Can I Make Christmas Salmon Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! While salmon is best served freshly cooked, you can prepare the pomegranate glaze a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply warm the glaze slightly, coat the salmon, and bake. You can also season and prep the fillets ahead so all you need to do is glaze and roast.

Is Christmas Salmon Suitable for Special Diets?

Yes, Christmas salmon is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly . For a dairy-free version, simply replace the butter with a neutral oil like olive or avocado oil. You can also make it low-carb by reducing the maple syrup slightly or using a sugar-free alternative. This recipe is adaptable without compromising its festive flair or flavor.

What’s the Best Salmon to Use for This Recipe?

For optimal flavor and texture, choose fresh, wild-caught salmon such as sockeye , king salmon , or steelhead trout (which cooks similarly to salmon and is more forgiving for beginners). Avoid pre-seasoned or frozen fillets with added water content, as they may release too much liquid during baking and dilute the glaze.

Christmas Salmon – Best Holiday Recipe

Name: Christmas Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses: provides a tangy, sweet base for the glaze; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: adds natural sweetness and balance to the tart molasses; 1 tablespoon butter: adds richness and smooth texture to the glaze; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: enhances the warmth and depth of the flavor; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: contributes earthy, aromatic holiday flavor; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: enhances and balances the overall flavor; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: adds subtle spice and depth; 6 salmon fillets: protein-rich base that absorbs the glaze beautifully; 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds: bright, juicy garnish with festive appeal; Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish): adds aroma and decorative touch

Description

Christmas Salmon is a quick, healthy, and festive holiday main dish. Featuring oven-baked salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses sauce, and garnished with fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds, it’s a vibrant and elegant centerpiece perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup pomegranate molasses: provides a tangy, sweet base for the glaze
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: adds natural sweetness and balance to the tart molasses
1 tablespoon butter: adds richness and smooth texture to the glaze
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: enhances the warmth and depth of the flavor
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: contributes earthy, aromatic holiday flavor
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: enhances and balances the overall flavor
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: adds subtle spice and depth
6 salmon fillets: protein-rich base that absorbs the glaze beautifully
1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds: bright, juicy garnish with festive appeal
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish): adds aroma and decorative touch

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a molasses-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the cooled glaze evenly over each fillet.
Bake the salmon for 8–9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Once baked, spoon any extra glaze from the pan back over the fillets.
Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds before serving.

Notes

Pomegranate molasses is essential to this recipe and not easily substituted — look for it in international or Middle Eastern markets.
Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor and texture.
The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Don’t overcook the salmon — check for doneness at 8 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Holiday, American, Middle Eastern Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
Calories: 294
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 88mg