Nothing beats a good pesto salmon recipe when you're craving something both healthy and incredibly tasty. As someone who's been cooking salmon for over a decade, I can tell you that this pesto salmon recipe has become my go-to weeknight dinner solution. The combination of flaky, tender salmon with aromatic basil pesto creates a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make.
This pesto salmon recipe works perfectly whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests. The rich flavors of garlic, basil, and parmesan in the pesto complement the natural oils in salmon beautifully. Plus, this pesto salmon recipe is ready in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something nutritious without the fuss.
Why This Pesto Salmon Recipe Is A Game-Changer
Italian cuisine has long celebrated the marriage of fresh herbs with seafood, and this pesto salmon recipe brings that tradition right to your kitchen table. What makes this particular pesto salmon recipe stand out is its versatility; you can bake it, grill it, or pan-sear it depending on your preference. The basil pesto acts as both a marinade and a sauce, infusing the salmon with incredible flavor while keeping it moist and tender.
This pesto salmon recipe also pairs beautifully with so many side dishes. Whether you serve it over pasta, with roasted vegetables, or alongside rice, the pesto salmon recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand. It's become a staple in Mediterranean households because it showcases how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
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Ingredients
For the Salmon
- Salmon fillets (skin removed)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
For the Basil Pesto
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic
- Pine nuts (or walnuts)
- Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Parmesan cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon wedges
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Pesto Sauce
- Add basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts to a food processor.
- Pulse until roughly chopped, about 10-15 seconds.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until you get a smooth consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Season and Prep the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Cook the Salmon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon fillets, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side.
- The internal temperature should reach 145°F when done.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
Assemble and Serve
- This pesto salmon recipe serves 4 people perfectly.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto on each salmon fillet.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control: The key to perfect salmon is maintaining medium-high heat throughout cooking. Too high and you'll get a burnt exterior with raw center; too low and the fish becomes mushy.
- Pesto Consistency: Your pesto should be thick enough to coat the salmon but not so thick it won't spread easily. If it's too thick, add olive oil one tablespoon at a time.
- Fresh vs Store-Bought: While store-bought pesto works in a pinch, fresh homemade pesto elevates this dish significantly. The bright, vibrant flavors make all the difference.
- Skin Removal: Always remove the skin before cooking for this recipe. The skin can prevent the pesto from properly adhering and creates an uneven cooking surface.
- Resting Time: Let your cooked salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before adding pesto. This prevents the sauce from sliding off and allows the fish to finish cooking through residual heat.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- Keto-Friendly Version: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly as written. For extra fat, add more olive oil to the pesto or serve with avocado slices.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit entirely. The basil and garlic will still provide amazing flavor.
- Nut-Free Pesto: Substitute pine nuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with tree nut allergies.
Cooking Method Variations
- Baked Salmon with Pesto: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, then top with pesto for the last 2 minutes.
- Grilled Pesto Salmon: Marinate salmon in half the pesto for 30 minutes. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, then top with remaining pesto.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. This pesto salmon recipe adapts beautifully to air frying.
Equipment Recommendations
- Large Non-Stick Skillet: Essential for even cooking without sticking. Cast iron also works wonderfully for this pesto salmon recipe.
- Food Processor: Makes pesto preparation quick and easy. A high-speed blender works as an alternative.
- Fish Spatula: The thin, flexible blade makes flipping salmon fillets much easier without breaking them.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of doneness; salmon is perfect at 145°F internal temperature.
- Sharp Chef's Knife: For clean cuts when portioning and removing skin from salmon fillets.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked salmon separately from pesto in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto salmon recipe components keep their flavors better when stored apart.
Freezing Instructions
- Raw salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portion control; each cube equals about 2 tablespoons.
Meal Prep Strategy
- Prepare pesto in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Pre-portion salmon fillets and season them the night before cooking.
Grandma's Secret That Changes Everything
Here's the secret that transformed my pesto salmon recipe from good to absolutely incredible; always toast your pine nuts first. Just 2-3 minutes in a dry pan brings out their nutty flavor and adds a depth that raw nuts simply can't match. This small step makes the pesto richer and more complex.
The second secret involves timing. Never add the pesto salmon recipe sauce while the fish is still sizzling hot. Let it cool for exactly 2 minutes first. This prevents the basil from wilting and maintains that bright green color that makes this dish so visually appealing. These two simple tricks will make your guests think you've been cooking professionally for years.
FAQ
Do salmon and pesto go together?
Absolutely! Salmon and pesto create a perfect flavor pairing. The rich, buttery texture of salmon complements the herbaceous, garlicky notes in pesto beautifully. This pesto salmon recipe showcases how these flavors enhance each other naturally.
Does pesto sauce go with fish?
Yes, pesto sauce pairs wonderfully with fish, especially salmon, halibut, and cod. The fresh herbs and garlic in pesto complement the natural flavors of seafood without overpowering them.
Which sauce goes well with salmon?
Besides pesto, salmon pairs well with hollandaise, lemon butter, teriyaki, and cream sauces. However, this pesto salmon recipe remains one of the most popular combinations for its fresh, vibrant flavors.
Does basil pair well with salmon?
Fresh basil pairs exceptionally well with salmon. The herb's slightly sweet, aromatic flavor complements salmon's rich taste perfectly, which is why this pesto salmon recipe works so beautifully.
Perfect Pairings for Your Next Meal
Now that you've mastered this incredible pesto salmon recipe, why not explore other flavor-packed dishes? Our Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe brings Italian comfort food to your table with tender chicken in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. It's another weeknight winner that pairs perfectly with a simple salad.
For those seeking plant-based options, try our BBQ Jackfruit Sliders Recipe. These satisfying sliders prove that meatless meals can be just as flavorful and filling. Just like this pesto salmon recipe, they're quick to prepare and bursting with bold flavors. Both recipes showcase how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality meals at home, making your dinner rotation more exciting than ever.
With love-By Lisa Johnson💚
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pesto Salmon Recipe
Pesto Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large non-stick skillet Cast iron also works
- 1 Food processor High-speed blender as alternative
- 1 Fish Spatula For flipping fillets without breaking
- 1 Instant-read thermometer Ensures salmon reaches 145°F
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For portioning and skin removal
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) Salmon fillets Skin removed
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil For brushing salmon
- Salt & black pepper To taste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
Pesto
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves Packed
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- ⅓ cup Pine nuts Or walnuts
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- ½ cup Extra virgin olive oil For pesto
- ¼ teaspoon Salt For pesto
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper For pesto
Optional Garnishes
- Cherry tomatoes Optional garnish, halved
- Fresh basil leaves Optional garnish
- Lemon wedges Optional garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese Optional garnish
Instructions
- Add basil, garlic, pine nuts to food processor. Pulse, then add Parmesan, seasoning, and drizzle olive oil until smooth.
- Pat salmon dry, brush with oil, season with salt, pepper, and drizzle lemon juice. Rest 5 min.
- Heat skillet on medium-high. Cook fillets 4–5 min per side until 145°F internal. Rest 2 min.
- Spread pesto over salmon, garnish with tomatoes, basil, and lemon. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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