16+ Christmas Salmon Recipes for a Beautiful Holiday Dinner

Some of my most cherished Christmas memories unfolded in a kitchen filled with the joyful mess of holiday prep. One year, we decided to shake things up from the usual roast ham and went searching for festive Christmas salmon recipes for a beautiful holiday dinner. I still remember the buttery scent of baked salmon mingling with pine needles and the sparkle of cranberry salsa on bright fillets. Salmon brought color, elegance, and freshness to our winter table—a welcome change from heavy meats. Over the years, it’s become our signature centerpiece, dressed up with bold flavors and always shared with laughter. Here are the recipes that inspire my family’s Christmas feasts year after year.

1. Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the simplest way to get a wow-worthy main dish on the holiday table without fuss. The glaze caramelizes perfectly and looks stunning right out of the oven. It’s a recipe even salmon skeptics tend to love, and you can double it easily for a crowd.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lb salmon fillet
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Lemon slices for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon skin-side down on the sheet and pat dry.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the glaze over the salmon evenly.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the fish flakes.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze for extra warmth.

2. Cranberry-Orange Roasted Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This bright, jewel-toned dish is as cheerful as a string of lights. The cranberry-orange topping is tart and sweet, offering a festive twist that breaks up the winter heaviness. It’s a hit for pescatarians and a great conversation starter at the table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chopped rosemary

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Oil a baking dish.
2. Arrange salmon, skin-side down, and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a saucepan, simmer cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, and rosemary until berries pop (about 7 minutes).
4. Spoon the cranberry mixture over salmon.
5. Roast 18–20 minutes until salmon is cooked through.

Best Pairings: Buttery risotto, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a citrusy salad.

3. Pistachio-Crusted Christmas Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

The crunchy pistachio topping offers a playful twist on classic fish, with colors perfect for Christmas. This one’s great when you want a “wow” main with texture without lots of extra steps.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Mix pistachios, panko, melted butter, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Brush Dijon mustard onto the tops of the salmon fillets.
4. Press the pistachio mixture gently onto the mustard to form a crust.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes until pistachios are golden and salmon is flaky.

Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

4. Maple Mustard Sheet Pan Salmon & Veggies

Why You’ll Love It:

Everything cooks together on one pan, so you get flavorful salmon and caramelized winter veggies without the pile of dishes. It’s a low-stress way to impress guests or feed a family on Christmas Eve.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 (5 oz) salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups carrots, cut into sticks
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp chopped thyme

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment.
2. Arrange carrots and Brussels on the pan, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mix maple syrup and mustard.
5. Place salmon fillets among the veggies and brush with maple mustard glaze.
6. Sprinkle with thyme, roast for 15 minutes more.

Meal Prep Tip: You can prep veggies the night before; just keep them covered in the fridge.

5. Garlic Butter Salmon en Papillote

Why You’ll Love It:

Baking salmon in parchment locks in moisture and flavor, making it tender and rich without much effort. It’s perfect for a fancier holiday dinner—opening each package feels like unwrapping a present.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ lemon, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, julienned
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 4 sprigs thyme

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut four parchment paper sheets.
3. In a bowl, mix butter with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Place each salmon fillet on a sheet. Top with zucchini, lemon, thyme, and drizzle with garlic butter.
5. Fold parchment tightly to seal.
6. Bake on a tray for 18 minutes.

Optional Serving Idea: Serve directly in parchment on plates for dramatic presentation.

6. Herb-Stuffed Whole Roast Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This is for when you want to put out a true centerpiece—showstopping and brimming with flavor from the inside out. The fish stays juicy and looks gorgeous for carving at the table.

Serving size: Serves 8–10

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 whole salmon (about 4 lb), cleaned
• 1 lemon, sliced thin
• 1 bunch dill, rough chopped
• 1 bunch parsley, rough chopped
• 1 bunch chives, cut
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Pat the salmon dry and place on an oiled baking sheet.
3. Stuff cavity with herbs and lemon slices.
4. Rub outside with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Roast for 40 minutes, until flesh flakes.

Best Pairings: Crispy roast potatoes, sautéed green beans, and a simple fennel salad.

7. Salmon Wellington (Salmon en Croûte)

Why You’ll Love It:

Puff pastry wraps salmon and creamy spinach in delicate, flaky layers—this looks and tastes fancy but is secretly straightforward to prepare. It’s the ultimate Christmas salmon showstopper.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 (1.5 lb) center-cut salmon fillet
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz fresh spinach
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Sauté shallot and spinach in butter until wilted. Cool, then mix in cream cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay puff pastry on parchment. Spread spinach mix in the center, place salmon on top.
4. Fold pastry edges over salmon, seal and place seam-side down.
5. Brush with egg wash.
6. Bake 30 minutes until golden. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overfill with spinach—too much moisture will make the pastry soggy.

8. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This sweet and savory baked salmon is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It comes together quickly with pantry staples but feels restaurant-casual for holiday gatherings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Whisk honey, soy, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place salmon in a foil-lined baking dish.
4. Brush glaze over fillets.
5. Bake 15–18 minutes until fish is opaque.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion before serving.

Swap This With That: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.

9. Parmesan Panko Crusted Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

You get the best crispy crunch without deep frying, and the cheese adds a kid-approved flavor. This is a low-stress way to add a little decadence to your holiday plate—fantastic for picky eaters.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. On a plate, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush salmon lightly with egg.
4. Press into the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place on a greased baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake 15 minutes. Top with parsley.

Serving Idea: Set these out with a lemony arugula salad for a lighter holiday meal.

10. Smoked Salmon Christmas Platter

Why You’ll Love It:

No-cook and always festive—lay out a spread of smoked salmon with simple accoutrements for a light start or brunch. Guests graze and mingle, and you actually get time to enjoy your own party.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz smoked salmon slices
• ½ cup crème fraîche
• 1 cucumber, sliced into ribbons
• 8 rye toast rounds
• 2 tbsp capers
• 4 tbsp fresh dill

How to Make It:

1. Lay smoked salmon in loose folds around the board.
2. Fill small bowls with crème fraîche and capers.
3. Arrange cucumber, rye toasts, and dill around the salmon.
4. Let everyone build their own plate.

Best Pairings: Bagels, soft scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.

11. Festive Citrus Salmon with Fennel

Why You’ll Love It:

The bright citrus and delicate fennel lighten things up—a welcome contrast to rich holiday sides. The colors look gorgeous together, and it’s a great way to add a cheerful vibe to your spread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 blood orange, thinly sliced
• 1 small fennel bulb, sliced thin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, to garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place salmon on a lightly oiled baking dish.
3. Scatter orange and fennel slices over and around fish.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Roast 15 minutes. Garnish with basil.

Personal Note: My little ones love picking out their favorite orange slices off the fish—it’s a family favorite.

12. Miso Ginger Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

Miso and ginger add cozy, umami complexity that feels right for cold December nights. It’s an easy way to do something a little different, and pairs so well with simple steamed rice or green vegetables.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp white miso
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Whisk miso, soy, honey, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Brush glaze on salmon and let marinate 10 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes.
5. Top with scallions and sesame seeds.

Meal Prep Tip: Marinate the salmon in the morning for even more flavor by dinnertime.

13. Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweet-tart sticky glaze is festive and colorful—a crowd pleaser for folks who like a touch of sophistication. Ideal for sit-down dinners where you want something that looks as good as it tastes.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ cup pomegranate arils
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Mix molasses, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush over salmon.
3. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
4. Top with pomegranate and mint.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of ground cumin to the glaze for subtle warmth.

14. Dill Cream Poached Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish is extra rich and gentle—perfect for a cozy, softer holiday spread alongside potatoes and greens. The creamy dill sauce doubles as a built-in gravy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup fish or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. In a wide pan, bring cream, stock, butter, lemon juice, and mustard to simmer.
2. Add salmon, cover, poach gently for 10–12 minutes.
3. Remove salmon. Stir chopped dill, salt, and pepper into sauce.
4. Spoon sauce over fish to serve.

Serving Idea: Pair with steamed potatoes and peas for a classic holiday combo.

15. Roasted Salmon with Winter Root Vegetables

Why You’ll Love It:

One of the most comforting ways to enjoy salmon in winter. The veggies roast up tender and sweet, soaking up all the salmon’s juices. It’s wonderful for big family gatherings and can be made on one big sheet pan.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 (5 oz) salmon fillets
• 3 carrots, peeled and cubed
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cubed
• 2 golden beets, peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a large sheet pan, roast 20 minutes.
3. Add salmon fillets to pan, nestling among veggies.
4. Roast 15–18 minutes more.
5. Garnish with parsley.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use whatever root veggies are on sale—sweet potato, rutabaga, and turnip all work well.

16. Simple Lemon Herb Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s the kind of quick, trusted recipe you can fall back on when the holiday schedule is packed. Subtle, classic flavors that let the fish shine. Works with whatever fresh herbs you have on hand.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped mixed herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place salmon on an oiled baking dish.
3. Top with lemon slices and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake 14 minutes, or until just cooked.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a large batch of the herb mix and keep in the fridge for last-minute garnishing all week.

17. Salmon Chowder with Crispy Bacon

Why You’ll Love It:

Warm, creamy, and hearty—this soup is a comforting starter or even centerpiece for a more relaxed holiday dinner. Bacon and leeks get everyone excited before the first spoonful.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb skinless salmon, cut in chunks
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 large leek, sliced
• 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped chives

How to Make It:

1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy. Remove and chop.
2. Add butter and leeks, sauté 5 minutes.
3. Add potatoes, bay leaf, and stock. Simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Add cream and salmon, simmer until salmon is just cooked, 8–10 minutes.
5. Season, serve topped with bacon and chives.

Best Pairings: Crusty sourdough bread, a green salad, and a glass of white wine.

18. Herby Salmon Cakes with Lemon Remoulade

Why You’ll Love It:

These cakes use up leftover salmon or even canned in a pinch—crispy, herby, and perfect for casual gatherings or holiday appetizers. The lemony sauce adds extra brightness.

Serving size: Serves 4 (as a main) or 8 (as an appetizer)

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked flaked salmon
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 tbsp capers, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)
• For remoulade: ⅓ cup mayo, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tsp Dijon

How to Make It:

1. Mix salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayo, mustard, parsley, scallions, capers, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape into 8 small cakes.
3. Fry in oil in a large skillet over medium heat, 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Mix remoulade ingredients in a bowl.
5. Serve cakes with a spoonful of sauce and chopped parsley.

Flavor Boost: Mix some minced pickles into the remoulade for extra tang.

FAQ

Can I prep these Christmas salmon recipes ahead?

Absolutely—many of these recipes, like the salmon cakes or sheet pan dinners, can be prepped partly or fully ahead. For baked or crusted salmon, you can often assemble glazes or toppings in advance, then bake just before dinner.

What sides go best with salmon for Christmas dinner?

Classic options include roasted potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a citrus salad. A creamy risotto or dill potato salad also pairs beautifully for the holidays.

How do I keep salmon from overcooking?

Watch the timing closely—most salmon cooks quickly, 12–18 minutes depending on thickness. It should flake easily with a fork and still look slightly translucent in the center when you take it out (it continues to cook off-heat).

Can I substitute frozen salmon for fresh in these recipes?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. The results are still delicious and often more budget-friendly.

Conclusion

There’s just something about salmon on a Christmas table—colorful, lighter, and effortlessly elegant. These 16+ Christmas salmon recipes for a beautiful holiday dinner give you the freedom to cook with what you have, play with flavors, and serve something special that still fits real family life. Whether you choose a dramatic whole roast, a cozy chowder, or crowd-pleasing sheet pan dish, these recipes can help you make new traditions that are every bit as joyful and comforting as the old ones. Try a few, adapt them to your style, and don’t be afraid to make them your own. Happy cooking and happy holidays.