If you’re looking to add a stunning centerpiece to your holiday table, this Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully blends the rich, buttery flavors of fresh salmon with bright citrus and aromatic herbs, creating a festive dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just seeking a special way to celebrate, this recipe brings warmth, color, and irresistible taste to your Christmas feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for bringing out the magic in this Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe. Each one is carefully chosen to balance freshness, flavor, and that festive touch you want on your holiday plate.
- Salmon fillet (1.5 lbs / 700g, skin-on): The star of the show, providing tender, flaky texture and rich flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky, luscious finish while helping the herbs and spices adhere perfectly.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses a warm, savory note that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a piney, fragrant aroma that evokes the festive season.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings gentle earthiness balancing the citrus zest.
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Brightens every bite with a lively citrus punch.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Adds a tangy freshness that wakes up the palate.
- Orange (thinly sliced): Delivers subtle sweetness and a gorgeous splash of color on top.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of green freshness and a final festive flourish.
How to Make Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Salmon
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature ensures the salmon cooks gently, keeping it moist and tender. Lay your salmon fillet, skin-side down, on a large sheet of parchment paper or foil on a baking tray—this creates the perfect sealed packet for baking.
Step 2: Season the Salmon Generously
Drizzle olive oil over the fillet to coat it evenly, which locks in moisture during baking. Then, lovingly rub the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice all over the salmon. These herbs and citrus create layers of festive flavor that make this Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe stand out. Season well with salt and pepper, which enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
Step 3: Add Beautiful Citrus Slices
Arrange the thin orange slices on top of the salmon like a delicate blanket. Besides looking gorgeous, the orange adds a subtle sweetness and zesty aroma that perfectly complements the salmon’s richness. This step brings an inviting burst of color to your holiday dish.
Step 4: Seal and Bake to Perfection
Fold the parchment or foil over the salmon, sealing the edges tightly to trap all the flavors and steam inside. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes gently with a fork, boasting flaky texture and a moist bite that’s irresistible during the festive season.
Step 5: Finish with a Fresh Parsley Garnish
Once out of the oven, carefully open the packet to release the delicious aromas. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a herbaceous freshness that brightens the flavors visually and taste-wise. Serve your Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe warm to enjoy every soothing bite.
How to Serve Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is perfect for a natural green highlight, but feel free to add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze their own extra tang. A few sprigs of rosemary make a charming decorative touch and reinforce that holiday feel.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to make a full festive meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted baby potatoes offer comforting textures, while a crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing bite and seasonal color. Steamed green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a lovely, earthy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the salmon directly in its parchment packet by placing it on individual plates so guests can unwrap the aromatic surprise themselves. Alternatively, flaky salmon can be flaked over a bed of wild rice infused with herbs or nestled beside a vibrant quinoa salad, making your Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe the star of a memorable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping the salmon chilled preserves its delicate flavor and texture while allowing you to enjoy this festive treat again easily.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover salmon if needed—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen salmon will keep well for up to one month, making it convenient for future quick and delicious holiday meals.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out the fish. Heating slowly preserves the salmon’s moistness and ensures your Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe remains just as delightful when enjoyed the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use salmon without the skin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on salmon helps keep the fillet moist during baking, but skinless salmon works well, too. Just be extra gentle when handling to prevent the flesh from breaking apart.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs available?
In a pinch, dried rosemary and thyme can be substituted—use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The baked salmon can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for easy, festive lunches or dinners during the busy holiday season.
Can I add other citrus fruits besides lemon and orange?
Definitely! Grapefruit or lime slices can add exciting new flavors and zesty contrasts that work beautifully with salmon in this Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque, slightly pink center. This ensures it’s moist and tender without being overcooked or dry.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe is truly one of my favorite holiday dishes to prepare and share. It’s straightforward yet packed with festive flavors that bring warmth and joy to any celebration. Trust me, once you try it, this salmon will become a cornerstone of your holiday traditions. So go ahead, give it a go, and enjoy a deliciously memorable Christmas feast!
Print
Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Baked Salmon recipe features a beautifully seasoned salmon fillet infused with fresh herbs, citrus zest, and orange slices, baked to tender perfection. Ideal for festive dinners, this flavorful dish combines the freshness of lemon and orange with fragrant rosemary and thyme, making it both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs (700g) salmon fillet, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare the Salmon Base: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a large piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil laid on a baking sheet, providing a base for the marinade and for wrapping.
- Apply Marinade: Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then evenly rub minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice all over the surface of the fillet. Season it generously with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Arrange Orange Slices: Lay the thinly sliced orange pieces on top of the salmon for added citrus aroma and a festive look.
- Create the Packet: Carefully fold the parchment paper or foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet, which helps to lock in moisture and flavors during baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 20-25 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon packet from the oven, carefully open it to avoid steam burns, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm for a delicious holiday centerpiece.
Notes
- Be careful when opening the foil or parchment packet as hot steam will escape.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillet.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
