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Christmas Salmon Recipe Extreme close-up of flaky baked salmon texture topped with creamy sauce, pomegranate arils, pistachio pieces, and fresh dill, shallow depth of field, soft bokeh background, luxurious food photography, vibrant colors, high detail.”

Christmas Salmon Recipe

This oven-roasted Christmas Salmon Recipe feels celebratory and cozy, finished with creamy yogurt and jewel-toned holiday toppings.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Keyword: baked salmon, festive dinner, holiday salmon, honey mustard salmon
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 490kcal
Cost: $32

Ingredients

  • 3 lb salmon fillet skin-on and boneless (center-cut for even cooking)
  • 0.75 tablespoon black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
  • 0.75 tablespoon salt fine sea salt preferred
  • 1.5 teaspoons whole grain mustard adds texture and tang
  • 1.5 tablespoons honey mild floral honey works best
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic finely chopped for even glaze
  • 9 tablespoons Greek yogurt full-fat for creaminess
  • 8–9 sprigs fresh thyme chopped (leaves only)
  • 8–9 sprigs fresh dill chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 0.75 tablespoon lemon zest finely grated
  • 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 tablespoons pistachios chopped (unsalted preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons dried cranberries chopped if large (even distribution)
  • 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds fresh for brightness

Instructions

  • Prepare the baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and lightly coating it with olive oil, then place the salmon skin-side down and season evenly with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk the olive oil, garlic, honey, and whole grain mustard in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
    “Top-down shot of a small bowl with vinaigrette-style sauce being whisked, visible olive oil and mustard texture, metal whisk, parchment-lined baking tray partially visible, soft natural lighting, clean recipe process photography.”
  • Spread the glaze gently over the salmon, brushing from the center outward to create a thin, even layer.
    “Overhead shot of raw salmon fillet placed on parchment-lined baking tray, brushed with olive oil and seasoning, pastel spatula on the side, minimal modern kitchen styling, neutral textured surface, clean and bright food photography, preparation stage.”
  • Bake the salmon in a 170°C (338°F) oven until the edges turn lightly golden and the flesh flakes easily while remaining moist in the center.
  • Stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped thyme until creamy and well combined.
    “Top-down food prep shot of a ceramic bowl filled with yogurt mixed with lemon zest and fresh herbs, spoon inside the bowl, lemon and microplane grater on wooden board nearby, minimal clean styling, white textured background, bright natural light, recipe step photography.”
  • Allow the salmon to rest briefly, then spoon and swirl the yogurt mixture evenly over the warm surface.
  • Sprinkle the pistachios, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and chopped dill evenly over the salmon for color and crunch.
  • Move the salmon to a serving platter or serve directly from the dish, slicing into tender portions.
    “Close-up food photography of a baked salmon fillet served on a ceramic plate, topped with creamy yogurt sauce, pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and lemon zest, soft natural daylight, shallow depth of field, elegant plated dish, bright airy background, gourmet healthy food styling.”

Notes

This salmon is perfect for gatherings where you want something elegant but effortless. The contrast of warm fish, cool yogurt, and bright toppings makes every bite feel special.

Nutrition

Serving: 210g | Calories: 490kcal (25%) | Carbohydrates: 18g (6%) | Protein: 46g (92%) | Fat: 25g (38%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 128mg (43%) | Sodium: 1040mg (45%) | Potassium: 1300mg (37%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 13g (14%) | Vitamin A: 200IU (4%) | Vitamin C: 7mg (8%) | Calcium: 78mg (8%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
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