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    Home » Seafood

    Pesto Salmon

    Published: Jul 9, 2017 · Updated: Sep 15, 2020 · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    This easy Baked Basil Pesto Salmon delicious, ready in minutes, and is perfect for weeknight dinners.

    This easy Pesto Salmon is covered in basil pesto and then oven-roasted.  It’s delicious, ready in minutes, and is perfect for weeknight dinners.

    Baked Basil Pesto Salmon Ready to Be Served

    Is it obvious that I cook a lot of fish? 

    Is that clear?  My little fishy corner of the internet should make that obvious.

    Baking fish, however, makes me a little nervous.  Why?

    I find it trickier than any other method.  And I blame it, a little bit, as the reason that people seem to be scared of cooking fish.

    “Stick it in the oven,” they say.  “It’ll be great!  It’ll be easy!” they say.

    Well you know what?

    If you aren’t careful– it’ll also be DRY. 

    The horror.

    This Pesto Salmon is different.  This is a baked fish that is juicy and tender– not dry!

    And it is easy, I promise!

    How Can I Keep My Fish From Drying Out in the Oven?

    My favorite way to keep my fish tender and juicy when I baked is to smother it in sauce.

    The sauce seals in the moisture, and the fish doesn’t dry out.

    Simple.

    For this easy pesto salmon, we’re smearing basil pesto all over the salmon.

    Want to learn more about cooking salmon?  Read this:  How to Cook Salmon

    Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

    Yes!

    I love using my homemade dairy-free basil pesto, but store-bought will work perfectly too.

    When you’re shopping, check the label and look for a pesto that lists basil above oil on the ingredients list.

    How to Make Pesto Salmon

    Simply smear pesto on your salmon, bake it, and… that’s it!  I also like to squeeze a little lemon juice over it right before serving, and top it with fresh herbs.

    Serve your pesto salmon right away, and bon appetit!

    What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

    I like to make this with pink salmon fillets.  It’s affordable, and the extra-lean fish works well with the oil in the pesto.

    Want more pink salmon ideas?  Try these: Salmon Caesar Salad, Salmon Sandwich with Dijon Sauce, and Pink Salmon Recipes.

    Baked Basil Pesto Salmon Ready to Be Served

    Learn more about salmon: Wild Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon and Types of Salmon.

    This easy Baked Basil Pesto Salmon delicious, ready in minutes, and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 6 votes

    Pesto Salmon

    This easy Pesto Salmon is covered in basil pesto and then oven-roasted.  It’s delicious, ready in minutes, and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 150kcal
    Freezer Friendly?

    No

    Will It Keep?

    No

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 salmon fillets (~4 oz each), patted dry
    • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
    • pinch salt, ground pepper
    • To Serve: fresh basil, lemon wedges (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425 F
    • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place salmon fillets skin side down. Drizzle with salt, and pepper. Spread pesto over the top of fillets with a spoon or small spatula (try to cover them as evenly as possible). Sprinkle thyme over the pesto.
    • Roast the salmon 4-6 minutes per ½ inch thickness. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s finished.
    • If the salmon has skin, remove it now if desired.  It should peel off easily.  Serve with lemon wedges and fresh basil (optional).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 150kcal (8%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 16g (32%) | Fat: 8g (12%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg (14%) | Sodium: 193mg (8%) | Potassium: 257mg (7%) | Vitamin A: 405IU (8%) | Calcium: 24mg (2%) | Iron: 0.6mg (3%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    All commentsI made this
    1. Liz @ Ready to Yumble

      April 14, 2016 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      YUM! What an easy way to get all that salmon goodness in my mouth as quickly as possible! ?

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        April 14, 2016 at 10:39 am

        Haha yes!! The quicker the salmon is ready, the better!!

        Reply
    2. Megan @ Meg is Well

      April 14, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      I’m always so sad when I overcook salmon. Awesome tip, I’ve never tried pesto with salmon before!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        April 14, 2016 at 12:05 pm

        Thanks! And me too- overcooked salmon is a tragedy!

        Reply
    3. Suchi @elegantmeraki

      April 18, 2016 at 11:19 am

      5 stars
      I have been cooking salmon for my husband like this for sometime now. But never thought of adding pesto to it. I usually go with indian spices. New dinner ideas are always welcomed!

      Reply
    4. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      July 11, 2017 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      Pesto is such a magical ingredient, isn’t it? Throw that stuff on anything and, BOOM, dinner!! Love the pairing with salmon (cause salmon). Can’t beat a healthy and delicious dinner like this and so easy to whip up (my kinda meal) 🙂

      Reply
    5. Mikaela

      June 26, 2018 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      I was feeling extra, so not only did I add extra garlic and Parmesan to the pesto, I used a lot more of it on the salmon too! I picked the garlic and basil fresh from the garden this morning. So green and so good!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        June 26, 2018 at 9:37 pm

        Yummm extra pesto is always a good idea!! I’m glad you loved!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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