Christmas Baked Salmon with Pickled Cranberries & Pistachios

Christmas Baked Salmon with Pickled Cranberries & Pistachios is a festive and easy meal to make over the holidays! Baked salmon is topped with a lemon panko crust and pickled cranberries for the ultimate Christmas feast! 

Traditional Christmas dinners often feature turkey or ham, there’s something uniquely elegant about serving salmon. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and brings a touch of sophistication to any holiday table. This year, why not elevate your holiday menu with our Christmas Baked Salmon with Pickled Cranberries & Pistachios?

This dish is the perfect blend of festive colors and seasonal flavors. The rich, buttery salmon is beautifully balanced by the tangy brightness of pickled cranberries, while the crunchy pistachios add a satisfying texture and a hint of nuttiness. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious symphony of tastes that will delight your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

But this isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also a stunning centerpiece. The salmon’s golden, caramelized crust contrasts beautifully with the ruby-red cranberries and the vibrant green pistachios, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a dish that feels as celebratory as the season itself.

Just in case you want to check out a few other Christmas main options, don’t sleep on these: Easy Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter, Easy Sweet Potato Lasagna, or Coffee Rubbed Prime Rib.  

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and hassle-free. This makes it an excellent choice for busy holiday hosts who want to serve something special without spending all day in the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a grand Christmas dinner, this baked salmon recipe is sure to become a new holiday favorite. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that celebrates the best of the season.

Ingredients used to Make Christmas Baked Salmon with Pickled Cranberries & Pistachios

Even though this dish may sound like a mouthful, I promise it’s quick to make thanks to a handful of the ingredients. You will need the following ingredients below: 

• Fresh Salmon
• Cranberries
• Apple Cider
• Granulated Sugar
• Whole Cloves
• Herbs de Provence
• Panko 
• Lemon Zest
• Thyme
• Pistachios
• Fresh Parsley

How to Make Christmas Baked Salmon with Pickled Cranberries & Pistachios

You will look like a star when serving this Christmas dish. Follow the steps below for success: 

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place a piece of parchment paper on a large baking sheet and set it aside. 
• Next, add the apple cider vinegar and granulated sugar to a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until sugar is slightly dissolved. Add in the cloves, herbs de provence, and cranberries. Give everything a big stir. Continue to cook the cranberries on high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Once cooled, strain the cranberries through a fine mesh strainer and set aside. 
• In a large mixing bowl combine panko, lemon zest, thyme, kosher salt, ground pepper, and olive oil. 
• Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Next, gently pat the salmon with the panko mixture. Cook the salmon for about 20 to 25 minutes or until a thermometer inserted reaches 165 degrees. 
• Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with pickled cranberries, pistachios, and fresh parsley! 

Variations for Christmas Baked Salmon with Pickled Cranberries & Pistachios

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to suit your guests’ preferences or explore new flavors. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this dish is bound to shine on your holiday table.

Nut-Free Option: Swap the pistachios for toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pumpkin seeds if you’re catering to guests with nut allergies.

Maple-Glazed: Brush the salmon with a light layer of maple syrup before adding the toppings to introduce a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cranberries.

Cheesy Upgrade: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the pistachio crust for a savory twist and an extra layer of richness.

Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the salmon with thick slices of roasted butternut squash or cauliflower steaks and prepare them with the same toppings for a hearty vegetarian option.

Proper Storing

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy this festive dish even after the holiday meal has ended!

• Refrigeration: Once the salmon has cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the leftovers, wrap the salmon tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the salmon without the cranberry topping, as the texture may change upon thawing.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) and cover it loosely with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it may overcook the fish and alter its texture.
• Serving Cold: This dish is also delicious served cold. Simply flake the salmon and mix it into salads or serve it as part of a festive charcuterie board.