Baked Christmas Salmon Recipe: The Best Holiday Dinner (2024)

If you are looking for something other than meat to be the center piece of your Christmas dinner, look no further than thisChristmas salmon. This salmon dish is perfect for special occasions and will be a perfect center to your table on Christmas day.

I live in a pescatarian household and therefore our Christmas looks a bit different. Salmon is such a versatile fish in the ways you prepare it and this recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the fish. Baked with a delicious glaze, topped with a creamy dill sauce and holiday tapenade, it is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas table (or really any time during the holiday season). Who needs the traditional turkey? Do something a little different and make this delicious Christmas salmon.

What equipment do you need?

Roasting dish or baking tray
Tin foil or parchment paper
Bowls
Paper Towels
Serving platter

Why should you make this Christmas salmon?

This holiday salmon is made with simple ingredients but shines as a main course. It is on par with any of the traditional main dishes for Christmas eve or Christmas day. Once you make it, it will no doubt find a home in the repertoire of your Christmas recipes. The fresh herbs in the sauce, and the flavors of the holiday tapenade make this a great option for anyone who is looking for a main course that does not contain meat. It will be a delicious centrepiece on your holiday table.

What are the ingredients needed for Christmas salmon?

Salmon Fillets:​ Salmon is our protein for this dish
Greek Yogurt:Greek yogurt is the base of our creamy dill sauce
Lemon Juice:this is for our dill sauce
Garlic:garlic goes into our glaze and also in the dill sauce
Honey:this is used
Dill:Dill is such a great herb and it pairs beautifully with the yogurt and salmon
Dried Cranberries:The cranberries go into our holiday tapenade
Champagne Vinegar:The acidity helps enhance the flavors of the tapenade
Slivered Almonds:The flavor and texture are part of the tapenade
Parsley:gotta have fresh parsley to finish off the fish
Butter:to add to the richness of the glaze for the salmon
Pomegranate seeds:​They are the final pop of beauty to our Christmas salmon

How do you make Christmas salmon?

Set the oven:​to 400°F
Pat down the salmon:with paper towel. You do not want the fish to have too much excess water. Season the salmon with sea salt and black pepper.
Make the glaze:brown the butter. Once browned, add the garlic and honey.
Place the salmonskin side:down on either tin foil or parchment paper on your baking sheet and cover with the honey glaze.
Put the baking sheet:into the preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes. Meanwhile make the dill yogurt.
Mix the lemon juice:​greek yogurt, minced garlic, and dill in a bowl. Set side
Made the holiday tapenade:add the slivered almonds, vinegar, honey, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and parsley. Set aside.
Remove the salmon:​from the oven and place on a large platter. Place the dill yogurt on top of the salmon. Then top the yogurt with the holiday tapenade. Serve immediately.

See Also

5-ingredient recipesHands-on Learning with Native American Corn RecipesMiracle workers: Yotam Ottolenghi’s onion recipesChristina Tosi recipes

If you cannot find champagne vinegar, you can sub in orange juice or apple cider vinegar.

I made this using individual salmon fillets but you can use whole salmon filet if you want something more presentable with a dinner party or holiday dinner. The best part is this recipe works just as well. You would roast whole salmon fillets as you would individual salmon fillets but you need to remember that this will take longer to cook. So keep that in mind should you roast a whole salmon.

Instead of using honey, you can also use maple syrup.

How do you store Christmas salmon?

Place the individual portions in an airtight container and but in the fridge for a few days. Easy peasy! This recipe pairs beautifully with my herb potatoes or my creamy mashed potatoes. If you want to pair it with something traditional from your holiday table then a cranberry sauce would be perfect. If you are looking for a drink, this would pair well with a white wine or a sparkling cider.

what is so good about salmon?

Salmon is often considered a highly nutritious and healthful food due to several key reasons:

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are known for their numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and supporting brain function. Omega-3s are considered essential fats because our bodies cannot produce them, so we need to obtain them from our diet.
High-Quality Protein: Salmon is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon typically provides around 20-25 grams of protein.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon is packed with various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and selenium. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune system function, while vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Low in Saturated Fat: Salmon is relatively low in saturated fat compared to many other protein sources, making it a heart-healthy choice. The healthy fats in salmon, primarily the omega-3s, can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidant Content: Salmon contains antioxidants such as astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment that gives the fish its pinkish-red color. Astaxanthin has been associated with various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Supports Brain Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, particularly DHA, are essential for brain development and cognitive function. They may help improve memory, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and support overall brain health.
Weight Management: Including salmon in your diet can be beneficial for weight management. Its high protein content can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, potentially leading to better weight control.
Versatile and Delicious: Salmon is a versatile fish that can be prepared in numerous ways, including grilling, baking, broiling, pan-frying, or even raw as sushi or sashimi. Its rich, buttery texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it a favorite among seafood lovers.

It’s important to note that the nutritional content of salmon can vary depending on its source and preparation method. Wild-caught salmon is often considered superior to farm-raised salmon due to its higher omega-3 content and fewer contaminants. When cooking salmon, it’s also essential to avoid excessive frying or adding unhealthy sauces that can negate its health benefits. Overall, incorporating salmon into a balanced diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support your overall health.

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Laura

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