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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a robust 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect thermal environment for salmon transformation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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