If you’re looking for a festive dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare, this Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed with a tangy maple-Dijon mixture, this salmon comes together quickly and can even be made ahead of time to ease holiday cooking stress. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a seasonal meal that feels special without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building vibrant flavor, tender texture, and eye-catching color. From the rich salmon to the zesty lemon and subtly sweet glaze, every component is essential for that perfect holiday bite.
- Salmon fillet (1 1/2 to 2 pounds): Choose fresh or thawed salmon for the best, flaky texture that holds the glaze beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps the glaze adhere to the salmon, boosting richness.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings a bright, tangy depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Maple syrup or honey (2 tablespoons): Offers a natural sweet glaze that caramelizes gently while baking.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a refreshing zing and lifts the flavors in every bite.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies citrus notes, giving an extra layer of brightness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the best in the salmon and glaze.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): Provides a vibrant green garnish with mild herbal notes.
- Lemon slices and pomegranate seeds (optional): Gorgeous and festive touches that make the dish pop visually and add bursts of freshness.
How to Make Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is just right to cook the salmon evenly while allowing the glaze to caramelize gently without drying out the fish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and give it a light coating of grease. This simple prep step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the salmon from sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Salmon
Place your salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Whether your salmon is skin-on or skinless, positioning it this way helps retain moisture during baking and keeps the fillet intact, making it easier to serve.
Step 3: Make and Apply the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe — it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Spoon or brush the glaze evenly over the salmon, making sure every inch gets a lovely coat.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marinate
If you have a little extra time, allow the salmon to sit for 10 to 15 minutes after glazing. This step lets the flavors seep in, making every bite more flavorful and tender.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the salmon into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork but still stays moist and juicy inside.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the salmon rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each serving is moist and delicious. Then, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and add lemon slices and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch if you like.
How to Serve Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can turn your salmon from good to spectacular. Fresh chopped parsley adds lively green notes and a touch of herbal freshness. Lemon slices provide vibrant color and an extra citrus burst, while pomegranate seeds offer little pops of flavor and a jewel-like appearance perfect for holiday tables.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. Consider roasted winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to complement the fish’s delicate flavor. A fluffy rice pilaf or herbed quinoa adds a comforting starch alongside, and a crisp, colorful salad can lighten the plate and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday feast that wows, serve the salmon on a wooden cutting board surrounded by whole lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs. Alternatively, carve it into individual portions plated with vibrant sides arranged in appealing piles. Using festive platters or serving dishes helps highlight the salmon’s vibrant glaze for an effortless centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts of this Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe is that it stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it ideal for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to prep far in advance, wrap the cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It keeps well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the texture tender and delicious. Alternatively, serve it chilled or at room temperature — both options are fantastic and just as festive.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon thoroughly in the refrigerator before preparing. This ensures even cooking and the best texture for your Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe.
Is it okay to use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey works wonderfully as a substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the mustard and lemon flavors.
Can I add herbs to the glaze?
Definitely. Fresh rosemary or thyme are great additions for a more aromatic, holiday-inspired profile. Just add about 1 teaspoon of finely chopped herbs to the glaze before applying.
What’s the best way to tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist inside. Aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F if you have a kitchen thermometer.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, just use a larger baking sheet or cook in batches. The glaze ingredients can be doubled accordingly and the cooking times should remain roughly the same.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe has quickly become a cherished holiday staple for so many reasons—it’s effortless, elegantly flavorful, and perfect for making ahead without losing any of its charm. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with loved ones at your next celebration. Trust me, this dish brings a festive glow to any table and might just become your new holiday favorite!
Print
Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-Ahead Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Christmas Baked Salmon recipe is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion. Featuring a maple-mustard glaze infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, the salmon is baked to tender perfection. It’s a make-ahead recipe that can be served warm or cold, making holiday meal planning stress-free and delicious.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it lies flat for even cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Salmon: Spoon or brush the marinade evenly over the salmon fillet, covering all surfaces. If time allows, let the salmon sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Bake: Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, lemon slices, and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
- Serve: Serve the salmon warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a holiday salad.
Notes
- This salmon can be baked up to a day in advance and served chilled or gently reheated.
- For extra holiday flavor, add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a festive salad to complete your meal.
