Description
This Christmas Baked Salmon recipe offers a festive and flavorful main course perfect for holiday gatherings. A tender salmon side is coated with a honey-Dijon glaze infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon, then baked to perfection. Topped with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, it delivers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and bright notes that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 side of salmon (about 2 to 3 pounds), skin-on and pin bones removed
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
Garnish
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices and fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place salmon on sheet: Position the salmon side skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it lays flat for even cooking.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and minced rosemary until fully combined.
- Apply glaze: Generously brush the honey-Dijon glaze over the top of the salmon, coating it evenly for maximum flavor.
- Bake salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just cooked through to preserve its moisture and tenderness.
- Rest salmon: Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh parsley. Garnish with lemon slices and additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for a festive presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare the mustard-honey glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, making meal prep easier on the day of cooking.
- For a festive look and added greens, serve the salmon on a bed of arugula or kale with orange slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
