why make this recipe
This Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon is simple, fast, and full of flavor. It looks bright and festive on the table. The sweet glaze, creamy dill sauce, and tart cranberry-almond tapenade make each bite balanced and special.
introduction
This dish pairs a sticky honey-soy glaze with fresh sides. You can make the sauces ahead. It works for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal. The recipe is easy for cooks of any level.
how to make Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon
- Mix the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to make the glaze.
- Brush the glaze on the salmon fillets and bake.
- Broil a few minutes to get a caramelized top.
- While salmon cooks, mix the dill sauce and pulse the tapenade.
- Plate the salmon and top with the dill sauce and cranberry-almond tapenade.
Ingredients :
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Dill sauce (sour cream, dill, lemon juice)
- Cranberry-almond tapenade (cranberries, almonds, olive oil, garlic, parsley)
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with the honey mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze. For the dill sauce, mix sour cream, chopped dill, and lemon juice in a bowl. For the cranberry-almond tapenade, combine cranberries, chopped almonds, olive oil, minced garlic, and parsley in a food processor and blend until chunky. Serve the salmon topped with dill sauce and cranberry-almond tapenade.

how to serve Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon
Serve warm on a platter. Spoon the dill sauce over each fillet and add a spoonful of the cranberry-almond tapenade. Good sides: roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple salad. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
how to store Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon
- Fridge: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep sauces in separate containers.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 1 month, wrapped well. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a low oven (about 275°F / 135°C) until warm to avoid drying.
tips to make Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon
- Pat salmon dry before glazing for a better sear.
- Use room temperature salmon so it cooks evenly.
- Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the glaze.
- Make the tapenade a few hours ahead so flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust lemon or salt in the dill sauce at the end.
variation (if any)
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
- Replace almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
- Make the tapenade sweeter by adding a touch of orange zest.
- Grill the salmon instead of baking for a smoky note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw fully in the fridge before cooking for even results.
Q: Is soy sauce necessary?
A: It adds salt and depth. You can use low-sodium soy or tamari if you prefer.
Q: Can I skip the tapenade or dill sauce?
A: Yes. The salmon is tasty with just the glaze, but the sauces add contrast and color.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: It flakes easily with a fork and reaches about 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium. Cook a little longer if you want it well done.
Q: Can I prepare sauces ahead of time?
A: Yes. Both the dill sauce and tapenade keep well in the fridge for 1–2 days.
Conclusion
For another simple make-ahead holiday salmon idea, see Christmas Baked Salmon: Easy & Make-ahead – RecipeTin Eats.
Print
Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon is simple, fast, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a festive dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with the honey mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- For the dill sauce, mix sour cream, chopped dill, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- For the cranberry-almond tapenade, combine cranberries, chopped almonds, olive oil, minced garlic, and parsley in a food processor and blend until chunky.
- Serve the salmon topped with dill sauce and cranberry-almond tapenade.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before glazing for a better sear. Use room temperature salmon so it cooks evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salmon, holiday recipe, easy dinner, festive, seafood