Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with festive flavors, this Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those recipes I’ve turned to time and again during the holiday season, especially when I want something a little lighter than the usual roast but still impressive enough to wow guests. The creamy yogurt and tangy mustard mixture combined with fresh dill and feta gives the salmon a beautiful balance of richness and zest that feels just right for Christmas.

The best part? It takes hardly any time and effort, which means you can focus more on enjoying your holiday rather than stressing in the kitchen. Plus, the colorful toppings of pomegranate seeds and pistachios make this salmon not only delicious but also perfectly festive. Trust me, once you try this Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe, you’ll want to make it your go-to for special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to bring out the best in the salmon while keeping the flavors bright and holiday-appropriate. When shopping, look for a fresh, large salmon filet that has a nice thickness—this helps it stay moist and flaky during cooking.

• Whole large salmon filet: Fresh is best! Choose a thick, meaty piece for even cooking and that perfect flaky texture.
• Salt: Just a simple dose to enhance all the other flavors.
• Ground pepper: Freshly ground if you can, it adds a subtle spicy note.
• Plain Greek yogurt: It adds creaminess and tang without overpowering the dish.
• Smak Dab White Wine & Herb Mustard: Or any good quality dijon or grainy mustard will do—the mustard gives a lovely depth.
• Fresh dill: This herb is like the soul of the recipe, adding brightness and a bit of earthiness.
• Lemon zest and juice: They bring that fresh citrusy pop that’s essential for holiday feeling.
• Garlic clove: Pressed garlic provides a gentle but noticeable background warmth.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty creaminess that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
• Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds add a pop of color and a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
• Chopped salted pistachios: For crunch and a hint of savory richness.
• Fresh chopped dill (for topping): Just a bit more green to brighten every bite.
• Olive oil: To drizzle for richness and to help everything meld together on the plate.
• Lemon juice (squeeze for topping): A final bright note before serving.
• Salt and pepper (to finish): Always taste before serving to balance flavors perfectly.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe can be. Whether you want to keep it classic or mix things up, there’s plenty of room for personalization based on what you have on hand or your taste.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture, which lends a slightly sweeter note that my family adores.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the yogurt mixture can give the dish a subtle, warm kick.
• Herb switch: If you don’t have fresh dill, tarragon or fresh parsley work great to keep that fresh herbal vibe.
• Mustard alternative: Feel free to experiment with different mustards like honey mustard for a little sweet contrast.
• Make it paleo: Skip the yogurt and use a drizzle of olive oil mixed with lemon and mustard for a lighter but equally tasty coating.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon with Care

Start by rinsing your salmon filet under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick. Sprinkle the salt and ground pepper evenly all over both sides of the fillet, then set it aside while you prepare the topping mixture to let the flavors begin to meld. I like to do this step first so my hands aren’t too messy when handling the creamy topping.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Mustard Topping

In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, the white wine & herb mustard, fresh dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and pressed garlic. Stir until it’s smooth and well blended—you’re looking for a balance that’s tangy, herby, and just a little punchy from the mustard. This mix is what makes this recipe feel so festive and special.

Step 3: Spread and Add Feta

Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish. Gently spread the yogurt-mustard mixture evenly across the top of the salmon, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese over the saucy layer. The feta will melt just slightly while baking, creating a creamy, salty layer that pairs perfectly with the fish.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Pop the salmon into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your filet. You’re looking for the salmon to flake easily with a fork but still remain moist. Overcooking is the enemy here, so keep an eye on it starting around 15 minutes—every oven heats differently, so trust your instincts.

Step 5: Add Festive Toppings

Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes, then scatter the pomegranate seeds and chopped salted pistachios over the top. Add a little extra fresh dill and a light drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for that final festive sparkle. These toppings not only add texture and flavor but make the dish absolutely stunning for your holiday table.

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

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of garnishing this salmon with extra fresh dill and a few more pomegranate seeds right before serving because it keeps things bright and eye-catching. If you want to go the extra mile, some thin lemon slices on the side add that little zing and look beautiful too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it seasonal and simple with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and garlic or a mix of winter root vegetables. A creamy mashed potato or a light lemony quinoa salad also pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the salmon.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I jazz up presentation for holiday dinners is placing the salmon on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs, some scattered pomegranate seeds, and lemon wedges. It makes the whole meal feel cozy and inviting—perfect for gathering around the table and sharing stories.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers — which sometimes I’m lucky to enjoy — store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salmon stays well for up to 2 days. I find keeping the toppings separate helps if you want to keep pistachios crunchy and pomegranate seeds fresh.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon can be tricky as it might lose some texture, but if necessary, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. I recommend freezing before adding fresh toppings to retain their color and crunch. Personally, I avoid freezing this salmon because of the delicate feta and toppings, but it can work if you’re careful.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the salmon in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes to avoid drying it out. Avoid the microwave if possible — it tends to make the salmon rubbery. Add fresh pomegranate seeds and pistachios after warming to keep everything crisp and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Festive Christmas Salmon (Holiday Dinner) Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday staples because it’s flavorful, elegant, and just simple enough to prepare while still feeling like a special occasion dish. The combination of creamy, tangy, fresh, and crunchy toppings really makes it stand out. Give it a try this year—you’ll find it’s a refreshing alternative to the usual roast, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a new family favorite too. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

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