Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa & Pecans
A delightful dish combining tender baked salmon, vibrant cranberry salsa, and crunchy pecans, perfect for elevating weeknight meals.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 375kcal
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 pieces salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) Tender, flaky, and full of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Rich and smooth, perfect for drizzling on the salmon.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Essential for enhancing the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a warm, savory note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Brings a hint of smokiness and color.
For the Cranberry Salsa
- 3/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries Sweet and tart, they brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup diced mango or apple Optional for added sweetness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped Offers a zesty crunch.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Lends freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice Provides acidity and zest.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup A touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
Toppings
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans Crunchy texture with a nutty flavor.
- Extra cilantro for garnish Visual appeal and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Salsa Preparation
- While the salmon is baking, combine cranberries, mango (or apple), red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Stir well and let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pecan Toasting
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
Serving
- Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and transfer to serving plates.
- Spoon the cranberry salsa generously over each fillet.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans and extra cilantro for an added touch of freshness and color.
- Enjoy warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
Check the salmon a little earlier than the suggested cooking time to ensure it's flaky; avoid overcooking. Consider marinating the salmon for extra flavor. Fresh cranberries offer a vibrant flavor boost if in season.