Pesto salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the rich, buttery flavor of oven-baked salmon with the fresh, herbaceous notes of pesto.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

The vibrant green pesto not only adds a burst of flavor but also a beautiful visual contrast against the perfectly cooked salmon.

Let’s make this delicious and easy recipe!

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven (5 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the salmon (5 minutes):
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down if they have skin.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake the salmon (12-15 minutes):
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Add the pesto (2 minutes):
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Just before serving, spoon a generous amount of pesto over each salmon fillet.
Serve:
- Serve the pesto salmon immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For a complete meal, serve the pesto salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad. If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, you can marinate the salmon in a small amount of pesto for 30 minutes before baking.

This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy nights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and simplicity of this pesto salmon!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Pair this with...

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Start by taking some hearty potatoes and cutting them into chunky wedges, ensuring each piece has a good mix of skin and fluffy interior. In a mixing bowl, toss those wedges with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each wedge is well-coated and gleaming. Now, sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary over them, letting the fragrant herb cling to the oily surface. A pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper complete the seasoning. Spread the wedges out on a baking tray, giving each its own space to crisp up. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly fluffy inside.

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