Baked Pesto Salmon is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of salmon with the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of pesto. The salmon is coated with a layer of pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil, which infuses the fish with a burst of flavor as it bakes. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal when you want something healthy, flavorful, and satisfying.
The salmon itself is tender, flaky, and slightly buttery, making it the perfect base for the bold, savory pesto. To prepare, simply coat the salmon fillets with pesto sauce, then bake them until the fish is cooked through and the pesto has developed a slight crispness on top. The result is a beautifully roasted salmon with a vibrant green crust that adds an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the fish.
To make the pesto, you can use traditional basil and pine nuts, or get creative by adding other herbs like parsley or arugula. For a lighter option, you can substitute the traditional pesto ingredients with a low-fat version, using Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy texture.
Baked Pesto Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to a light salad or even pasta. The rich, fresh flavors of the pesto elevate the salmon, making it a dish that feels both gourmet and comforting. The best part is that it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want a healthy and flavorful meal without a lot of effort.
This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrients, offering heart-healthy omega-3s from the salmon and a burst of antioxidants from the fresh pesto. It’s a simple yet impressive way to enjoy seafood with a fresh, herbal twist.
Ingredients
- 200 grams salmon fillet skinless
- 2 tablespoons pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the top of the salmon fillet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
This was so easy to make! My whole family loved it. I added some lemon slices on top and it was perfect. Definitely a recipe I’ll be using again.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Adding lemon is such a great idea. I will try that next time!
Yummm!!! 😋 This tasted sooo good! I can’t believe how fast it was to make. Totally recommend to anyone who’s busy but wanna eat good!
Not impressed. The salmon turned out kinda dry and the pesto wasn’t strong enough for my taste. Might stick to grilling in the future.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe try a different pesto brand next time? Some are really stronger than others!
Grilling is always a solid choice! But I think if you adjust the cooking time, it might not be dry next time.
I didn’t really understand the pesto thing. Is it like sauce? I ended up just using butter and it was ok, but I think I’ll try it with pesto next time.