If you’re looking for a show-stopping main course that’s effortless and brimming with festivity, you simply can’t beat Christmas Baked Salmon. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with the fresh zing of citrus, the earthy aroma of herbs, and the jeweled pop of pomegranate for a meal that looks as vibrant as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or want something special for a winter dinner, this salmon couldn’t be easier or more delightful—it’s elegant, colorful, and sure to become a new tradition.

Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Baked Salmon is how a handful of thoughtfully chosen, fresh ingredients work together to create something utterly magical. Each component adds its own personality—think zesty citrus, woodsy herbs, and a sprinkle of sweet-tart pomegranate for a true holiday celebration on your table.

Salmon Side: Go for a 2 to 2.5-pound side of salmon for an impressive center-of-the-table presentation and perfect flaky texture.
Olive Oil: A drizzle ensures the salmon stays moist and carries all the flavors into every bite.
Garlic: Three fresh cloves, minced, add depth and warmth beneath the herbs and citrus.
Fresh Rosemary: This woody herb gives the salmon a comforting, seasonal note that sings “holiday.”
Fresh Thyme: Leaves from a sprig or two add a subtle earthiness and perfume the fish beautifully.
Orange (Zested & Sliced): Zest adds bright aromatic oils, while the slices steam gently on top of the salmon, infusing each bite.
Lemon (Zested & Sliced): Like the orange, lemon brings freshness and a gentle tang—essential for balancing the richness of the fish.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley offers a burst of color and a refreshing herbal finish.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t be shy—a generous seasoning really brings this dish to life.
Pomegranate Arils: Scatter these on top for juicy pops of sweetness and that irresistible holiday sparkle.
Extra Fresh Herbs & Citrus Slices (Optional): For garnish and even more color on your serving platter.

How to Make Christmas Baked Salmon

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—not only does this make for super easy cleanup, but it also prevents the salmon from sticking and ensures a beautiful, intact fillet for serving.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Lay the salmon skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, orange zest, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This mixture is fragrant enough to make your kitchen smell like the holidays! Gently rub this blend all over the top of the salmon so that every bite is infused with flavor.

Step 3: Add Citrus and Bake

Layer the orange and lemon slices on top of the seasoned salmon. The slices don’t just look gorgeous—they also keep the fish moist and infuse it with flavor as it bakes. Slide the salmon into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. If you want to ensure extra moisture, tent the fish with foil for the first 10 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish

Once your Christmas Baked Salmon is cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes so the juices settle. Carefully transfer it to a serving platter, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and a generous handful of pomegranate arils. For extra wow factor, add additional fresh herbs and citrus slices all around. The effect is absolutely stunning—like an edible centerpiece!

How to Serve Christmas Baked Salmon

Garnishes

The garnishes for Christmas Baked Salmon really bring this dish to life. Scatter pomegranate arils over the top for glistening color and sweet pops of flavor, and tuck additional fresh herbs and citrus slices around the edge of your platter for a festive touch. It’s the little details that make it look like you went the extra mile, even though it was easy as can be!

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with simple roasted vegetables, buttery potatoes, or herbed rice. Bright green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp winter salad work wonderfully with the citrus and herbs, making every bite feel balanced and special. It’s the perfect opportunity to use whatever seasonal veggies you adore.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting guests, try serving the salmon family-style on a large board or platter, surrounded with roasted root vegetables and vibrant greens. For a more elegant dinner, portion the salmon into fillets before plating, topping each with extra sauce and garnishes. Leftovers also make show-stopping holiday sandwiches or stellar additions to salads the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Christmas Baked Salmon (though it disappears fast!), wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will keep well for up to 3 days—great for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, simply portion the cooled salmon into storage containers or freezer bags. For best results, remove the citrus slices and herbs before freezing, as they tend to get mushy. Frozen salmon can be stored for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating your Christmas Baked Salmon is a breeze. Place the salmon on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through—usually 10 to 12 minutes. This gentle approach helps keep the fish moist. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold, flaked over salads for a fresh twist.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While salmon is the star for its color and richness, you can substitute with trout or a thick fillet of cod if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin before baking?

No need—the skin holds the fish together and helps lock in moisture during baking. Once baked, the skin will crisp up a bit and can be easily separated when serving if you’d rather not eat it.

Can I make Christmas Baked Salmon ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the salmon with the marinade and citrus slices several hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When it’s nearly meal time, just pop it straight into the oven for effortless holiday hosting.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries! In a pinch, you can use dried rosemary and thyme—just use about one-third of the amount called for with fresh. The flavors will still shine, and your Christmas Baked Salmon will be irresistible.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. For total precision, use a digital thermometer—the thickest part should reach 145°F for optimal juiciness and safety.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about serving this Christmas Baked Salmon—it’s a dish that’s as joyful and welcoming as the season itself. I can’t wait for you to share this beautiful recipe with your loved ones and make it a delicious part of your own holiday traditions!

Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Christmas Baked Salmon recipe is a festive and flavorful dish that will impress your holiday guests. The salmon is seasoned with aromatic herbs and citrus zest, then baked to perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and pomegranate arils, it makes a stunning main course for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

1 side of salmon (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 orange, zested and sliced
1 lemon, zested and sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

1/4 cup pomegranate arils
Fresh herbs and citrus slices for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared sheet.
Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, orange zest, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the top of the salmon.
Add Citrus Slices: Layer orange and lemon slices on top of the seasoned salmon.
Bake the Salmon: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley and pomegranate arils. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and citrus slices if desired.

Notes

To keep the salmon extra moist, tent it with foil during the first 10 minutes of baking.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or herbed rice for a festive dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American