Baked Salmon with Pomegranate (Printable)
Tender baked salmon paired with a tangy pomegranate walnut salsa, perfect for an easy Mediterranean meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salmon
01 - 4 salmon fillets (5.3 oz each), skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Pomegranate Walnut Salsa
07 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
08 - 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
09 - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
10 - 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
11 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
12 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 - Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then season with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Cook the salmon in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until just cooked through and flaky.
04 - While salmon bakes, combine pomegranate seeds, walnuts, parsley, red onion, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Transfer salmon to plates and spoon the pomegranate walnut salsa over each fillet. Serve immediately with optional additional herbs.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The salsa adds brightness and texture that keeps you from feeling like you're eating the same salmon you always do.
- It comes together in half an hour, which means weeknight dinner doesn't have to mean takeout.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free without tasting like you're missing anything.
02 -
- Don't skip checking the salmon early—overstuffed ovens or thicker fillets can cook faster than the timer suggests, and overcooked salmon tastes like cardboard.
- Make the salsa right before serving so the mint stays bright and the pomegranate seeds don't weep pink juice into everything.
03 -
- Pat the salmon dry before brushing with oil so it browns instead of steaming.
- A squeeze of pomegranate juice mixed into the salsa oils makes everything taste more intentional.