Description
This Christmas Baked Salmon recipe offers a festive, flavorful main course perfect for holiday dinners. The salmon is beautifully glazed with a honey-Dijon mustard mixture infused with fresh herbs, citrus zest, and garlic, then baked to tender perfection. Finished with bright pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, this dish combines rich, savory, and sweet notes ideal for a celebratory meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Marinade
- 2 lb skin-on salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Garnish
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the lined baking sheet to ensure even cooking and to help the skin crisp slightly.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, lemon juice, and orange zest until well combined.
- Apply the glaze: Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the salmon fillet, covering all exposed surfaces to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is just cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Rest the salmon: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moistness.
- Add garnishes: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salmon for color, texture, and added freshness.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon and orange slices before serving to enhance the presentation and add a citrus aroma to each portion.
Notes
- For extra holiday flavor, add a splash of white wine to the baking pan before placing the salmon in the oven.
- If you prefer a deeper sweetness, substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze mixture.
