Pesto Salmon
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Pesto Salmon recipe, a perfect harmony of tender, flaky salmon fillets and aromatic basil pesto. This dish combines the rich, buttery taste of salmon with the bright, zesty kick of fresh lemon juice and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added indulgence. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an effortless yet sophisticated meal that’s ideal for busy home cooks. Roast some cherry tomatoes alongside for a burst of sweetness or pair with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. Packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this baked salmon recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful option for a wholesome, gluten-free dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 ounces each) salmon fillets
- 0.5 cup basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium (juiced) lemon
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Lightly grease the parchment paper or foil with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if the skin is still on.
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle each fillet with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto and lemon juice. Mix well to create a slightly thinner pesto sauce.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pesto mixture on top of each salmon fillet, spreading it evenly over the surface with the back of a spoon.
If desired, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto-covered salmon for added flavor.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
While the salmon is baking, you can roast cherry tomatoes alongside on the same baking sheet for a delicious garnish.
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serve the pesto salmon warm with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2042 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.9 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.6 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 309 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 2664 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.4 g | ||
| Protein | 161.7 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 587 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1239 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
