Easy Ways to Cook Salmon: Delicious Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests
The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, the mix of joy and stress is already simmering—mostly over what to serve. Sure, turkey gets all the glory, but let’s face it: it’s high-maintenance, takes hours, and still runs the risk of being drier than your aunt’s holiday stories. Enter my holiday hosting hero: salmon. Elegant, versatile, and ridiculously easy to prepare, it’s the dish that makes you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a full-blown feast, these recipes bring all the sophistication with none of the hassle—leaving you free to actually enjoy the party.
Selecting the Perfect Holiday Salmon
Creating a memorable holiday dish starts with choosing the right salmon. Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure I always bring home the best catch:
- Color and Aroma: Look for a vibrant ruby-red hue and a clean, briny aroma. Fresh salmon should smell like the sea—not fishy.
- Firmness: Gently press the fillet. It should have a slight bounce but not feel mushy or too rigid.
- Freshness Matters: Whenever possible, choose fresh over frozen for the best flavor and texture.
When the holiday chaos sets in—or even when I’m just looking for an easy weeknight dinner—I turn to Mowi salmon, the crème de la crème of salmon. Whether it’s their convenient single-portion filets, smoked salmon, or classic cuts, it’s always fresh, never frozen, and packed with rich, buttery flavor. Packed with Omega-3s and farmed in the pristine Norwegian fjords, it’s salmon you can feel good about serving (and eating). Plus, it shows up right at your door with delivery options from Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Walmart, Target and more —because who has time to wrestle with grocery store lines during the holidays?
Essential Holiday Salmon Recipes
You want dishes that deliver on flavor, look incredible, and don’t turn your kitchen into a war zone. These recipes are festive, foolproof, easy and fancy enough to impress even your pickiest guest— let’s get cooking!
Oven-Poached Salmon with Thyme, Dill, and Vermouth
An elegant, tender centerpiece infused with herbs and dry vermouth, this recipe is a holiday favorite straight from the 27 Weeknight-Easy Salmon Dinners Cookbook, crafted by the culinary experts at Milk Street in partnership with MOWI Salmon.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes (plus resting time)
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3½- to 4-pound salmon filet
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 8 sprigs thyme
- 8 sprigs dill, plus 3 tsp minced
- 1 cup dry vermouth
- Salt, pepper, lemon juice, and butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 500ºF. Marinate salmon flesh-side down in soy sauce for 15-20 minutes.
- Toss carrots, celery, shallot, thyme, dill, and salt. Place on a baking sheet with a foil strip for the salmon. Drizzle vegetables with vermouth.
- Place salmon on foil, flesh-side up, and season with pepper. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the salmon reaches 120ºF. Rest, covered, until it reaches 125-130ºF.
- Simmer strained pan liquid with butter, lemon juice, and minced dill to make the sauce.
- Serve salmon drizzled with sauce and garnish with dill and lemon wedges.
Herb-Crusted Salmon
A traditional twist with a fragrant breadcrumb crust and a restaurant-quality presentation. This recipe is adapted from this Herb Crusted Baked Salmon written by Holly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 22 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 30 oz Mowi Atlantic Filet
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the top of the salmon fillet with a layer of Dijon mustard.
- Press the breadcrumb and herb mixture onto the mustard-covered salmon, ensuring an even coating.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the crusted salmon to add richness and flavor.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Festive Honey-Glazed Baked Salmon
This easy, festive dish features a sweet honey garlic glaze, creamy dill sauce, and a vibrant holiday tapenade to add color and flavor. This recipe is based off of this praised Christmas Baked Salmon written by Nagi.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 30 oz Mowi salmon filet (skin on, bones removed)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix with honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle with honey glaze and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Mix sour cream, dill, and salt for the creamy sauce.
- Combine cranberries, almonds, and parsley for the tapenade.
- Once salmon is done, spread the creamy sauce, top with tapenade, garnish with pomegranate seeds, and drizzle with lemon juice.
Pro Tip: Feel free to double or adjust the recipes depending on how many guests you’re serving. For more delicious recipes and holiday inspiration check out Milk Street’s 27 Weeknight-Easy Salmon Dinners Cookbook, sponsored by Mowi.
Time-Saving Holiday Tips
The holidays can be chaotic, but with a little prep, you can navigate hosting duties with ease. These tips will help you save time without compromising on flavor or presentation:
- Prep Ahead: Marinades, herb mixes, and dry ingredients can all be prepped a day in advance, so you don’t have to scramble last minute.
- Room Temperature Salmon: Let your salmon sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly throughout.
- Invest in Tools: A good instant-read thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked salmon every time. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal results.
Presentation Shortcuts
You don’t need fancy equipment to make your meal look impressive. With a few simple touches, you can elevate your dish without the extra effort. Keep these garnishes on hand for an instant upgrade:
- Fresh Herb Sprigs: A few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or parsley can instantly add color and aroma to your dish.
- Sliced Citrus: Add bright, zesty slices of lemon, lime, or orange to your plate for a refreshing burst of color and flavor.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These jewel-like seeds not only add a festive flair but also bring a sweet, tangy crunch.
- Capers and Red Onion: A sprinkle of capers or a few diced red onions can bring a savory bite and texture to your dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Leftovers Made Delicious
Holiday leftovers don’t have to be boring! Instead of letting that extra salmon go to waste, turn it into a brand-new meal that will have everyone excited to dig in again.
- Salmon Quiche: Turn leftover salmon into a savory quiche for a festive brunch option that’s sure to impress.
- Wild Rice Soup: Add chunks of salmon to a comforting bowl of wild rice soup for a hearty, warming meal.
Cranberry Salmon Salad: For something fresh and light, toss leftover salmon with tart cranberries and a few greens for a vibrant salad that’s perfect for any time of day.
So, ready to wow your guests? The holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones, not stressing over the menu. With these simple yet impressive salmon recipes, you’ll serve up a dish that’s as delicious as it is effortless.
Choosing Mowi salmon means you’re delivering exceptional flavor that is fresh, easy to cook, and never frozen. Mowi salmon makes holiday cooking a breeze.
Ready to elevate your holiday table? Try Mowi salmon today and create moments worth savoring.
