This Christmas Salmon recipe is the show-stopping, yet surprisingly simple, centerpiece your holiday table deserves. Imagine a perfectly roasted, flaky salmon fillet, glistening with a vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze. It’s an elegant main course that promises a “wow” factor without any of the usual holiday cooking stress. This dish is designed to be as delicious as it is beautiful, ensuring your Christmas dinner is truly unforgettable.
Why This is the Perfect Christmas Salmon Recipe
When it comes to holiday meals, you want a recipe that is both impressive and reliable. This Christmas Salmon delivers on all fronts.
- Effortless Elegance: A whole roasted side of salmon makes a stunning presentation but requires minimal hands-on time.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberry, orange, and a hint of maple syrup is the taste of the holidays. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart.
- Quick & Simple: From start to finish, this entire dish can be on the table in under 40 minutes, freeing up your time and oven space for other holiday favorites.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Salmon is a lighter, healthier main course option that appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a wonderful alternative to heavier holiday roasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. The glaze uses festive, seasonal flavors to transform the salmon into a holiday masterpiece.
For the Salmon
- Salmon Fillet: One large, skin-on or skinless salmon fillet (about 3 lbs). A whole side looks most impressive.
- Olive Oil: To help the salmon cook evenly and stay moist.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season the fish.
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs, fresh cranberries, and orange slices for a beautiful, festive presentation.
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- Fresh Cranberries: The star of the glaze, providing a beautiful color and tart flavor.
- Orange Juice & Zest: Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the cranberry and orange.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang and helps to emulsify the glaze.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add a layer of aromatic depth.
How to Make Christmas Salmon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless holiday main course. The process is straightforward, ensuring a perfect result even for novice cooks.
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. For a smoother glaze, you can press it through a fine-mesh sieve.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet in the center of the baking sheet and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting a nice finish. Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
Spoon about half of the prepared cranberry orange glaze over the top of the salmon, spreading it into an even layer. Arrange the orange slices and a few rosemary sprigs around the fillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillet.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. To make it extra festive, garnish with fresh cranberries and more rosemary sprigs. Serve the remaining glaze on the side for spooning over individual portions.
Tips for a Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time
These simple tips will help you achieve a juicy, flaky salmon fillet that will impress your guests.
- Don’t Overcook: The biggest mistake is overcooking salmon. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Pull the salmon from the oven when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F at its thickest point. It will continue to cook as it rests.
- Buy Quality Salmon: Start with a high-quality, fresh fillet. Look for vibrant, moist-looking flesh. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before you begin.
- Pat It Dry: We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating! A dry surface helps the glaze adhere better and prevents the fish from steaming instead of roasting.
What to Serve with Your Festive Salmon
This Christmas Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday side dishes. For a complete and elegant meal, consider serving it with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, or a simple winter salad. For an appetizer, these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are always a hit. A festive gingerbread cocktail would also be a perfect start to the meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Planning is key for a stress-free holiday. The cranberry orange glaze can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making day-of preparation even easier. Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Enjoy it cold on salads or gently reheated in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To save time, you can make the cranberry orange glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to use on Christmas day.
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can dry out the fish.
Plan on about 6-8 ounces (1/3 to 1/2 pound) of salmon per adult. A 3-pound side of salmon, like the one in this recipe, will comfortably serve 6-8 people as a main course.
This festive salmon pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Consider serving it with roasted asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or our popular Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts.
For a moist and flaky result, cook salmon to an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet for accuracy. The fish will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, you can start your party with a crowd-pleasing festive cranberry dip (coming soon). And for a truly memorable end to your meal, try our stunning Pistachio Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert.
The Perfect Christmas Salmon
This Christmas Salmon with Cranberry Orange Glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration on a plate. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth, flavor, and elegance to your holiday gathering. We hope you love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below or see your creations on Pinterest!
Christmas Salmon with Cranberry Orange Glaze Recipe
Christmas Salmon with a Festive Cranberry Orange Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet on the sheet and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spoon half of the cranberry orange glaze over the salmon, spreading it evenly. Arrange orange slices around the fillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs before serving. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side.
Notes
The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance to save time during holiday prep.
Patting the salmon dry is a critical step for ensuring the glaze adheres well and the fish roasts perfectly.
