Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Christmas Salmon bakes a whole side in honey garlic butter glaze then tops with creamy dill sauce, festive cranberry-almond tapenade, and pomegranate jewels for showstopping holiday centerpiece.

This make-ahead main serves 8–10 with stunning red-green presentation and juicy texture.

This entree is elegant, dairy-adaptable, and perfect for Christmas dinner or buffet. Pomegranate brightness cuts richness while almonds add crunch.

Why This Recipe Works

Foil packet seals juices for moist salmon. Honey glaze caramelizes without burning. Dill sauce spreads smoothly at room temperature. Cranberry tapenade provides tart chew balancing creaminess. Make-ahead resting melds flavors perfectly.

Ingredients & Prep

Salmon:

2.5–3 lb salmon side, skin-on
2¼ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
Honey Glaze: ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce

Dill Sauce:

1 cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped dill

Tapenade:

½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
¼ cup chopped parsley
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F; mix honey glaze ingredients and simmer 2 minutes.
Place salmon skin-side down on foil-lined sheet; season with salt/pepper. Pour glaze over.
Seal foil packet; bake 15–20 minutes until 145°F internal. Cool in packet.
Mix dill sauce ingredients; spread over cooled salmon.
Combine tapenade; sprinkle over sauce with pomegranate. Lemon juice squeeze.
Serve room temperature or chilled.

Flavor Variations

Variation	Key Add/Swap	Resulting Twist
Pomegranate Glaze	Reduced pomegranate molasses	Tart fruity
Feta Yogurt	Greek yogurt + feta crumbles	Creamy tangy
Mustard Pecan	Dijon honey + crushed pecans	Nutty sharp
Mediterranean	Roasted peppers + olives	Savory colorful

Storage Tips

Refrigerate covered 2 days. Assemble toppings fresh.

FAQs

Overcooked salmon?
Check thickest part; foil steams gently.

Sauce runny?
Chill 30 minutes before spreading.

No foil?
Bake covered dish; baste halfway.

Conclusion

Christmas Salmon dazzles with festive layers holiday hero.

Christmas Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

A festive Christmas salmon baked to perfection with a honey mustard glaze, fresh herbs, and citrus. Elegant, flavorful, and easy enough for a stress-free holiday dinner.

Author: ssam
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Holiday / European

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
Lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place salmon on the prepared sheet and pat dry.
3. Season salmon with salt and black pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, honey, whole-grain mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Brush the glaze generously over the salmon.
6. Drizzle olive oil around the salmon and add rosemary or thyme on top.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
8. Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for a caramelized top.
9. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper holiday flavor.
Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Leftovers are great flaked into salads or pasta.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 360
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: christmas salmon, holiday salmon recipe, baked salmon