Looking for a show-stopping dish to serve during the holiday season? This Christmas salmon recipe is a perfect balance of elegant and easy, featuring a beautifully roasted fillet of salmon with a savory glaze and fresh, festive toppings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or preparing a family meal, this salmon is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Deliciously festive: The bright flavors of lemon, dill, and garlic give this dish a fresh, holiday-worthy taste.
Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a dish that looks like it took hours to make.
Healthy and light: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, making this a wholesome and satisfying holiday dish.

Ingredients

Here’s a glimpse of the key ingredients for this delicious Christmas salmon. Check the recipe card below for the full list and measurements.

Fresh salmon fillets or a whole side of salmon
Olive oil for a smooth, light base
Fresh garlic for a fragrant boost
Lemon zest and juice for brightness
Fresh dill and parsley to bring in those festive, fresh flavors
Dijon mustard for a slight tang and creamy texture
Honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness

For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card below.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Season the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush the glaze generously over the top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to marinate.
Roast the salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh dill and parsley over the salmon for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Check for doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Use skin-on fillets: Cooking with the skin on helps keep the salmon moist, but feel free to remove it after cooking if preferred.
Make it crispy: If you prefer a crispy top, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add a glaze variation: Try adding a little balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to the glaze for a deeper, richer flavor.
Switch up the herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used in place of dill for a different herbaceous profile.
Add a spice kick: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika can give the salmon a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this Christmas salmon with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a light salad. For a festive touch, pair it with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light sparkling wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave it on low for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even seasoning and cooking.

Can I make this salmon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and season the salmon ahead of time, then bake it just before serving.

What can I serve with Christmas salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with light sides like roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, try it with rice or quinoa.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The best way to check is by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish—it should flake easily. You can also use a meat thermometer, aiming for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.

Conclusion

This Christmas salmon recipe is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. With its fresh, zesty glaze and vibrant colors, it’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting friends for a special occasion, this salmon will be a dish everyone raves about. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a healthy, festive, and utterly delicious holiday meal!

Christmas Salmon

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This dish features a whole side of salmon glazed with a honey-garlic butter, baked to perfection, and topped with a vibrant holiday tapenade of cranberries, almonds, and parsley. Finished with a creamy dill sauce and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas table.

Instructions

Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add honey and minced garlic; simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Salmon:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Line a baking tray with foil and parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon on the prepared tray, skin-side down.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the honey butter glaze over the salmon, ensuring even coverage.
Bake the Salmon:
1. Fold the foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet.
2. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. Open the foil and baste the salmon with the glaze from the tray.
4. Increase oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, until the salmon is cooked through and slightly caramelized on top.
Prepare the Creamy Dill Sauce:
1. In a bowl, combine sour cream, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the Holiday Tapenade:
1. In a small bowl, combine chopped cranberries, almonds, and parsley.
2. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble and Serve:
1. Transfer the baked salmon to a serving platter.
2. Spread the creamy dill sauce over the top.
3. Sprinkle the holiday tapenade evenly over the sauce.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The creamy dill sauce and holiday tapenade can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.
Alternative Toppings: Feel free to substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries with dried cherries or apricots, based on your preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~6 oz (170g) cooked salmon with toppings (approximately 1/8 of the recipe)
Calories: 430
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 105mg