Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze

It all started with a half-used bottle of pomegranate juice and a craving for something festive but unfussy. That’s how this Christmas Salmon came to life—bright, jewel-toned, and ridiculously simple. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you tried (a lot), but really, you were just tossing glaze while sipping cider in your slippers. Cozy holiday magic, right?

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salmon

When your holiday table needs a showstopper that won’t stress you out, this Christmas Salmon checks all the boxes:

• Easy: Just season, glaze, and bake—no babysitting the oven.
• Festive flavors: Sweet-tart pomegranate, citrusy orange, and fresh herbs make it taste like the holidays.
• Healthy: High in protein and omega-3s with only 222 calories per serving.
• Stunning presentation: Garnished with vibrant pomegranate arils, citrus slices, and green herbs for that “wow” effect.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the glaze in advance—hello, stress-free hosting!

This dish brings color and elegance without the complexity, making it a perfect fit whether you’re hosting a full-blown feast or a quiet Christmas dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep this merry and minimal—just a few real-food ingredients to build big flavor.

For the Salmon

• 2 lbs salmon (whole side or fillets, skin-on or skinless)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: orange slices for baking or garnish

For the Pomegranate Glaze

• 2 cups pomegranate juice (sugar-free)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat

Garnishes (optional but lovely):

• Pomegranate seeds
• Fresh parsley
• Green onions or scallions
• Extra orange slices

How to Make Christmas Salmon

Here’s how to pull off this festive feast without breaking a sweat.

Prepare the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, brown sugar, orange juice, and zest.
2. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
3. Lower to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency. Set aside.

Bake the Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Place salmon skin-side down; season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush the glaze generously over the salmon.
4. Bake for 30–38 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F internally.

Garnish and Serve

1. Carefully transfer the salmon to a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with any remaining glaze.
3. Top with pomegranate seeds, parsley, and scallions.
4. Tuck in a few orange slices for a beautiful holiday finish.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Bake it low and slow: Cooking at 300°F ensures your salmon stays tender and never dries out.
• Fillets work too: Don’t need to serve a crowd? Use 2 lbs of fillets instead of a whole side.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cracked pepper to the glaze for a hint of heat.
• Don’t waste that glaze: Extra reduction keeps for 7 days—try it over grilled chicken or roasted veggies.

And if you’re looking for a crunchy holiday snack, pair it with our roasted pumpkin seeds recipe or serve alongside this ultra-cozy creamy pumpkin pasta.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil, just until heated through—about 10 minutes. Or enjoy cold over a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a quiet holiday dinner or a lively gathering, this Christmas Salmon brings the beauty and flavor without the fuss. It’s a dish that sparkles with seasonal color and cozy flavor—just like the holidays should feel. Share your holiday table moments in the comments or tag us on Pinterest!

And if dessert’s calling your name, our pumpkin chiffon pie is a creamy dream worth baking.