If you’re craving a meal that brings together bold Mediterranean flavors, vibrant color, and nourishing goodness, this Pesto Salmon Recipe is calling your name. With rich, flaky salmon fillets topped generously with aromatic basil pesto, this recipe delivers a symphony of herby, garlicky aromas and a truly satisfying bite every time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing your dinner guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor. From the very first forkful, you’ll understand why this Pesto Salmon Recipe makes its way onto my table again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Pesto Salmon Recipe is how it relies on just a handful of simple ingredients, each one pulling its weight in flavor, texture, and that gorgeous pop of green and gold. These components blend seamlessly to create a dish far more impressive than the sum of its parts.
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, center-cut fillets for even cooking and the most succulent texture.
- Basil Pesto: Homemade is unbeatable, but a good-quality store-bought pesto will still pack plenty of herby, garlicky punch.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle over the salmon keeps it moist and lends that classic Mediterranean richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season lightly to let the natural flavors of the fish and pesto shine.
- Lemon Wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything and balances the dish beautifully.
How to Make Pesto Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F, which ensures the salmon cooks quickly and evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or, if you prefer, lightly grease a baking dish. This tiny prep step means cleanup will be a breeze later.
Step 2: Pat Salmon Dry and Arrange
Using paper towels, gently pat the salmon fillets dry—this simple trick helps the pesto stick like a dream and gives you deliciously crispy edges. Place the fillets skin-side down (or just flat if skinless) on your prepared baking surface, leaving a bit of space between each.
Step 3: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the salmon fillets, then sprinkle with salt and cracked black pepper. This is your chance to lock in moisture and develop lovely, nuanced flavor from the very first layer.
Step 4: Spread on the Pesto
Spoon about two tablespoons of rich, fragrant pesto over each piece of salmon. Spread it evenly to cover the top—don’t be shy! The pesto forms a glorious, golden crust as it bakes, infusing every bite with basil and Parmigiano goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The precise timing depends on your fillet thickness, but you’re looking for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F inside. When it’s perfectly tender, it’s dinner time.
Step 6: Serve with Lemon Wedges
Transfer the salmon to plates and crown it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. That citrusy pop lifts every flavor and adds a burst of zest to the final dish.
How to Serve Pesto Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves or chopped Italian parsley on top adds extra color and a garden-fresh note. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts lends crunch if you want a touch of elegance, while even a little grated Parmesan on top nods to the pesto itself.
Side Dishes
This Pesto Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with virtually any side. Fluffy white rice, lemony quinoa, or a pile of garlicky roasted vegetables all make ideal partners. For a lighter approach, serve salmon atop a bed of arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Flake warm salmon into bite-sized pieces and serve over crostini as a stunning appetizer. Or, pile pesto-glazed salmon on top of creamy polenta or tuck into a grain bowl with baby greens and sliced radishes for lunch perfection. The colors alone will make you swoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pesto Salmon Recipe portions, let them cool to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The pesto keeps the salmon moist and flavorful, even on day two!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover salmon, though I recommend doing so before adding any fresh garnishes. Place cooled fillets in a single layer, separated by parchment, then store in an airtight bag for up to one month. Defrost gently overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, cover salmon loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for six to eight minutes. A quick zap in the microwave will do in a pinch, but the oven will keep your pesto from separating and salmon perfectly flaky.
FAQs
Can I use a different fish for this Pesto Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon’s richness matches pesto beautifully, you can swap in other hearty fish like Arctic char, steelhead trout, or even cod with great results. Just remember to adjust your cooking time as needed.
What’s the best pesto for this recipe—store-bought or homemade?
Homemade pesto wins in flavor, freshness, and color every time, especially if you have summer basil handy. But good-quality store-bought pesto makes this an easy weeknight victory, so reach for your favorite jar when you’re short on time.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Yes! Simply heat the grill to medium and oil the grates well. Grill salmon skin-side down for most of the cooking time, brushing on pesto in the last few minutes so it doesn’t burn. Enjoy that extra kiss of smokiness!
Is this Pesto Salmon Recipe suitable for meal prep?
This dish is a meal prep superstar! Make a batch on Sunday, then store individual fillets and portions of sides in containers. It’s delicious cold over salads, too—making weekday lunches something to look forward to.
What wines go best with pesto salmon?
Try a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a light Italian Vermentino. Their brightness beautifully balances the richness of salmon and rounds out the herbal notes of your pesto.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Salmon Recipe brings together everything I love in a meal: vibrant flavors, effortless prep, and crowd-pleasing results every single time. If you haven’t tried salmon with pesto before, I promise you’ll be hooked after just one bite. I can’t wait for you to give this a whirl and see just how simple and satisfying dinnertime can be!
Print
Pesto Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pesto Salmon Recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are topped with basil pesto and baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
Pesto:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season and top with pesto: Drizzle the fillets with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto over the top of each fillet.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- You can also grill the salmon over medium heat if preferred.
- For the best flavor, use homemade pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
