If you’re dreaming of a centerpiece that’s both stunning and easy to prepare, Christmas Baked Salmon hits every note. This dish’s luscious, flaky salmon is brushed with a tangy-sweet glaze and fresh herbs, then baked to absolute perfection. It’s festive and flavorful, yet foolproof enough for cooks of any experience. Whether you’re hosting a grand family feast or a cozy holiday dinner, this recipe promises the kind of main course that will have everyone clamoring for seconds—and asking for the recipe on their way out the door!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients come together for big, memorable holiday flavor. Each item in this lineup plays a special role in bringing Christmas Baked Salmon to life, from buttery texture to bold color and brightness.
- Salmon Side: The star of the dish—fresh, quality salmon guarantees tender, flaky bites and a beautiful presentation.
- Olive Oil: Lovers of moist salmon, rejoice! A little oil keeps everything juicy and helps the glaze adhere beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and just the right hint of sophisticated tang to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness caramelizes in the oven, lending gorgeous color and sticky perfection.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the whole salmon with savory holiday flavor every time you take a bite.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens and lifts the glaze, making each forkful feel light and zesty.
- Lemon Zest: Packs extra citrus punch and a beautiful aroma right at the finish.
- Fresh Dill: Brings classic, clean herby notes that pair perfectly with rich salmon.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds more herby freshness and gorgeous flecks of green for a Christmassy look.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Perfectly seasons the fish, so every flavor in the glaze can truly shine.
- Lemon Slices & Extra Herbs: For a striking holiday garnish, don’t skip these finishing touches!
How to Make Christmas Baked Salmon
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this ensures your salmon won’t stick, and makes cleanup quick and easy. Trust me, a little prep work here means you’ll spend less time scrubbing later and more time enjoying that first holiday toast.
Step 2: Place and Season the Salmon
Lay the side of salmon skin-side down on your prepared sheet. Take a moment to pat the fish dry for maximum glaze adhesion and the best possible texture. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the top to set the stage for layers of flavor to come.
Step 3: Whisk the Holiday Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth, aromatic concoction that smells like a celebration in a bowl! This magical mixture is what transforms your Christmas Baked Salmon from everyday to extraordinary.
Step 4: Glaze and Garnish the Salmon
Generously brush the glaze over the salmon, covering it from end to end. Don’t be shy—the more glaze, the merrier the flavors! Finish by artfully arranging lemon slices on top (as many as you like) for an eye-catching effect and extra citrus steam as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact timing depends on your salmon’s thickness, but you’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork. The top should be glistening and beautifully golden, filling your kitchen with irresistible holiday aromas.
Step 6: Finish with Festive Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh herbs and add more lemon slices (or pomegranate seeds for a jewel-toned flair). Serve your Christmas Baked Salmon straight from the baking sheet or carefully transfer it to a platter for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece.
How to Serve Christmas Baked Salmon
Garnishes
To really make your Christmas Baked Salmon look as special as it tastes, go all in on garnishes. Top the finished fish with vibrant sprigs of dill and parsley, lemon wedges, and for a pop of holiday red, a handful of pomegranate seeds. Fresh rosemary branches tucked around the platter lend an unmistakable Christmas feel—and the aroma is wonderful!
Side Dishes
Pair with roasted root vegetables, a jewel-toned citrus salad, or fluffy wild rice pilaf to round out your festive table. Don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover glaze. Every bite alongside Christmas Baked Salmon feels like an embrace of classic holiday comfort and cheer.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling extra festive, try serving individual salmon fillets on small cutting boards or slate plates garnished with holly or edible flowers. Alternatively, set the whole fillet atop a bed of arugula or baby greens for an elegant buffet centerpiece. Christmas Baked Salmon is as versatile as it is gorgeous—so make it your own signature holiday showpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap pieces of Christmas Baked Salmon tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. Pro tip: leftovers make a stellar salmon salad for lunch the next day!
Freezing
Want to get ahead on prep? You can freeze cooked portions of the salmon after they’ve cooled. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. For best results, enjoy within one month so the flavors stay bright and fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, let the salmon come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then warm it gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil. This keeps the fish moist and tender. For a quick fix, a few short bursts in the microwave at low power work too—just keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use skinless salmon for Christmas Baked Salmon?
You absolutely can use skinless salmon! The skin helps hold the fillet together, but going skinless means even more glaze soaks in. Just be gentle when transferring to prevent breaking.
Is Christmas Baked Salmon good served cold?
Yes! This dish is delicious both warm and chilled. Cold salmon can be flaked onto leafy salads or served alongside a creamy dill sauce for an elegant no-fuss lunch the next day.
How do I tell when the salmon is done baking?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. If you have a thermometer, the center should reach 135 to 140°F for ideal moisture and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use two baking sheets or arrange two sides of salmon on one extra-large pan if your oven can handle it. Multiply the glaze ingredients and brush each fillet generously for a crowd-pleasing platter.
What other herbs can I use for Christmas Baked Salmon?
Fresh tarragon, basil, or chives are lovely substitutes or additions to the dill and parsley. Mix and match your favorites for a personalized, aromatic touch that complements the salmon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Every holiday table deserves a showstopper, and this Christmas Baked Salmon is sure to put a twinkle in everyone’s eyes. With its simple prep, jaw-dropping presentation, and bright, festive flavors, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe for many celebrations to come. Give it a try—you might just start a brand new tradition that everyone will look forward to year after year!
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Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Baked Salmon is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe features a side of salmon coated in a tangy Dijon mustard and honey glaze, infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection, this dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a standout centerpiece for your Christmas table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 side of salmon (about 2 to 3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
Flavorings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices and extra herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the salmon.
- Bake: Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with herbs and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- For added holiday color, garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a festive meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
