Name: Christmas Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb side of salmon, skin on and pin bones removed; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ cup pomegranate seeds; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill; Lemon wedges, for serving

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, look no further than this Christmas Salmon Recipe. Gorgeous to behold and even more delightful to taste, the recipe brings together juicy wild-caught salmon with a maple-mustard glaze, a sparkling pop of pomegranate, and masses of fresh herbs. It’s festive enough for the grandest celebration, but simple enough to whip up without a fuss—making it my absolute favorite way to surprise and spoil friends and family at Christmastime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Salmon Recipe requires just a handful of gorgeous ingredients, each one adding vibrant flavor, color, and holiday cheer. With clever touches like citrus zest and a brilliant pomegranate garnish, every bite tastes as bright as it looks. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Salmon, 2 lb side (skin on, pin bones removed): The star of this show, it’s rich, flaky, and gloriously satisfying—a real treat for your holiday table.
Olive oil, 3 tbsp: Adds luscious moisture and richness, helping the glaze adhere beautifully while keeping the salmon tender as it bakes.
Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp: Offers sharp, tangy complexity, perfectly balancing out the sweetness of the glaze.
Maple syrup, 2 tbsp: Brings subtle sweetness and a uniquely warm, festive aroma—pure holiday magic in every drop!
Garlic, 2 cloves, minced: Foundational flavor and just the right hint of garlicky bite to cut the richness of the salmon.
Lemon juice, 1 tbsp: Delivers zippy acidity, brightening and lifting all the flavors while keeping everything fresh.
Orange zest, 1 tsp: Adds incredible fragrance plus a sweet, citrusy sparkle that feels tailor-made for Christmas.
Salt, 1 tsp: Essential for amplifying flavors throughout the dish—your glaze simply wouldn’t pop without it.
Black pepper, ½ tsp ground: Lends essential warmth and just a hint of heat to balance the glaze.
Pomegranate seeds, ½ cup: Juicy, jewel-bright seeds bring a burst of sweet-tart freshness and make the finished salmon shine.
Fresh parsley, ¼ cup chopped: Sprinkles vibrant greenery, adding color and grassy, clean flavor notes.
Fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped: Classic herb pairing for salmon, offering an aromatic, festive quality that is impossible to resist.
Lemon wedges, for serving: The finishing squeeze of citrus is a must for bringing every flavor to life right at the table.

How to Make Christmas Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps cleanup easy (hooray!) but also makes transferring your salmon after baking a breeze. Lay your beautiful salmon fillet skin-side down on the baking sheet, making sure there’s plenty of room for the glaze to work its magic.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until you’ve got a gorgeously silky glaze that smells bright and inviting. This little concoction is what transforms the salmon from tasty to downright irresistible—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Glaze the Salmon

Grab a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon) and lavish every inch of the salmon with that maple-mustard glaze. Be generous—let it pool into the nooks and crannies. The glaze will seep in and season the fish while it bakes, giving you unbeatable flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the salmon for 18–22 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, just barely opaque at the thickest point. Don’t overcook—nothing ruins a Christmas Salmon Recipe faster than dry fish! Remember, it’ll continue to cook a touch as it rests out of the oven.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once baked, let the salmon rest on the tray for about 5 minutes. This helps it stay juicy. Gently transfer it to a serving platter. Sprinkle on loads of pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and fresh dill—the colors are intensely festive! Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for everyone to squeeze as they wish.

How to Serve Christmas Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

This dish shines brightest when showered with pomegranate seeds, parsley, and dill. The jewel-like pomegranate seeds aren’t just for beauty—they add little tart pops that play off the salmon perfectly. A final flourish of herbs provides freshness and brings extra visual magic to your Christmas Salmon Recipe. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—everyone will appreciate a fresh squeeze over their fillet just before digging in!

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Christmas Salmon Recipe is its versatility with side dishes. Serve with honey-glazed roast carrots, citrusy quinoa salad, or a warm platter of garlicky green beans. For a true holiday spread, add garlicky mashed potatoes or pear and pecan salad; they’ll soak up the salmon’s juices and make every bite sing.

Creative Ways to Present

To truly wow your guests, present the salmon fillet whole on a long platter draped with herby greenery and scattered with extra citrus slices and pomegranate. For a more modern take, slice it into neat portions and nestle each one atop a small nest of greens. Or, go for an easy buffet setup: serve bite-sized pieces atop crostini with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of herbs—an instant festive appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed not to gobble every last bite (it’s tough, trust me), store leftover Christmas Salmon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Try to keep any garnishes separate so they stay fresh and crisp when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

Salmon freezes beautifully! Simply let any leftover fillet cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap and pop it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month. Defrost gently overnight in the fridge before reheating or enjoying cold.

Reheating

To reheat, place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through. Add garnishes after reheating. To keep the salmon moist, you can drizzle on a tiny bit of olive oil or a squeeze of citrus before warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Christmas Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before glazing—it bakes up just as deliciously and delivers that same wow-factor appearance.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes! The glaze can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stashed in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just give it a good stir and proceed as usual—easy and time-saving during the busy holiday season.

What if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?

No worries—the Christmas Salmon Recipe still works beautifully without them. Try substituting chopped dried cranberries or even thinly sliced kumquats for a sweet-tart finish and a splash of color.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is just barely opaque at its thickest spot. If you like, use a thermometer: 125°F (52°C) for moist, medium, or up to 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked. Don’t overbake or it can dry out.

Can I make this Christmas Salmon Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just confirm all your condiments are certified gluten-free (some mustards or syrups may have additives), and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

I’ve shared this Christmas Salmon Recipe on countless holiday tables, and it never fails to amaze both new friends and lifelong salmon skeptics. If your gatherings could use some color, cheer, and easy elegance, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll find it’s every bit as joyful to make as it is to serve. Happy holidays!

Christmas Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Christmas Salmon recipe is a festive and flavorful dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs creates a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the rich salmon. Topped with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

2 lb side of salmon, skin on and pin bones removed

Glaze:

3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Finishing Touches:

½ cup pomegranate seeds
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, lemon juice, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture over the salmon.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, parsley, and dill. Serve with lemon wedges.