Print

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.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  3. Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Stir the minced garlic into the basil pesto.
  5. Spread an even layer of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
  6. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  7. Arrange the salmon in the prepared baking dish and scatter the cherry tomatoes around the fillets if using.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  9. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  10. 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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pesto-salmon-2/