Christmas Salmon is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring tender salmon fillets paired with seasonal herbs and vibrant garnishes, this dish is a delightful centerpiece for any Christmas feast. It’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs, finely chopped
- Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon: 1, juiced and zested
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Pomegranate seeds: ½ cup (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, dill, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Bake the salmon: Arrange the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Pair Christmas Salmon with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp winter salad for a complete holiday meal. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with a citrus twist complements this dish beautifully.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the fish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate the fish.
2. What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes for honey and will maintain the balance of sweetness in the marinade.
3. Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it flakes easily with a fork.
PrintChristmas Salmon
This Christmas Salmon is a festive, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s tender, flaky, and baked with a glaze of honey, mustard, and herbs for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Easy to prepare yet elegant, this dish is perfect for entertaining!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Christmas, Holiday
Ingredients
- For the salmon:
- 2 lbs (900 g) salmon fillet, skin on
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- For the glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- For garnish:
- Fresh dill sprigs
- Pomegranate arils
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Pat it dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Apply the glaze: Spread the glaze evenly over the salmon, making sure to coat the entire fillet.
- Bake the salmon: Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with fresh dill, pomegranate arils, and additional lemon wedges. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a more caramelized finish, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.