You’re going to fall head over heels for this Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together without a fuss. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious, this glaze transforms simple salmon into a showstopper that my family goes crazy for. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to jazz up your dinner routine, I promise this recipe will make your taste buds dance.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavors: The bright citrus and sweet pomegranate syrup create a perfect harmony that makes the salmon pop.
Simple Prep: You’ll find that the glaze comes together quickly, requiring only a handful of ingredients you might already have.
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to devour without hesitation.
Versatile Cooking: Ideal for whole salmon or filets, and the leftover glaze is great on other proteins too.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked salmon fillet with a shiny, reddish-brown glaze. On top of the salmon, there are small green herb pieces, bright red pomegranate seeds, and orange slices cut into wedges. The salmon is flaking apart slightly where a silver fork with floral designs holds a piece of the fish. All the elements are arranged over a white marbled surface. The colors are rich and vibrant, with the orange slices and pomegranate seeds standing out against the green herbs and the warm, cooked salmon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon, citrus salmon glaze, healthy salmon recipes, easy seafood dinner, flavorful salmon dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe uses simple yet vibrant ingredients that work magic together. When shopping, try to get the freshest salmon you can find and juiciest oranges for that bright, fresh zing.

Flat lay of a fresh whole salmon filet with skin side visible, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red pomegranate juice, a small white ceramic bowl with golden brown granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright orange fresh squeezed juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely grated orange zest, a scattering of glossy ruby red pomegranate seeds, several thin round slices of fresh orange, a few sprigs of vibrant green parsley, and a small bunch of sliced green onions arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon, citrus salmon glaze, healthy salmon recipes, easy seafood dinner, flavorful salmon dishes

Salmon: I love using 2-pound whole sides, but filets work just as well if you have them on hand.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the salmon’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best—it adds just the right amount of heat.
Pomegranate juice: This is the star of the glaze, offering that beautiful tartness and deep color.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the tart pomegranate and citrus notes.
Fresh squeezed orange juice: Fresh juice truly makes a difference here—it brightens the glaze and keeps things fresh.
Orange zest: Using the zest gives the glaze an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor that’s impossible to fake.
Pomegranate seeds: These little gems make the perfect garnishes—they add texture and an extra burst of juicy sweetness.
Orange slices: Not just pretty, but they bring a vibrant pop of flavor to the plate.
Parsley: I like to sprinkle fresh parsley for a touch of herby freshness and color contrast.
Green onions: Adds a mild oniony crunch that pairs perfectly with rich salmon and sweet glaze.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re adapting for dietary preferences or just playing around with flavors, don’t hesitate to experiment!

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes it perfect if you’re catering to sensitive diets without needing substitutions.
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili flakes into the glaze to give it a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Herb Twist: Try swapping parsley for fresh dill or cilantro for a different herbal note my guests really enjoy.
Filet Prep: If you’re short on time, individual salmon filets cook faster and still soak up all that gorgeous glaze.

How to Make Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 300° F. I like to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep clean-up effortless. Place your salmon skin-side down—this step helps the skin stay crispy and prevents sticking. Season it simply with kosher salt and black pepper, letting the seasoning do its job without overpowering the fish.

Step 2: Make the Pomegranate Orange Glaze

Pour the pomegranate juice, brown sugar, fresh squeezed orange juice, and orange zest into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as it thickens into a syrupy glaze—that’s the concentrated flavor magic happening right there.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake Your Salmon

Brush a generous layer of your reduced pomegranate-orange glaze over the salmon. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 38 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145° F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked but still moist and tender. I used to overcook salmon all the time, but this low-and-slow method really changed the game for me.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, transfer the salmon to a beautiful serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes. Then sprinkle pomegranate seeds, orange slices, chopped fresh parsley, and sliced green onions on top for a vibrant, fresh finish that always impresses guests. The colors alone are worth making this recipe for!

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Pro Tips for Making Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

Low & Slow Cooking: Cooking salmon at 300° F helps keep it tender and juicy—avoid high heat which dries it out fast.
Glaze Consistency: Let your glaze simmer until syrupy but not too thick, so it coats the salmon beautifully without burning.
Fresh Citrus: Always zest your orange fresh and use fresh squeezed juice—it brightens the entire dish in a way bottled juice can’t match.
Thermometer Check: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness rather than guessing—145° F is the safe and tasty sweet spot.

How to Serve Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always finish this salmon with a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds for that jewel-like crunch and sweetness. Orange slices add beautiful color and a fresh citrus aroma, while chopped parsley and sliced green onions give it a bit of herbal brightness and crunch that perfectly complements the glaze.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are simple roasted asparagus or green beans with lemon, alongside a fluffy herbed rice or quinoa that soaks up any extra glaze. I’ve also served it with a light arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to place the whole glazed salmon on a festive platter surrounded by fresh pomegranate arils and orange slices. Adding edible flowers or colorful microgreens makes it feel like a restaurant-quality dish right at home—and trust me, your guests will be wowed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I recommend storing salmon and any extra glaze separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the fish from getting soggy and lets you reheat it fresh. I find it stays great for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen salmon leftovers before, but for best results, freeze uncooked glazed salmon or the plain fish and glaze it fresh when thawed. The glaze can be frozen on its own in small containers for up to a month, making it easy to whip up this dish anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 275° F, covered in foil to prevent drying, until warmed through. Adding a splash of fresh glaze or a squeeze of orange juice can revive that fresh, vibrant flavor you get when it’s first made.

FAQs

Can I use salmon filets instead of a whole side for this Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! Salmon filets work great and even cook faster—just adjust baking time accordingly, usually around 20-25 minutes depending on thickness, and keep an eye on the internal temperature.
How thick should the glaze be before I brush it on the salmon?

It should have a syrup-like consistency—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Simmering for 20-25 minutes usually gets it just right without burning the sugars.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze keeps well in the fridge for about 7 days. I often make extra and use it on chicken or roasted veggies later in the week.
What’s the best way to check if the salmon is done?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145° F. The flesh should flake easily but still be moist.

Final Thoughts

This Pomegranate Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but doesn’t require a culinary degree. I still remember the first time I made it—my family’s eyes lit up, and we all agreed it’s a keeper for festive gatherings or anytime you want to impress. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that keeps me making it again and again. Don’t forget to share how it goes—I’d love to hear your twists on it too!