Salmon with Basil Sauce is a simple, elegant dish featuring tender pan-seared salmon topped with a bright, herby basil sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It is quick enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining, and pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon about 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the salmon
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup olive oil for the basil sauce
- 2 tablespoons water to help blend the sauce
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated, optional
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make the basil sauce by blending basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water, and Parmesan cheese, if using, until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon in the skillet skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
- Transfer the salmon to plates and spoon the basil sauce over the top before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg