Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of caramelized honey and garlic wafts through the kitchen, casting a warm glow as I prepare for the holidays. This Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is no ordinary dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that is surprisingly simple to pull off. You’ll find the perfect blend of sweetness and tang in this festive recipe, making it ideal for a delightful brunch or an elegant dinner. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, effortlessly elevating your festive spread with minimal prep time. Picture your loved ones gathered around as they savor each bite of this juicy salmon, complemented by a refreshing dill sauce and a vibrant cranberry-almond tapenade. Are you curious to discover how to make this show-stopping centerpiece? Let’s dive into the details! Why Choose This Salmon Recipe? Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a syrupy, rich glaze that perfectly complements the buttery salmon. Festive Touch: Garnished with a beautiful crunchy cranberry-almond tapenade, this dish brings holiday cheer to any table. Simple Instructions: Even beginner cooks can easily master this recipe, making it a great option for holiday gatherings. Versatile Serving: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this salmon recipe goes wonderfully with classic sides, much like my Salmon Sushi Bake. Nutritional Benefits: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this festive meal is not only delicious but also a healthy choice! Crowd-Pleaser: Your guests will rave about this show-stopping centerpiece, ensuring that every gathering feels special! Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon Ingredients • Dive into the delicious components of this festive dish! For the Salmon Salmon (1.2–1.5 kg side) – Keeping the skin on retains moisture and adds amazing flavor during baking. Butter (150g) – This rich ingredient enhances the glaze and adds a lovely flavor base. Honey (1/2 cup) – A natural sweetener for glazing; swap it with maple syrup for a different twist. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses depth into the glaze, bringing warmth to each bite. For the Creamy Dill Sauce Sour Cream (1 1/2 cups) – The creamy base that mellows the dish, making it irresistibly smooth. Dill (1/2 cup, chopped) – Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop that balances the sweetness of the salmon. Eschalot (1/2, grated) – Provides a milder onion flavor; shallots can be a great substitute if needed. Lemon Zest (1 1/2 tbsp) – This brightens the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For the Cranberry-Almond Tapenade Dried Cranberries (1 cup) – The star ingredient, rehydrated in orange juice for a sweet and tangy burst. Orange Juice (1 cup) – Use to soak cranberries, adding a delightful hint of acidity and sweetness. Toasted Almonds (1 cup) – Brings a crunchy texture; walnuts can be used instead for a similar crunch. Parsley (1/3 cup) – A fresh herb that adds a pop of color to the tapenade garnish. For Finishing Touches Pomegranate Seeds – These jewels add both beautiful color and a burst of freshness upon serving. Lemon Juice – Used to enhance flavors; a squeeze can brighten up any dish. Fresh Parsley – For garnishing, adding a vibrant and fresh finish to your plate. This Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table, delivering flavor and charm in each bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon skin-side down. Melt 150g of butter with ½ cup of honey and brush the mixture over the salmon generously. Sprinkle the minced garlic across the fish to enhance its aroma, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Step 2: Bake Place the prepared salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on your salmon as it bakes; the surface should start to glisten with the honey glaze, giving it a beautiful luster that indicates it’s cooking perfectly. Step 3: Broil After baking, switch your oven to broil. Broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This quick step will caramelize the honey glaze, giving your Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon a stunning golden finish that enhances the sweet and savory flavors. Step 4: Make the Dill Sauce While the salmon is broiling, prepare the creamy dill sauce in a bowl. Combine 1½ cups of sour cream, ½ cup of chopped dill, ½ grated eschalot, and 1½ tablespoons of lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain, as this will be a delightful contrast to the savory salmon. Step 5: Prepare the Tapenade In a separate bowl, soak 1 cup of dried cranberries in 1 cup of hot orange juice for about 15 minutes to rehydrate them. After soaking, mix the cranberries with 1 cup of toasted almonds and ⅓ cup of parsley. This festive cranberry-almond tapenade will add a sweet and tangy crunch to your dish. Step 6: Serve Once everything is ready, slice the salmon into portions and place on a serving platter. Generously top each piece with the creamy dill sauce and spoon the cranberry-almond tapenade on the side. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley for a vibrant holiday presentation that will impress your guests. Make Ahead Options These Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the salmon up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow steps 1 and 2, then cover and refrigerate. The dill sauce and cranberry-almond tapenade can also be made ahead and stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To maintain the salmon’s quality, ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, simply broil the salmon for a few minutes to add that beautiful caramelized finish. Your guests will enjoy the same delicious, festive flavors with minimal last-minute effort! Helpful Tricks for Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for a fresh, high-quality salmon fillet with skin on for the best moisture retention and flavor. Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent burning; this step is crucial for achieving the perfect caramelized glaze. Dill Sauce Consistency: Ensure your creamy dill sauce is thoroughly mixed until smooth, avoiding lumps for a pleasant texture that complements the salmon. Tasty Tapenade: Soak cranberries long enough in orange juice to achieve optimal rehydration; this enhances their sweet-tangy flavor, making your tapenade more vibrant. Serving Suggestions: Pair this festive salmon with seasonal sides like roasted vegetables or fresh salads to create a balanced meal perfect for holiday gatherings. Proper Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Flake the salmon for use in salads or sandwiches to enjoy another day! How to Store and Freeze Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon Fridge: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy dill sauce and cranberry-almond tapenade in separate containers to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, place the salmon in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Reheat the dill sauce separately on low heat, stirring gently. Leftovers: Flake any remaining salmon into salads or sandwiches for a delightful twist, ensuring you don’t waste any of this holiday treasure! Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon Variations Feel free to explore these exciting twists and substitutions that will make your honey-glazed Christmas salmon even more delightful to your family and friends! Fruit Fusion: Replace cranberries with chopped figs for a sweeter touch that adds a lovely texture to the tapenade. Herb Swap: Use fresh tarragon or basil instead of dill for a vibrant change. Both herbs bring a refreshing essence that complements the salmon beautifully. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the honey glaze for an extra layer of flavor and a bit of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Nutty Alternative: Swap toasted almonds for walnuts in the tapenade for a slightly different taste and crunch, creating a unique flavor profile. Zesty Upgrade: Incorporate lime juice instead of lemon juice for a citrusy twist in both the dill sauce and when garnishing the salmon, brightening the overall dish. Creamy Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dill sauce for a tangy twist that offers a lighter touch while still being creamy. Whole Grain Twist: Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa or farro instead of traditional sides, enhancing the dish with hearty, nutty flavors, much like my Salmon Sushi Bake accompaniment ideas. Balsamic Drizzle: Finish your salmon with a drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving for a sophisticated touch that adds a sweet and tangy note. These variations are sure to spark creativity in your kitchen, making your holiday meal even more special! What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Christmas Salmon Elevate your holiday feast with these delightful accompaniments that beautifully balance flavors and textures. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety potatoes add a rich contrast to the sweet and tangy salmon, making every bite delightful. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy edges and a hint of caramelization bring a nutty element that complements the honey glaze. Festive Green Salad: A colorful mix of greens, pomegranate seeds, and citrus dressing adds freshness, enhancing the meal with a light touch. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain offers a lovely chewiness, providing a wholesome base that works well with the salmon’s richness. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch of fresh bread is perfect for sopping up the creamy dill sauce, making every bite heavenly. Mulled Wine: The warm spices of mulled wine provide an aromatic pairing that resonates beautifully with the flavors of the dish. Dark Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this indulgent treat offers a luxurious finish, contrasting the sweet salmon while satisfying any sweet tooth! Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser, its icy texture and tartness revive the taste buds between savory bites. Gordon Ramsay’s Holiday Salmon with Creamy Dill Delight Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best salmon for this recipe? Absolutely, selecting the right salmon is key! Look for a fresh fillet, preferably wild-caught if available, with vibrant pink color and firm texture. The skin should be shiny and intact, as keeping it on helps retain moisture during cooking. How long can I store leftover salmon? Very! You can store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor, store the creamy dill sauce and cranberry-almond tapenade separately in their own containers. Can I freeze the honey-glazed salmon? Yes! For longer storage, wrap the cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. What should I do if my salmon is overcooked? If your salmon turns out a bit dry, don’t worry! Flake it and mix it with a bit of the creamy dill sauce to add moisture back into the dish. You can also use it in salads or sandwiches—just be sure to add extra dressing or sauces to keep the flavors vibrant. Is this dish suitable for people with nut allergies? Watch out! The cranberry-almond tapenade contains nuts. For a nut-free alternative, simply replace the almonds with toasted sunflower seeds or omit them entirely, ensuring your dish remains safe and delicious for those with allergies. How can I enhance the flavors of my dill sauce? For a lively twist, consider adding a splash of white wine vinegar or a pinch of fresh lemon juice to the dill sauce to elevate its brightness. You could also mix in some chopped capers for an added savory punch. Gordon Ramsay's Holiday Salmon with Creamy Dill Delight Discover Gordon Ramsay Christmas Salmon, a festive dish featuring honey-glazed salmon and creamy dill sauce that's perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salmon1.2-1.5 kg Salmon Keeping the skin on retains moisture and adds amazing flavor during baking.150 g Butter This rich ingredient enhances the glaze and adds a lovely flavor base.1/2 cup Honey A natural sweetener for glazing; swap it with maple syrup for a different twist.3 cloves Garlic, minced Infuses depth into the glaze, bringing warmth to each bite.For the Creamy Dill Sauce1.5 cups Sour Cream The creamy base that mellows the dish, making it irresistibly smooth.1/2 cup Dill, chopped Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop that balances the sweetness of the salmon.1/2 Eschalot, grated Provides a milder onion flavor; shallots can be a great substitute if needed.1.5 tbsp Lemon Zest Brightens the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.For the Cranberry-Almond Tapenade1 cup Dried Cranberries The star ingredient, rehydrated in orange juice for a sweet and tangy burst.1 cup Orange Juice Use to soak cranberries, adding a delightful hint of acidity and sweetness.1 cup Toasted Almonds Brings a crunchy texture; walnuts can be used instead for a similar crunch.1/3 cup Parsley A fresh herb that adds a pop of color to the tapenade garnish.For Finishing TouchesPomegranate Seeds These jewels add both beautiful color and a burst of freshness upon serving.Lemon Juice Used to enhance flavors; a squeeze can brighten up any dish.Fresh Parsley For garnishing, adding a vibrant and fresh finish to your plate. Equipment OvenBaking sheetParchment PaperMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon skin-side down. Melt 150g of butter with ½ cup of honey and brush the mixture over the salmon generously. Sprinkle the minced garlic across the fish to enhance its aroma, making sure it's evenly distributed.Place the prepared salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.After baking, switch your oven to broil. Broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.While the salmon is broiling, prepare the creamy dill sauce in a bowl. Combine 1½ cups of sour cream, ½ cup of chopped dill, ½ grated eschalot, and 1½ tablespoons of lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.In a separate bowl, soak 1 cup of dried cranberries in 1 cup of hot orange juice for about 15 minutes to rehydrate them. After soaking, mix the cranberries with 1 cup of toasted almonds and ⅓ cup of parsley.Once everything is ready, slice the salmon into portions and place on a serving platter. Top each piece with the creamy dill sauce and spoon the cranberry-almond tapenade on the side. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap cooled salmon tightly for freezer storage up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
