Description
This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans is a vibrant and festive main course perfect for any occasion. Tender salmon fillets are oven-baked to perfection, then topped with a zesty and slightly sweet cranberry salsa, adding a fresh contrast. Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, making this dish both flavorful and nutritious. Easy to prepare and ideal for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cranberry Salsa
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Extra cilantro or lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Season and bake salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Make cranberry salsa: While the salmon bakes, add the cranberries to a food processor and pulse several times until they are roughly chopped but not pureed. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl. Stir in the finely diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime juice as desired for balance.
- Assemble and garnish: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and spoon a generous amount of the cranberry salsa over each fillet. Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans on top for added crunch. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges if desired. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with wild rice or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- For a milder salsa, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely to suit your spice preference.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with thawed frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to release their oils and enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
