Crisp, bright, and melt-in-your-mouth flaky, this Holiday Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill offers a delightful departure from heavier holiday fare. The delicate balance of flavors, where the zesty lemon and fragrant dill perfectly complement the richness of the salmon, creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe works so well because the baking method locks in moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked and incredibly tender result every time.
Perfect for a Christmas dinner centerpiece, this impressive dish is also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.
Why you’ll love this Holiday Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill with Christmas Baked Salmon
- This christmas baked salmon recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
- The bright lemon and fresh dill create a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile.
- It’s a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional holiday roasts.
- Baking ensures the salmon remains moist and flaky.
- The presentation is beautiful and elegant, perfect for impressing guests.
- Minimal cleanup required!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2.5 lbs salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 2 lemons, one sliced, one juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Sprigs of fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish
How to make Holiday Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Christmas baked salmon makes every moment feel satisfying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Step 3: Add the Lemon and Dill
Arrange lemon slices and chopped dill evenly over the salmon fillet. Ensure the dill and lemon are distributed well to infuse the salmon with their flavors.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet.
Chef’s Tip: Start checking the salmon for doneness around 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges before serving. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the salmon. It should be just cooked through and easily flake with a fork. A meat thermometer should read 145°F (63°C).
- If using a skin-on fillet, you can crisp up the skin by broiling it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Adjust the amount of lemon and dill to your personal preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad. For a complete holiday meal, you might also enjoy serving it alongside some crack green beans.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating, as it can become dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the salmon ahead of time by seasoning it and adding the lemon and dill. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Can I add other herbs? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
Elevate your Christmas dinner with this simple yet elegant Holiday Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill. The combination of bright citrus and aromatic herbs creates a flavor sensation that’s sure to impress. It’s a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy way to create a memorable centerpiece for your festive feast. Why not give our sister site a try and bake these popular green beans for a perfect paring! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
Holiday Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill
Elevate your Christmas dinner with this incredibly flavorful baked salmon. Infused with bright lemon, fresh dill, and a touch of garlic, this recipe delivers a flaky, moist, and unforgettable centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The vibrant flavors make it a festive and healthy alternative to traditional holiday roasts, perfect for impressing your guests while keeping things simple in the kitchen. This baked salmon will truly be the star of your Christmas feast!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 2 lemons, one sliced, one juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Sprigs of fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Arrange lemon slices and chopped dill evenly over the salmon fillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet.
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. To avoid overcooking, check the salmon’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C). Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg