Baked Salmon with Cranberry-Orange Glaze & Wild Rice

August 23, 2025 by admin

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**For the Wild Rice:**

* 1 cup wild rice blend
* 2 ½ cups water or broth
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
* Salt to taste

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### 🍽️ **How to Make It**

#### 1. Prepare the Wild Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water (or broth), olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until tender and the grains have split open. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

#### 2. Make the Cranberry-Orange Glaze:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and orange zest. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the glaze thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

#### 3. Bake the Salmon:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and spoon the cranberry-orange glaze generously over each piece. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

#### 4. Serve:

Plate the salmon atop a bed of wild rice and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Garnish with fresh orange slices or herbs if desired.

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### 🌟 **Tips & Variations**

* **Add crunch:** Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans over the rice for texture.
* **Go green:** Serve alongside steamed asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach.
* **Make it spicier:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a gentle kick.
* **Gluten-free & dairy-free:** This recipe is naturally free of gluten and dairy-friendly as is.

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### 🥂 **Perfect For**

* Holiday dinners and celebrations
* Special date nights or entertaining guests
* Nourishing family meals with a gourmet twist
* Meal prepping balanced lunches or dinners

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## 🥄 **Final Thoughts**

This **Baked Salmon with Cranberry-Orange Glaze & Wild Rice** recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. The tangy sweetness of the cranberry-orange glaze perfectly complements the rich, buttery salmon, while the wild rice adds a hearty, earthy base.

It’s an easy way to bring seasonal flair to your dinner table — delicious, nutritious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Would you like a printable recipe card or ideas for pairing wines with this dish? Just ask!