Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans
Introduction
This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans is a vibrant, elegant dish that brings together the richness of tender salmon with the brightness of fresh cranberries, citrus, and herbs. The buttery crunch of toasted pecans adds a luxurious finishing touch, making this meal perfect for holidays, special dinners, or any night you want something both simple and impressive.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Salmon
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Cranberry Salsa
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1 small orange, zested and juiced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of salt
¼ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the sheet and brush with olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
2. Prepare the Cranberry Salsa
1. In a bowl, combine chopped cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, red onion, herbs, and honey.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, add a small pinch of salt, and mix well.
3. Gently fold in the toasted pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy.
3. Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous amount of cranberry salsa over each baked salmon fillet.
Top with extra pecans if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy the balance of festive sweetness and savory richness.
Origin and Cultural Significance
This dish beautifully blends North American culinary traditions — salmon from Pacific and Northern regions, and cranberries, a classic ingredient in American and Canadian cuisine, especially during the fall and winter holiday seasons.
The combination reflects the festive spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas, where cranberries symbolize abundance, warmth, and celebration.
Description
Picture this: perfectly baked salmon with a golden surface and moist, flaky interior… topped with a ruby-red cranberry salsa bursting with citrus, herbs, and crunch.
It’s vibrant, colorful, and full of contrasting textures — a dish that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly.
Optional Additions
Add diced avocado for a creamy element.
Stir in pomegranate seeds for extra sparkle.
Add fresh jalapeño to make the salsa spicy.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for depth.
Tips for Success
Don’t overbake the salmon — check at the 12-minute mark.
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
Toast the pecans lightly to intensify their nuttiness.
Make the salsa 10–15 minutes ahead to let flavors develop.
Use wild-caught salmon if possible for richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 350–420
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Omega-3 fatty acids: High
Rich in: Vitamin D, B-vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats
Conclusion
This Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans is more than a recipe — it’s a celebration on a plate. Bold colors, fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and nutrition packed into one effortless meal.
Recommendation
Serve this salmon with garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal beautifully. It’s perfect for holidays… or anytime you want to impress without stress.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring — this dish proves it!
Enjoy the richness of salmon, the antioxidants of cranberries, and the wholesome crunch of pecans while nourishing your body and delighting your senses.
This is indulgence you can feel good about… every single bite. ✨