Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze

Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze transforms your holiday table into something truly spectacular. This festive dish combines tender, flaky salmon with a glossy pomegranate reduction that tastes like the holidays in every bite. I’ve been making this recipe for three years now, and it never fails to impress guests with its stunning ruby-red glaze and restaurant-quality presentation.

The first time I served this Christmas salmon recipe, my mother-in-law actually asked if I had ordered it from a fancy restaurant! The secret is in the slow cooking method and that gorgeous pomegranate glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. What makes this holiday salmon recipe so special is how the sweet-tart pomegranate pairs with the rich, buttery fish. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning on your Christmas dinner table with those jewel-like pomegranate seeds scattered on top. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even though it looks like something from a high-end steakhouse.

What You’ll Need for This Festive Salmon Recipe

I always recommend using wild-caught Atlantic salmon when possible for the best flavor and texture. Pro tip: if you can’t find pomegranate juice without added sugar, look for it in the health food section of your grocery store.

• 2 pounds salmon (whole Atlantic salmon or fillets)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups pomegranate juice (sugar free)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from about 1 orange)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Orange slices for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Green onions (scallions) for garnish

I prefer using skin-on salmon fillets because the skin helps hold everything together during cooking. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

Step-by-Step Holiday Salmon Preparation

I recommend starting with the pomegranate glaze first since it needs time to reduce properly and develop that syrupy consistency.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This low temperature is key for keeping your Christmas salmon moist and tender.

Step 2: Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you make the glaze.

Step 3: Add pomegranate juice, brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the pomegranate reduction for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon and looks like maple syrup. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 5: Brush the reduced pomegranate glaze generously over the salmon, reserving about ¼ cup for serving. The glaze should coat the fish beautifully.

Step 6: Bake the salmon for 30-38 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F. The fish should flake easily but still look moist in the center.

Step 7: Transfer the Christmas salmon with pomegranate glaze to your serving platter and garnish with pomegranate seeds, orange slices, fresh parsley, and sliced green onions.

Perfect Holiday Side Dishes

This Christmas salmon pairs beautifully with both elegant and comfort food sides that complement the sweet-tart flavors.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The smoky, caramelized flavors balance the fruity glaze perfectly while adding festive green color to your plate.

Wild Rice Pilaf: The nutty, earthy grains soak up any extra pomegranate glaze and provide a hearty base for this holiday salmon recipe.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots echo the pomegranate’s natural sweetness while adding beautiful orange hues to your Christmas dinner spread.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes provide the perfect neutral backdrop to let the bold pomegranate flavors shine.

Create an Elegant Holiday Dining Experience

This stunning salmon deserves an equally beautiful menu to showcase its elegance! Begin your sophisticated dinner with refined appetizers like my Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms with their creamy filling, or try my Roasted Sprouts with Cranberries and Feta for festive flavor combinations. My Irresistibly Sticky Pigs in Blankets add a fun touch to any elegant spread.

The colors are absolutely stunning when you serve this pomegranate-glazed salmon alongside my Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad – the ruby and emerald tones are pure Christmas magic! For hearty alternative main courses, consider my Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef or comforting Savory French Onion Pot Roast. End this restaurant-quality meal with my delicate Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies.

Storing Your Holiday Salmon

Store leftover Christmas salmon covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The pomegranate glaze actually helps keep the fish moist during storage.

For reheating, I recommend using a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave to prevent overcooking. Cover with foil to retain moisture and warm gently.

Pro tip: Save any extra pomegranate reduction in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s incredible drizzled over roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert.

Your Holiday Salmon Questions Answered

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