Save to Pinterest A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring spicy Cajun-rubbed salmon fillets paired with fresh tangy pomegranate salsa. Perfect for a healthy and impressive weeknight dinner.
I first made this Cajun spiced salmon for our family after discovering how well pomegranate salsa brings brightness to rich fish. Even my kids asked for seconds and it's been a weeknight favorite since.
Ingredients
- Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g each) skin-on or skinless, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pomegranate Salsa: 1 cup pomegranate seeds (arils), 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely diced), zest and juice of 1 lime, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt
- To Serve: lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season and Bake:
- Rub fillets with olive oil Cajun seasoning salt and black pepper. Place on baking tray skin-side down. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until just cooked through and flaky.
- Make the Salsa:
- In a bowl gently combine pomegranate seeds cucumber red onion cilantro jalapeño lime zest and juice olive oil and salt.
- Serve:
- Plate salmon and spoon salsa generously over top. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Save to Pinterest This salmon recipe was an instant hit when I served it for my family's midweek dinner—everyone loved the mix of spice and freshness.
Required Tools
Baking tray parchment paper mixing bowls sharp knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish (salmon). Cajun seasoning may contain mustard or other allergens check labels if sensitive. Gluten-free and dairy-free always verify packaged spice blends.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340 Total Fat: 16 g Carbohydrates: 15 g Protein: 33 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy every bite of this beautiful salmon—it's ready in under half an hour and tastes just as good as it looks.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the salmon stays moist when cooking?
Patting the salmon dry before seasoning and baking it skin-side down helps retain moisture while the Cajun rub adds flavor without drying the fish.
- → Can I prepare the pomegranate salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the salsa can be made up to two hours in advance and kept refrigerated to meld flavors nicely before serving.
- → What is the best way to adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or include some of the jalapeño seeds to increase heat, or reduce these ingredients to tone it down.
- → What side dishes complement this salmon and salsa pairing?
Quinoa, rice, or roasted vegetables pair well, balancing the boldness of the Cajun seasoning and the fresh salsa.
- → Can I use fresh lime juice instead of zest in the salsa?
Yes, fresh lime juice enhances the salsa's bright flavor, while the zest adds a subtle aromatic note, both can be used together or separately.