The Zesty Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans Recipe

Crafting a delectable baked salmon with cranberry salsa and pecans promises a culinary adventure that sparks excitement.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate this vibrant dish for its unexpected flavor combinations.

Delicate salmon fillets receive a remarkable upgrade through the bright, tangy cranberry salsa.

Crunchy pecans add a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite memorable.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet sophisticated recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

Colorful and nutritious, this meal brings together sweet, savory, and nutty elements in perfect harmony.

FAQs

• Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. The cranberry salsa adds antioxidants, while pecans provide healthy fats and additional protein.

• Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Thaw the salmon completely before baking, pat it dry with paper towels, and follow the same cooking instructions for best results.

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and looks opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

• What if I don't like cilantro?

Simply substitute with fresh parsley or skip the herb entirely. The salsa will still be delicious with the other ingredients providing plenty of flavor.

Salmon That’s Fancy Without the Fuss

• Effortless Elegance: Impress dinner guests with a gourmet-looking dish that requires minimal cooking skills and simple preparation steps.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Combine heart-healthy salmon, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and protein-loaded pecans for a nutritionally balanced meal that supports overall wellness.
• Vibrant Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory notes from the cranberry salsa, balsamic vinegar, and toasted pecans that elevate the classic salmon recipe.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up a delicious and sophisticated dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a wholesome and exciting meal option.

Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa & Pecans Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh and tender fish perfect for baking.
• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant fruit for the salsa.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts for added texture.

• Red Onion, Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic components for the salsa.
• Honey: Sweet binding agent for the salsa.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy flavor enhancer.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes for depth.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing salmon flavor.

Steps to Cook Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This will be the perfect temperature to transform your salmon into a golden, succulent masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon for Baking

Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently drizzle with olive oil and shower with salt and pepper. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish easily breaks apart with a fork.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Cranberry Salsa

• Chopped cranberries
• Diced red onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar
• Orange juice
• Orange zest

Stir everything together until the ingredients dance and mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Pecans

Warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely and remove when they release a rich, nutty aroma.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Pull the perfectly cooked salmon from the oven. Crown each fillet with a generous spoonful of cranberry salsa. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top. For extra flair, add a few cilantro leaves or orange slices.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate immediately and dive into this explosion of flavors – tangy, sweet, and utterly delicious!

Salmon Tips That Lock in Cranberry Salsa Flavor

• Seal in Moisture: Pat salmon fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent steaming, helping the fish bake perfectly.
• Balance Flavors Wisely: Adjust honey and balsamic vinegar in the salsa to create a harmonious sweet-tangy balance that complements the rich salmon.
• Quick Pecan Toasting: Watch pecans closely while toasting to prevent burning, stirring frequently for even, golden-brown color and maximum nutty flavor.
• Fresh Ingredient Swap: Replace fresh cranberries with dried cranberries if out of season, soaking them briefly in warm water to plump and soften.
• Dietary Modification: For a low-carb option, substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener and reduce balsamic vinegar quantity to maintain the salsa's bright taste.

Preserving Baked Salmon With Cranberry Salsa

• Transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate the cranberry salsa and pecans to maintain their freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Exclude the salsa and pecans before freezing to preserve texture.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add fresh salsa and pecans after reheating.
• Reheat salmon on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Sprinkle fresh pecans and add room temperature salsa just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

What Goes Well with Cranberry-Topped Baked Salmon

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich salmon and complements the tangy cranberry salsa, creating a bright and refreshing flavor combination.
• Enhance with Herbal Cocktail: Mix a gin-based cocktail using fresh cilantro, orange juice, and a splash of elderflower liqueur to mirror the recipe's vibrant herb and citrus notes, elevating the dining experience.
• Create Nutty Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with toasted pecans, orange segments, and a citrusy vinaigrette that echoes the salmon's accompanying ingredients, adding texture and complementary flavors.
• Balance with Sparkling Water: Serve a chilled sparkling water infused with fresh orange slices and a sprig of mint to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the dish's bright, zesty profile.

Fig Brie Onion Flatbread Combinations

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap salmon with grilled tofu or tempeh, using maple syrup instead of honey and adding smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce honey quantity, use stevia as sweetener, and serve salmon over cauliflower rice instead of traditional side dishes.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans and substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for similar crunch and nutritional profile.

Baked Salmon With Cranberry Salsa And Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked salmon with cranberry salsa and pecans brings Mediterranean coastal elegance to dinner tables. Crisp pecans and tart cranberry salsa elevate this seafood dish, promising a delightful culinary journey that invites you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets

Salsa Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40 g) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (30 g) pecans, chopped

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a robust 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect thermal environment for salmon transformation.
2. Arrange salmon fillets on a parchment-draped baking sheet, luxuriously coating with olive oil and elegantly seasoning with salt and pepper. Nestle into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the fish gently yields and flakes with minimal persuasion.
3. Craft the vibrant cranberry salsa by meticulously combining finely chopped cranberries, delicate red onion slivers, aromatic cilantro, golden honey, rich balsamic vinegar, fresh orange juice, and zesty orange zest in a mixing vessel. Blend ingredients thoroughly, allowing flavors to intermingle and develop.
4. Unleash the pecans’ potential by gently toasting in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until their nutty essence becomes fragrant and their color deepens to a warm golden brown.
5. Retrieve the perfectly cooked salmon from the oven’s embrace, adorning each fillet with the vivid cranberry salsa and generously scattered toasted pecans. Optional embellishment includes additional cilantro sprigs or delicate orange slices for visual appeal.
6. Present immediately, allowing diners to savor the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this elegant seafood creation.

Notes

• Ensure salmon is at room temperature before baking to guarantee even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Use fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for best flavor and texture.
• Adjust baking time based on thickness of salmon fillets; thicker cuts might need slightly longer cooking.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free and dairy-free option by using organic honey and checking ingredient purity.
• Swap pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.
• Consider reducing honey or using maple syrup for lower glycemic index and alternative sweetness.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy exterior and better oil absorption.
• Prepare cranberry salsa ahead of time to let flavors meld and intensify before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg