Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans

Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans (Mediterranean-Style)

This dish blends the richness of baked salmon with a vibrant, tangy cranberry salsa and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s packed with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, citrus, fresh herbs, and heart-healthy salmon.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Servings: 4

 Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Cranberry Salsa:

1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped (or ½ cup dried cranberries, rehydrated in warm water)

¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional for a Mediterranean touch)

¼ cup red onion, finely diced

¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

 Instructions

 Prepare the Salmon

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle with lemon zest, orange zest (if using), salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Drizzle with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

 Bake the Salmon

Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

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For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

 Make the Cranberry Salsa

While the salmon bakes, combine cranberries, pomegranate seeds (if using), red onion, pecans, parsley, mint, honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the salmon is done, transfer to plates and spoon the cranberry salsa generously over the top.

Serve with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or a Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.

 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh cranberries for a tart salsa or dried cranberries (rehydrated) for a sweeter version.

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Add feta cheese for extra creaminess and Mediterranean flair.

Pair with a citrus vinaigrette salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~380 kcal

Protein: 35g

Carbs: 14g

Fat: 22g

Fiber: 3g

This Mediterranean-style Baked Salmon with Cranberry Salsa and Pecans is perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.