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Cranberry Orange Glazed Salmon

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This easy cranberry orange glazed salmon features a tangy-sweet, glossy glaze made from fresh cranberries and orange juice. It’s a vibrant, healthy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • Zest of 1 orange (finely grated)
  • 3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, orange zest, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes. The glaze should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
  4. For a smooth glaze, blend about half the sauce in a blender or with an immersion blender, then stir back into the remaining sauce. For a chunkier glaze, mash some cranberries with a fork and skip blending.
  5. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them skin-side down on the prepared pan. Brush or drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Spoon about two-thirds of the cranberry orange glaze over the salmon, spreading it evenly. Reserve the rest for serving.
  7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is slightly translucent in the center.
  8. Optional: Broil the salmon for 1–2 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and edges are caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Transfer salmon to plates, spoon over remaining glaze, and garnish with fresh herbs, extra orange zest, and whole cranberries if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught salmon and fresh cranberries. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Don’t overcook the salmon—remove it when it flakes easily but is still moist in the center. For extra caramelization, broil briefly at the end. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free; use maple syrup for a vegan option. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and are great cold over salads.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, cranberry orange glaze, easy dinner, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, holiday, weeknight, seafood, main course

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/cranberry-orange-glazed-salmon-recipe-easy-zesty-dinner-idea/