Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe

Let me tell you, this Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe has become my go-to for the holidays when I want something elegant but totally doable. There’s something so inviting about a beautifully baked salmon filet topped with tangy feta, fresh herbs, and vibrant pomegranate seeds—it just screams celebration without the fuss. Whenever I bring this to the table, it instantly elevates the whole meal, and trust me, people notice.

What I really love about this recipe is how well it balances festive flavors with simple ingredients, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies alike. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or just craving a seasonal seafood dinner, this salmon hits all the right notes—warm, bright, and just the right amount of special. Let me walk you through exactly how to make it shine on your holiday table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here complements the others beautifully, creating a fresh yet rich flavor profile that’s so satisfying. When you shop, I recommend grabbing the freshest salmon you can find and high-quality Greek yogurt for that creamy topping.

• Whole large salmon filet: Freshness is key—look for vibrant pink flesh with no fishy smell for the best results.
• Salt: Essential to bring out the natural flavors in the salmon.
• Ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Provides a tangy creaminess without heaviness, and it holds up well during baking.
• Smak Dab White Wine & Herb Mustard: Or any white wine mustard works—the herbaceous notes really brighten things up.
• Fresh dill: Nothing beats fresh dill for that classic Scandinavian flair that pairs perfectly with salmon.
• Lemon zest and juice: Adds sparkle and freshness that’ll make your mouth water.
• Garlic clove: Pressed garlic infuses the yogurt topping with gentle warmth without overpowering.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Adds saltiness and creaminess. I always buy a good quality feta to keep it from being too crumbly.
• Pomegranate seeds (for topping): These little jewels add festive color and a delightful burst of sweetness.
• Chopped salted pistachios: For texture and a subtle nutty crunch.
• Fresh chopped dill: More fresh dill on top brightens the final presentation.
• Olive oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps everything meld together.
• Squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper (for finishing): Balances the flavors just right at the end.

Variations

I love making this Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe my own by tweaking the toppings sometimes. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you’ll get a ton of satisfaction from that!

• Variation: Swap feta for goat cheese or cream cheese. I tried this once for a creamier texture and it was a hit—just a bit mellower and still super festive.
• Variation: Use Dijon mustard if you don’t have white wine mustard. This works great and adds a little extra tang and depth.
• Variation: Add rosemary or thyme to your dill mixture. Sometimes I sprinkle different herbs for an earthier note.
• Variation: Skip nuts for a nut-free version. The dish still shines without the pistachios, especially with the vibrant pomegranate seeds.
• Variation: For a keto spin, omit the yogurt and swap with cream cheese blend. It keeps the creamy topping festive and compliant.

How to Make Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe

Step 1: Prep your salmon for success

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, pat your salmon filet gently with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Sprinkle the salt and freshly ground pepper evenly over the salmon skin and flesh sides. This simple seasoning foundation enhances the natural flavors and helps firm up the skin if you like it crispy.

Step 2: Whip up the festive topping

In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, your white wine & herb mustard, freshly chopped dill, lemon zest and juice, and the pressed garlic. Stir everything gently until smooth. This creamy mixture is going to bring a delightful tang and herbaceous freshness to the salmon. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese—don’t overmix, you want those lovely crumbles intact for texture.

Step 3: Spread and bake with love

Spread your yogurt-feta mixture evenly over the top of the salmon filet. Transfer the salmon to a lined baking sheet or a roasting pan, skin side down. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should be just opaque in the center but still juicy—overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on it near the end.

Step 4: Add festive toppings and finish

Once the salmon is out of the oven and resting for a few minutes, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds, chopped salted pistachios, and fresh dill on top. A light drizzle of olive oil and a quick squeeze of lemon juice over everything brings it all together beautifully. Don’t forget a final pinch of salt and pepper if you want—it really balances the topping with the salmon underneath.

How to Serve Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish this Christmas salmon with extra fresh dill and a few more pomegranate seeds right before serving. They add not only a pop of color but also freshness and texture that keep the dish feeling lively and festive. Sometimes, I add a few thin lemon slices on the side for that extra zing that guests love.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this festive salmon with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans with almonds. The creamy potatoes complement the tangy topping perfectly, while the green beans add a crisp, nutty contrast. For something lighter, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a bright, refreshing partner too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes serve the salmon on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and scattered pomegranate seeds—so pretty and rustic! You could also plate individual portions on white dishes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a wedge of lemon on the side for an elegant touch. It’s all about making your guests feel special without extra stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though I recommend enjoying it sooner so it doesn’t lose its fresh flavors and texture. When storing, keep the toppings separate if you can, especially the pomegranate seeds and pistachios—they stay crunchier that way.

Freezing

While I don’t often freeze this festive salmon because I prefer it fresh, it is possible. Make sure to freeze the salmon filet without the yogurt and feta topping, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can bake it fresh from frozen and make the topping afterward to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this salmon is gently in a low oven or toaster oven at around 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep it moist without drying out the fish or the topping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the toppings from wilting or turning soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe has become one of my most treasured holiday dishes because it balances ease with elegant flavors so perfectly. I love how it brings people together—there’s a little sparkle in every bite thanks to the pomegranate and pistachios that feels truly special for the season. I’m excited for you to give this recipe a try in your own kitchen; I promise it’ll make your holiday dinner feel both effortless and unforgettable.

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