It's the holiday season, and it is time to start making memorable dinner plans for the family: Christmas dinner. Why not try something fresh this year and build your holiday menu with beautiful Christmas salmon recipes? Salmon is a perfect combination of flavor and healthy nutrition that will fit well into any festive table.

Whether you're hosting an elegant entrée, light appetizer, or even a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, these Christmas salmon ideas guarantee to make your meal unforgettable.

Why Choose Salmon for Christmas?

First and foremost, salmon is an extremely nutritious food, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. It is the perfect fit for holiday feasting because of its versatility, satisfaction, and easy pairing with seasonal flavors such as cranberry, rosemary, and citrus.

Best Christmas Salmon Recipes to Try This Season

Following are some creative holiday salmon recipes that will make your celebration even more special:

Citrus and Herb Roasted Salmon

• This recipe combines zesty oranges, lemons, and fresh herbs for a bright and aromatic main course.
• Ingredients: Fresh salmon fillets, slices of orange and lemon, rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with citrus slices, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with herbs and seasoning. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Ideal For: Light entrée, elegance on the plate.

• Add some sweetness and zest to holiday salmon recipes with a maple glaze that finishes with some real color from cranberries.
• Ingredients: Salmon fillets, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh or frozen cranberries, salt to taste. 
• Instructions: Using a brush, spread the maple-mustard glaze over the salmon, sprinkle with cranberries, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes. 
• Perfect For: This family-friendly dish is easy to prepare but offers something unique for the holidays.

• For something a bit fancier, try this crunchy, nutty salmon smothered in a festive pomegranate sauce.
• Ingredients: Salmon fillets, crushed pecans, honey, Dijon mustard, and pomegranate seeds.
• Instructions: Brush salmon with honey and mustard, press into crushed pecans, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Serve topped with pomegranate drizzle.
• Perfect For: When trying to make an impression on friends, prepare a fancy restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.

Christmas Salmon Ideas That Are Quick and Easy

Smoked Salmon Crostini: Serve sliced toasted baguette with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of chives.

Salmon and Avocado Salad: Toss flaked salmon with avocado, mixed greens, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a healthy appetizer.

Salmon-stuffed mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of salmon, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs and bake until done for easy finger food.

Salmon Serving Suggestions for the Holidays

Presentation is Everything: Salmon dishes on a festive platter with garnishes like fresh herbs, lemon slices, or even a sprinkle of bright pomegranate seeds add color to any presentation.

Complementary Flavors: Salmon is one fish that goes along great with sides of roasted vegetables of the root variety, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad of arugula.

Wine Pairing: This Christmas salmon recipe calls for a glass of chilled Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the flavors of the fish nicely.

Using Up Leftover Salmon

If you have leftover salmon, don’t waste it! Below are a few holiday salmon recipes for creatively using up leftovers in delicious meals:

Salmon Breakfast Bagel: Cream cheese slathered on a toasted bagel topped with salmon, capers, onions, and fresh dill.

Salmon Pasta: Toss cooked salmon with pasta, garlic, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick dinner.

Salmon Salad: Flake the salmon and serve it in a bowl with greens, cucumbers, and a lemon-dill dressing for a healthy lunch.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Salmon Recipes

With all these various Christmas salmon recipes out there, why be stuck with the same old menu? By including salmon in your Christmas feast, you will add a flavor and a healthy twist that will surely delight both seafood lovers and newbies alike.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our other recipes for creative ways to enjoy this versatile fish throughout the season. And when it comes to sourcing the freshest salmon for your holiday dishes, look no further than Pure Food Fish Market. From premium-quality fillets to mouthwatering smoked salmon, we’re here to bring the best of the sea to your table.