourmet Elegance: Transform a simple salmon dish into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills, combining vibrant cranberry salsa and crunchy pecans for a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with heart-healthy omega-3 from salmon, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and protein-dense pecans, this recipe delivers a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall wellness.
• Celebrate Seasonal Versatility: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or impressive date nights, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different occasions while delivering bold, tangy, and sweet flavor combinations.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires just one baking sheet, minimal prep time, and straightforward ingredients, making it an ideal solution for home cooks seeking delicious meals without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Cranberry Salsa Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish with a rich, buttery flavor that serves as the main protein of the dish.

• Cranberries, Red Onion: Bright, tangy ingredients that create a zesty topping for the salmon.
• Jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick to the salsa for those who enjoy some heat.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a vibrant, herbal note to the salsa.

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweetener that balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds depth to the salsa.
• Lime Juice: Citrus element that brightens the overall flavor profile and adds acidity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and salsa.
• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the salmon moist and adds a subtle richness.

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide a nutty texture and additional flavor to the dish.

How to Bake Salmon with Cranberry Salsa

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). This high heat will help create a perfect golden exterior on the salmon.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to enhance the fish’s natural flavors.

Step 3: Bake The Fish

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the salmon cook for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish easily flakes with a gentle fork touch and looks opaque throughout.

Step 4: Create Vibrant Cranberry Salsa

• Chopped cranberries
• Diced red onion
• Minced jalapeno
• Honey or maple syrup
• Fresh lime juice
• Chopped cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until well mixed, creating a bright and zesty salsa.

Step 5: Top The Salmon

Remove salmon from the oven and generously spoon the cranberry salsa over each fillet, ensuring every bite gets maximum flavor.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Finish

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the salsa for a delightful nutty crunch that complements the fish perfectly.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the salmon to serving plates immediately and pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Baked Salmon

• Pat fish dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfectly moist and flaky texture.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized salsa intensity.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch before garnishing.
• Replace honey with agave nectar for a vegan option or use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable.

Variations on Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa

• Tropical Mango Salsa Salmon: Replace cranberry salsa with diced fresh mango, red bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, and fresh mint for a sweet and zesty Caribbean-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Olive Topping Salmon: Swap cranberry salsa with chopped kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style fish preparation.
• Spicy Pineapple Pecan Salmon: Create a salsa using chunky pineapple pieces, habanero pepper, green onions, and cilantro, topped with toasted macadamia nuts instead of pecans for a Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Perfect Pairings for Salmon with Cranberry Salsa

• Pair Zesty Chardonnay: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes that complement the salmon's richness and cut through the tangy cranberry salsa.
• Create Nutty Side Match: Serve roasted wild rice pilaf with toasted pecans to echo the pecan garnish and provide a complementary texture that enhances the salmon's delicate flavor.
• Design Herb-Infused Accompaniment: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's sweetness and add a peppery freshness that contrasts with the salmon's richness.
• Select Sparkling Palate Cleanser: Opt for a dry prosecco or sparkling wine with crisp acidity that refreshes the palate between bites and highlights the cranberry salsa's vibrant character.

How to Store Baked Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate salsa and pecans before freezing to maintain texture.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add fresh salsa after reheating.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh, wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are ideal because they have a rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking.

• Can I use frozen cranberries for the salsa?

Yes, thaw the frozen cranberries completely and pat them dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the salsa.

• How spicy will the salsa be with jalapeno?

The jalapeno adds a mild heat. Remove the seeds for less spiciness or skip it entirely if you prefer a milder salsa.

• Are the pecans necessary for the recipe?

No, pecans are optional. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, but you can omit them if you have nut allergies or prefer a simpler dish.

Baked Salmon With Cranberry Salsa And Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets zesty cranberry salsa in this Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines rich flavors and elegant textures. Crunchy pecans add a delightful nutty crunch, elevating your culinary experience with each perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Seasoning and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cranberry Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen), roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (or shallot)
• 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), preparing the culinary stage for a flavor-packed salmon experience.
2. Arrange salmon fillets gracefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lavishing them with a delicate olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
3. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the salmon to transform for 12-15 minutes until it reaches a perfectly flaky texture that effortlessly separates with a gentle fork prod.
4. Craft the vibrant cranberry salsa by combining chopped cranberries, diced red onion, minced jalapeno, a touch of honey or maple syrup, zesty lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro, and a whisper of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss the ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
5. Extract the golden-baked salmon from the oven, adorning each fillet with a generous cascade of the vivid cranberry salsa.
6. Elevate the dish’s texture by scattering a handful of roughly chopped pecans across the salsa-topped salmon, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
7. Serve the salmon immediately, presenting a symphony of flavors that dance between sweet, tangy, and rich elements.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s firm and has a vibrant color.
• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a crispy exterior and better browning.
• Adjust baking time based on salmon thickness – thinner fillets will cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.
• Customize the cranberry salsa’s heat level by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your spice preference.
• For a low-carb option, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor before sprinkling over the dish.
• Swap cilantro with fresh parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s distinctive taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg