Name: Pesto Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Salmon fillets; Basil pesto; Olive oil; Lemon juice; Garlic, minced; Salt; Black pepper; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); Pine nuts, toasted (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Lemon wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto Salmon comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. The pesto keeps the salmon moist while adding bold herbaceous flavor, and the recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and side dishes. It’s naturally high in protein and healthy fats, making it a delicious and nutritious choice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets
Basil pesto
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Salt
Black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Stir the minced garlic into the pesto if using.
Spread an even layer of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Arrange the salmon in the prepared baking dish and scatter the cherry tomatoes around the fillets if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Creamy Pesto Salmon: Add a splash of heavy cream around the salmon before baking for a rich sauce.
Mozzarella Pesto Salmon: Top with fresh mozzarella during the last few minutes of baking.
Vegetable Bake: Add asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or green beans to the baking dish.
Walnut Pesto: Use walnut pesto instead of traditional basil pesto for a different flavor profile.
Air Fryer Version: Cook the pesto-topped salmon in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Pesto Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven or in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the salmon from drying out. Leftover salmon can also be enjoyed cold in salads, wraps, or pasta. While it can be frozen for up to 2 months, fresh salmon offers the best texture after baking.

FAQs

What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic, sockeye, coho, or king salmon fillets all work well for this recipe.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes. Store-bought pesto is convenient and works well, though homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I cook this on the grill?

Yes. Grill the salmon over medium heat using a grill-safe pan or foil until cooked through.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before adding the pesto and baking.

What side dishes pair well with Pesto Salmon?

Roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, pasta, quinoa, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad all make excellent accompaniments.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free pesto and omit the optional Parmesan cheese.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely. Parmesan, mozzarella, or crumbled feta all complement the pesto beautifully.

Is Pesto Salmon good for meal prep?

Yes. It stores well and is delicious served warm or chilled in salads and grain bowls.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes. Trout, cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi also pair wonderfully with pesto.

Conclusion

Pesto Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With flaky salmon, vibrant basil pesto, and simple ingredients, this elegant dish comes together in just 25 minutes while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. Whether served with vegetables, rice, or pasta, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Pesto Salmon

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Pesto Salmon is a fresh, flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets topped with vibrant basil pesto and baked until perfectly flaky. This quick and elegant recipe is ideal for healthy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Stir the minced garlic into the basil pesto.
Spread an even layer of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Arrange the salmon in the prepared baking dish and scatter the cherry tomatoes around the fillets if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Store-bought or homemade pesto both work well.
Thaw frozen salmon completely and pat dry before baking.
Add asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or green beans to the baking dish for an easy one-pan meal.
Leftover salmon is delicious served cold in salads, wraps, or pasta.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months, though fresh is best for texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 460 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 37 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg