The first Christmas I swapped ham for salmon, my aunt was skeptical—until that tangy pomegranate glaze hit the table. Now, this juicy, stunning salmon is a family favorite and surprisingly easy to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salmon
This isn’t just baked salmon—it’s your new holiday go-to. It’s low-fuss, keto-friendly, and bursting with sweet pomegranate and citrus flavor. Gorgeous enough to be the centerpiece, easy enough for a weeknight, and so tasty even meat-lovers go back for seconds. Plus, it pairs beautifully with all your favorite holiday sides—from garlicky green beans to cauliflower mash.
Planning a full menu? This dish fits right into your lineup of festive keto holiday dinner ideas.
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Christmas Salmon (with Festive Pomegranate Glaze)
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–38 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Description
This Christmas Salmon is sweet, tangy, and gorgeous—glazed with a pomegranate-orange reduction and garnished with vibrant herbs and fruit. Perfect for an elegant, low-carb holiday dinner centerpiece.
Ingredients
2 lbs whole Atlantic salmon or salmon fillets (with or without skin)
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cups sugar-free pomegranate juice
¼ cup brown sugar or keto brown sweetener
¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
1 tbsp orange zest
Fresh pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Orange slices (for garnish)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional scallions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place salmon skin-side down, season with salt and pepper.
3. In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, brown sugar, orange juice, and zest. Bring to boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes until reduced and syrupy.
4. Brush glaze over salmon evenly.
5. Bake for 30–38 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 145°F and salmon flakes easily.
6. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with pomegranate seeds, orange slices, parsley, and scallions.
7. Serve warm.
Notes
Bake low and slow to keep the salmon juicy.
Store extra glaze in the fridge up to a week—great on chicken or roasted veggies.
Can be made ahead: reheat and glaze before serving.
Frozen salmon works well—just thaw and pat dry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 222
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 203mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon
- 2 lbs whole Atlantic salmon or salmon fillets (with or without skin)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze and Garnish
- 2 cups sugar-free pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or keto brown sweetener)
- ¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- Garnish: fresh pomegranate seeds, orange slices, chopped parsley, and optional scallions
Swaps: Use maple syrup or keto maple instead of brown sugar. No scallions? Skip or use extra parsley.
How to Make Christmas Salmon
Step 1 – Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, mix pomegranate juice, brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer 20–25 minutes until thick and syrupy.
Step 2 – Bake the Salmon
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place salmon skin-side down, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 30–38 minutes until flaky and the internal temperature hits 145°F.
Step 3 – Glaze and Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving platter. Brush with pomegranate glaze, then top with pomegranate seeds, orange slices, chopped parsley, and scallions if using. Serve warm and watch it disappear.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Bake low and slow at 300°F to keep it tender.
- Pat salmon dry before baking so the glaze sticks well.
- Use a thermometer—145°F is your target.
- Store leftover glaze in the fridge for up to a week—it’s great on chicken or veggies.
- You can bake the salmon ahead and glaze right before serving.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Use fillets instead of a whole side for easier plating.
- Try a cranberry-orange glaze for a twist.
- Serve it with classic holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed cauliflower, or a citrus salad with walnuts.
- Want more inspiration? Browse our favorite low-carb seafood recipes for more keto-friendly fish dishes.
FAQs
Can I make this salmon ahead of time?
Yes! Bake earlier in the day, then reheat and glaze before serving for best results.
What side dishes go well with Christmas salmon?
Roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed cauliflower, and citrusy salads are all great pairings.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Definitely. Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
What wine pairs best with Christmas salmon?
Dry rosé, Pinot Noir, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc all pair beautifully.
How do I keep salmon moist for Christmas dinner?
Bake it at a low temp and don’t overcook. The glaze also helps seal in moisture.
Can I make Christmas salmon in the oven or air fryer?
Yes. Oven baking is ideal, but the air fryer works too—cook fillets at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.
What are healthy Christmas salmon recipes?
This one’s a standout! Low in carbs, rich in protein, and packed with holiday flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Salmon brings elegance, warmth, and vibrant flavor to your holiday spread—without the stress. Whether it’s the star of the table or part of your larger celebration, it’s a dish everyone remembers (and requests again).
Need more inspiration? Check out our collection of easy keto Christmas recipes to build your full holiday menu.
And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more keto recipes, holiday ideas, and make-ahead meal tips that’ll keep your season merry and delicious.