Salmon with Cilantro Pesto
Transform your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience with this succulent Salmon with Cilantro Pesto recipe. Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets, with their golden, crispy crust, form the ideal base for a vibrant homemade cilantro pesto bursting with zesty lime juice, nutty toasted pine nuts, and savory Parmesan cheese. The fresh, herbaceous pesto adds a bold, aromatic punch that complements the rich, tender salmon beautifully. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a flavorful, healthy option for busy nights or elegant entertaining. Serve it with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves (peeled)
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Olive oil (for pesto)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper (for pesto)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (for pesto)
Instructions
Season the salmon fillets on both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if applicable).
Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on the first side without disturbing to get a crisp sear. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the cilantro pesto by placing the fresh cilantro, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender.
Pulse the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired.
To serve, spoon the cilantro pesto over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with extra toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve warm with your choice of side, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a mixed green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
595 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.9 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 825 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.2 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 40.4 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 22.4 mcg | 112% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 724 mg | 15% | |
*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.
