Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze 🍇🐟

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, my grandmother taught me that the heart of cooking is love and that a simple dish made with care can bring people together around the table.

One winter evening, I had a bowl of leftover homemade cranberry sauce from a holiday dinner and a few salmon fillets waiting in the fridge. I remembered how my grandmother would never waste a single ingredient she’d always find a creative way to turn leftovers into something special. So I whisked the cranberries with a bit of honey, lemon juice, and olive oil, then baked the salmon until it flaked perfectly. The result was this Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze, a dish that tastes both elegant and comforting.

It’s slightly sweet, tangy, and savory all at once the kind of meal that feels festive without needing a special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something delicious and healthy, this recipe will make your table shine.

This baked salmon with cranberry glaze is now one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, wholesome, and impressive. The cranberry glaze brings a burst of flavor that balances beautifully with the buttery richness of salmon. And best of all, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both beautiful and simple to make, this baked salmon with cranberry glaze will steal your heart and maybe a few compliments from your guests, too!

🧂 Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off as you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Cranberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ¼ cup water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
• Lemon slices
• Crushed pistachios for crunch and color

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, and water.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
As the cranberries soften, gently mash them with a spoon to release their juices. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 3: Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
This simple seasoning enhances the salmon’s natural flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart glaze.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Place the salmon fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece generously with the cranberry glaze, saving a little extra for serving.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is caramelized at the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the baked salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining cranberry glaze and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
The vibrant red glaze against the pink salmon makes this dish absolutely stunning on the table!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked salmon with cranberry glaze alongside:

• A simple lemon herb quinoa or wild rice pilaf
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• A light Greek salad with olive oil and feta

It’s the perfect balance of color, flavor, and texture. The sweet-tart cranberry glaze complements the rich salmon, while the lemon zest keeps it bright and fresh.

This dish is ideal for a holiday dinner, romantic date night, or even a casual weeknight when you want something a bit special without too much effort.

💡 Notes & Tips

• Make it ahead: The cranberry glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it before serving.
• Use frozen cranberries: No need to thaw just cook them a few extra minutes.
• For extra depth: Add a splash of red wine to the glaze for a rich, festive touch.
• Substitute ideas: If you’re not a fan of salmon, this glaze pairs beautifully with chicken, tofu, or roasted vegetables.
• Presentation tip: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or pomegranate seeds on top for color and crunch.

🕒 Recipe Card

💬 The Heart Behind This Dish

This recipe reminds me of the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen simple ingredients coming together to make something unforgettable. The contrast of sweet cranberries and savory salmon feels like a hug on a plate.

In Crete, we often cook with the seasons, and this dish celebrates that idea. Whether you’re in Greece or across the ocean, I hope this baked salmon with cranberry glaze brings a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Cooking, after all, is about sharing love through food and this dish does exactly that. 💕

🌿 Conclusion

Baked Salmon with Cranberry Glaze is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a restaurant-worthy meal. With just a few steps, you get a dish that’s bursting with color, flavor, and heart.

Whether you’re preparing it for your family or sharing it with friends, every bite tells a story one of simplicity, creativity, and love. From my Cretan kitchen to yours, kali orexi (bon appétit)! 🇬🇷✨