Keto Holiday Herb-Crusted Salmon with Cream Sauce is a festive, low-carb dinner featuring golden baked salmon coated in holiday herbs and served with a velvety garlic cream sauce. This elegant keto-friendly dish is perfect for winter meals, Christmas dinners, or cozy holiday evenings.

About This Recipe

This Keto Holiday Herb-Crusted Salmon with Cream Sauce is an elegant, flavorful, and beautifully festive dinner that fits perfectly into any winter or holiday meal plan. The salmon is coated in a fragrant blend of herbs that crisp up in the oven while keeping the fillets tender and flaky inside. Topped with a smooth, velvety cream sauce, this dish delivers richness and freshness in every bite without relying on any sugar or high-carb ingredients.

The herb crust is made with parsley, dill, thyme, garlic powder, and lemon zest—simple but vibrant flavors that pair wonderfully with salmon. When baked, the herbs create a lightly crisped coating that adds aroma and depth while letting the natural flavor of the fish shine through. The result is salmon that feels restaurant-quality but is surprisingly fast and simple to make.

The holiday cream sauce takes everything to the next level. Made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and lemon, it reduces into a silky sauce that complements the herbed salmon perfectly. The sauce is warm, comforting, and subtly festive without being overwhelming, making it ideal for holiday dinners or cozy winter nights.

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, sautéed spinach, or a fresh greens salad. It’s also excellent for meal prep, reheating well without losing flavor or texture. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday dinner, entertaining guests, or just craving something warm and comforting on a cold night, this herb-crusted salmon with cream sauce delivers elegance, richness, and keto-friendliness in one simple recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant holiday dinner
Herb-crusted and full of flavor
Creamy, velvety sauce
Keto-friendly and low carb
Ready in under 20 minutes
Perfect for entertaining
Pairs with winter vegetables
Easy but impressive

Ingredients

Herb-Crusted Salmon

2 salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp dill
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Holiday Cream Sauce

1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

Optional Toppings

Fresh herbs
Lemon wedges
Cracked pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Place salmon fillets on the sheet and brush with olive oil.
Mix parsley, dill, thyme, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Press herb mixture onto salmon.
Bake 10–12 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan and sauté garlic 1 minute.
Add cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serve salmon topped with cream sauce and optional garnishes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 420
Fat: 32g
Protein: 28g
Net Carbs: 2g

FAQ

Can I use dried herbs?
Yes—use half the amount.
Can I pan-sear instead of baking?
Absolutely—cook 3–4 minutes per side.
Can I add spice?
A pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes works well.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add a bit more cream.
Can I use another fish?
Cod or trout also work great.

Variations & Substitutions

Add parmesan to the herb crust
Swap dill for chives
Add extra lemon for brightness
Use ghee instead of butter
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts
Add cauliflower mash on the side
Pair with a crisp winter salad

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