🎉 Introduction
This Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon is the perfect festive main dish — vibrant, juicy, sweet, citrusy, and beautifully glazed. The rich salmon pairs with a stunning holiday sauce made from pomegranate juice, fresh orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, and warm winter spices. It bakes to tender perfection and becomes a show-stopping centerpiece for holiday dinners, Christmas Eve meals, and New Year celebrations.
The colors are bright and cheerful, the flavors are sweet-tart and savory, and the whole dish looks like something straight from a holiday magazine — yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven
🛒 Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 lb salmon fillet
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Holiday Glaze
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Orange slices, for baking and serving
- Pomegranate seeds, for topping
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the salmon fillet onto the tray and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Brush half of the glaze over the salmon.
Step 6: Arrange orange slices around or on top of the fish.
Step 7: Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes or until flaky but still tender.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and brush with more warm glaze.
Step 9: Top with pomegranate seeds and chopped green onion.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
2–3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze up to 2 months (without glaze).
Reheat
- Oven: 300°F for 8 minutes
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds
🥄 Variations
⭐ Maple Pomegranate Salmon
Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup.
⭐ Spicy Holiday Salmon
Add chili flakes to the glaze.
⭐ Garlic Citrus Salmon
Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce.
⭐ Herb-Crusted Salmon
Add rosemary or thyme before baking.
⭐ One-Pan Salmon Dinner
Bake with potatoes, carrots, or asparagus.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw completely before cooking.
2. How do I know salmon is done?
It flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque.
3. Can I use bottled pomegranate juice?
Yes — any 100% juice works well.
4. What if my glaze is too thin?
Simmer longer until it thickens.
5. Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes — use 2–3 tbsp honey.
6. Can this be grilled instead of baked?
Yes — grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
7. Can I prep the glaze ahead?
Yes — make it 2 days early and warm before using.
8. What sides go well with Christmas salmon?
Rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or salads.
9. Can I add herbs?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or mint all work.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — perfect for holiday crowds.
🏁 Conclusion
This Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon is a festive, colorful, and incredibly delicious holiday centerpiece. The sweet-tart glaze pairs perfectly with buttery salmon, creating a dish that is both elegant and simple. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress every guest at your Christmas or winter dinner table.

Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon Recipe
Method
Notes
Refrigerator 2–3 days in an airtight container. Freezer Freeze up to 2 months (without glaze). Reheat Oven: 300°F for 8 minutes Microwave: 20–30 seconds 🥄 Variations
⭐ Maple Pomegranate Salmon Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup. ⭐ Spicy Holiday Salmon Add chili flakes to the glaze. ⭐ Garlic Citrus Salmon Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce. ⭐ Herb-Crusted Salmon Add rosemary or thyme before baking. ⭐ One-Pan Salmon Dinner Bake with potatoes, carrots, or asparagus. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes — thaw completely before cooking. 2. How do I know salmon is done? It flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. 3. Can I use bottled pomegranate juice? Yes — any 100% juice works well. 4. What if my glaze is too thin? Simmer longer until it thickens. 5. Can I use honey instead of sugar? Yes — use 2–3 tbsp honey. 6. Can this be grilled instead of baked? Yes — grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes. 7. Can I prep the glaze ahead? Yes — make it 2 days early and warm before using. 8. What sides go well with Christmas salmon? Rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or salads. 9. Can I add herbs? Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or mint all work. 10. Can I double the recipe? Yes — perfect for holiday crowds. 🏁 Conclusion This Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon is a festive, colorful, and incredibly delicious holiday centerpiece. The sweet-tart glaze pairs perfectly with buttery salmon, creating a dish that is both elegant and simple. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress every guest at your Christmas or winter dinner table.
