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Pesto Salmon

Original Post: July 9, 2017 Updated: November 28, 2018 By Sarah 17 Comments

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

Pesto Salmon

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.

Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

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

Homemade basil pesto is also perfect for this pesto salmon!

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.

Learn more about salmon: Wild Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon.

Baked Basil Pesto Salmon Ready to Be Served

Baked Basil Pesto Salmon

Want a VEGGIE SIDE DISH to go with this pesto salmon?  Try these:

  • Garlic Cauliflower Mash
  • Oven-Roasted Broccoli with Chili Flakes
  • Braised Kale with Apple Cider Vinegar
This easy Baked Basil Pesto Salmon delicious, ready in minutes, and is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Pesto Salmon

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 150kcal
Author: Champagne Tastes
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.
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets (~4 oz each), patted dry
  • 2 TB 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 1/2 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 Information

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 257mg | Vitamin A: 8.1% | Calcium: 2.4% | Iron: 3.5%
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Filed Under: Main Dishes, Summer Tagged With: dairy-free, gluten-free, low-carb, seafood

Previous Post: « Seared Salmon with Cherry Almond Topping
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Reader Interactions

Comments

All commentsI made this
  1. Liz @ Ready to Yumble

    April 14, 2016 at 10:38 am

    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

    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
    • champagne-tastes

      April 18, 2016 at 11:28 am

      Indian spices on salmon sounds delicious too!

      Reply
  4. Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon

    May 17, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    I love salmon too and find it all too easy to overcook. What a great idea to cover it with pesto to keep it from drying out. I’ll have to try that.

    Reply
    • champagne-tastes

      May 17, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks! It stays so moist this way!

      Reply
  5. Jill

    May 17, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    I always order salmon and fish at restaurants because I’m fairly certain they won’t ruin it… because I have definitely overcooked salmon at home before! 🙁 I will be trying this recipe!

    Reply
    • champagne-tastes

      May 17, 2016 at 6:19 pm

      This is super easy! Give it a shot 🙂

      Reply
  6. Renee

    May 17, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    This looks delicious!! I love pesto with salmon and carbs – okay, I love pesto with lots of things and carbs. Haha!

    Reply
    • champagne-tastes

      May 17, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      Haha true.. Anythings better with pesto!

      Reply
  7. Laura | Wandercooks

    May 18, 2016 at 1:03 am

    Our housemate is addicted to salmon, can’t wait to make this for her, she will be in heaven! (As will I, since I’m equally addicted!). I’ve never actually tried salmon with basil pesto before, so I’m keen to try that flavour combo!

    Reply
    • champagne-tastes

      May 18, 2016 at 5:48 am

      It’s so easy! You’ll love!

      Reply
  8. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

    July 11, 2017 at 7:37 am

    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
  9. Mikaela

    June 26, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    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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