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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), preparing the culinary stage for a flavor-packed salmon experience.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Extract the golden-baked salmon from the oven, adorning each fillet with a generous cascade of the vivid cranberry salsa.
- 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.
- 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