Festive Whole Baked Salmon Fillet

This festive whole-baked salmon fillet is coated with a zesty, herby, garlicky sour cream sauce and garnished with pine nuts and pomegranate seeds. It makes for a stunning centerpiece on your Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas spread, or a delightful dish for a special meal. This salmon dish is gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly.

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Festive Salmon

A whole baked salmon fillet is always an impressive choice, especially when smothered in a creamy white sauce and adorned with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs. While the colors may evoke thoughts of Christmas, this salmon recipe is versatile enough for any occasion.

You can customize it for Easter with spring herbs like dill or chives and colorful radishes, or for Thanksgiving with dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a more autumnal touch.

I adore the elegance of a whole salmon fillet, but you can easily adapt this recipe for smaller individual salmon pieces. Simply bake them closely together for a similar visual impact.

👉 If you’re craving more salmon recipes, be sure to check out my sweet chili and soy glazed salmon bites, orange Teriyaki baked salmon (which can be adapted for a whole salmon fillet), or my quick and easy Mediterranean baked salmon.

What You Will Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable salmon dish:

• Whole salmon fillet – ask your fishmonger for a deboned whole fillet with the skin on. You can also find these in the freezer section or use individual salmon pieces baked closely together.
• Sour cream – the creamy white topping is made with sour cream, offering a delightful tang. Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute.
• Flavors – honey, garlic, lemon, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
• Toppings – pomegranate seeds add a festive touch, but you can also use blueberries, dried cranberries, or grapes. Pine nuts can be swapped with sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or pecans.
• You’ll also need a baking dish and parchment paper.

How To Make Festive Whole Baked Salmon

For detailed instructions, nutritional information, and the complete recipe, refer to the recipe card below. Here are some step-by-step visuals to guide you through the process.

• Preheat the oven to 170 C / 340F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and grease it with butter. Place the salmon fillet on top and season with salt.
• Mix garlic, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil, then coat the salmon with this mixture. Bake for 25 minutes.
• Combine sour cream with parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
• Once the salmon has cooled slightly, transfer it to a serving plate and spread the sour cream mixture over it. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and additional herbs on top.

What To Serve With Festive Salmon

This flavorful salmon dish pairs beautifully with light and fresh side dishes. Consider serving it with a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, pan-fried broccoli, or opt for a festive side like butternut squash pomegranate salad or roasted sweet potatoes with walnuts and parsley.

For warm sides, mashed potatoes, crispy smashed potatoes with salsa verde peas, or Greek roasted potatoes are excellent choices. Mediterranean quinoa salad or couscous salad also make stunning and delicious accompaniments to this salmon.

Pair this dish with a buttery Chardonnay to complement the richness of the salmon, or opt for a dry or slightly off-dry rosé or sparkling white wine for a festive touch.

More Festive Main Dishes

Full Recipe

For the complete list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional breakdown, please refer to the recipe card below. If you have any questions or try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment and be sure to rate this recipe for others to enjoy.