Easy Pesto Salmon Recipe: Delicious Dinner in Minutes
It was 6 pm, and my family was looking at me with hungry eyes. I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I remembered my trusty pesto salmon recipe. It’s quick, easy, and always impresses.
Key Takeaways
- This pesto salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
- In less than 20 minutes, you can have a flavorful and impressive meal on the table that the whole family will love.
- The recipe features salmon fillets topped with a vibrant pesto sauce that bakes to perfection in the oven.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in no time.
- The pesto salmon recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy salmon into your diet without sacrificing flavor or time.
What is Pesto Salmon?
A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Pesto salmon is a tasty dish that mixes fresh salmon with basil pesto. It’s great for busy weeknights because it’s quick and healthy. The pesto makes the salmon moist and flavorful.
This recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. You need salmon, pesto, salt, and olive oil. The salmon is baked until done, then topped with pesto. It’s a meal that will impress anyone.
This pesto salmon recipe is versatile. You can serve it with sides, on salads, pasta, or in grain bowls. It’s also perfect for meal prep, reheating well for the week.
Looking for a fast dinner or a fancy meal? This pesto salmon fits the bill. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and looks impressive. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Salmon Recipe
This easy pesto salmon recipe is a winner for several reasons. It’s incredibly simple to make with just a few fresh ingredients. You can have the whole dish ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
The pesto sauce gives this pesto salmon a vibrant, herbal flavor. The basil, garlic, and pine nuts make a delightful topping for the tender salmon. Plus, it’s a healthy salmon dinner that’s gluten-free and high in protein.
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can use the extra pesto salmon in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. It’s a great way to meal prep and keep a protein-rich option ready.
“This pesto salmon is a game-changer! It’s so easy to make, but the flavors are out of this world.”
In summary, this easy pesto salmon recipe is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for Pesto Salmon Recipe
A Simple Ingredient List
The pesto salmon recipe has a simple ingredient list. You need just a few things to make this tasty dish:
- Salmon fillets – The star of the show, fresh salmon fillets provide a tender, flavorful base for this recipe.
- Basil pesto – Whether you make your own or use a high-quality prepared version, the pesto is what gives this dish its bold, herbaceous taste.
- Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty element to complement the pesto and salmon.
That’s it! With just these three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious salmon dinner in no time. The pesto does all the heavy lifting, infusing the salmon with incredible flavor as it bakes.
How to Make Pesto Salmon in the Oven
Making baked pesto salmon in the oven is quick and easy. It’s a tasty meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. The recipe mixes fresh pesto with flaky salmon for a meal that’s sure to impress.
First, heat your oven to 400°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dry the oven-baked salmon fillets with a paper towel and put them on the sheet. Use a spoon or brush to spread pesto all over each fillet.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place on the baking sheet.
- Spread pesto evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
Bake the how to make pesto salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. The pesto keeps the salmon moist and adds great flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 2 (12 oz total) |
| Pesto | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Szeged Fish Rub | 1 tsp |
| Tomatoes (optional) | 1 cup, chopped |
The pesto adds vibrancy and moisture to the baked salmon. This recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
“Pesto salmon is a delicious and easy way to elevate your weeknight meals. The combination of fresh pesto and tender, flaky salmon is always a hit.”
Air Fryer Pesto Salmon Instructions
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is quick and easy. It makes tender, juicy salmon with a crispy outside. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
A Quicker Cooking Option
To make air fryer pesto salmon, spray the basket with oil. Then, put the pesto-coated salmon in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes, or until it’s 145°F inside.
The air fryer cooks the quick pesto salmon fast. It keeps the salmon moist and flavorful. This method is great when you’re in a hurry.
For the best results, thaw the salmon first. This ensures even cooking. You can also store leftover pesto salmon bites in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s a great meal prep choice.
Serving Suggestions for Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a versatile dish that goes well with many sides. Wondering what to serve with it? There are many tasty options.
Lemon risotto is a great choice. Its creamy, citrusy taste pairs well with the pesto salmon. You can also serve it over rice pilaf or your favorite pasta, like linguine or penne.
For a lighter meal, try it with a big green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower. Sautéed greens like spinach or kale also make a nice side dish.
For a heartier option, serve it with roasted potatoes or crusty bread. This way, you can enjoy all the pesto sauce.
No matter what you choose, the pesto salmon will be the main attraction. You can get creative with side dishes and try new combinations.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon Risotto | Creamy, citrusy risotto that complements the pesto salmon |
| Rice Pilaf | A versatile and flavorful rice-based side dish |
| Pasta | Serve the pesto salmon over linguine, penne, or your favorite pasta |
| Green Salad | A fresh, crunchy salad to balance the rich pesto salmon |
| Roasted Vegetables | Broccoli, cauliflower, or other roasted veggies make a great side |
| Sautéed Greens | Spinach, kale, or other sautéed greens pair well with the pesto salmon |
| Roasted Potatoes | Hearty roasted potatoes are a comforting side for the pesto salmon |
| Crusty Bread | Soak up the delicious pesto sauce with a side of crusty bread |
Pesto Salmon Recipe Variations
This recipe uses classic basil pesto, but you can try different pestos with your salmon. Try arugula pesto or citrus-based pestos for a twist. You can also mix herbs, nuts, and cheese to make it your own.
Swap salmon for trout or halibut for a new taste and look. Pesto salmon is versatile and can be made to fit your taste.
Pesto Salmon Recipe Variations to Try
- Arugula Pesto Salmon
- Radish Greens Pesto Salmon
- Citrus-Based Pesto Salmon (e.g., lemon, lime, or orange pesto)
- Nut-Crusted Pesto Salmon (using different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or pistachios)
- Cheese-Infused Pesto Salmon (incorporating grated Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese)
- Trout or Halibut Pesto Bake
Have fun and try different pesto salmon recipes. Pesto is easy to customize, so don’t be shy to experiment. You might find your new favorite dish.
| Pesto Salmon Recipe Variation | Ingredients | Cooking Time | Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula Pesto Salmon | Arugula, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon | 10-15 minutes | Calories: 366, Carbs: 4g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 29g |
| Citrus Pesto Salmon | Basil, lemon/lime/orange zest, walnuts, olive oil, garlic | 10-15 minutes | Calories: 366, Carbs: 4g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 29g |
| Nut-Crusted Pesto Salmon | Basil pesto, breadcrumbs, chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts) | 10-15 minutes | Calories: 366, Carbs: 4g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 29g |
Pesto salmon is all about trying new things. With a few ingredient changes, you can make many tasty dishes. So, get creative and enjoy the process!
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This pesto salmon recipe is not just for dinner. It also makes great leftovers for the week. You can store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for pesto salmon meal prep.
Don’t throw away pesto salmon leftovers! You can flake the fish and use it on salads or in pesto salmon pasta salad. You can even make pesto salmon flatbreads on naan or pita. Being creative with leftover salmon is a great way to enjoy it more.
Repurposing Pesto Salmon Leftovers
Here are some ideas for repurposing pesto salmon leftovers:
- Toss it with pasta, greens, and more pesto for a quick pesto salmon pasta salad.
- Flake the salmon and mix it with cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and a lemon-dill dressing for a healthy salmon power bowl.
- Top a Mediterranean-style flatbread or naan with the leftover salmon, cherry tomatoes, feta, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Stir the salmon into a creamy salmon chowder or salmon cakes for a simple and satisfying meal.
- Enjoy the salmon as is, with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner.
Being creative with pesto salmon leftovers helps you get the most out of this tasty meal. You can enjoy it in many ways throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is a super nutritious protein that’s great for your health. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, which your body can’t make itself. It also has lots of vitamins like B12 and D, and the mineral potassium.
Eating salmon often can lower heart disease risk, reduce inflammation, and boost brain health. The pesto salmon recipe in this article is a tasty way to get all the nutritional value of salmon.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (181g) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 254 | – |
| Protein | 35g | 63% |
| Vitamin D | 19μg | 124% |
| Potassium | 645mg | 14% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1g | – |
The pesto-baked salmon recipe is not only yummy but also super nutritious. It’s full of high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and omega-3s for heart health. Adding salmon to your meals is a smart move for your health and wellness.
“Salmon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that support a variety of bodily functions.”
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
If you liked this pesto salmon recipe, you’ll love our other tasty salmon dishes. Salmon is great for baking, grilling, air frying, or poaching. Trying new easy salmon recipes and healthy salmon dishes can add protein to your meals.
Our parmesan-crusted salmon is a favorite. The crispy topping goes well with the salmon’s rich flavor. For a quick meal, try our air fryer salmon bites. They’re tender inside and golden outside.
For an easy salmon recipe with an Asian twist, try our air fryer salmon with a sweet glaze. The salmon is flaky and the sauce is delicious, made with soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
| Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parmesan-Crusted Salmon | 10 minutes | 18-20 minutes | 28-30 minutes |
| Air Fryer Salmon Bites | 5 minutes | 12 minutes | 17 minutes |
| Air Fryer Asian Glazed Salmon | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 22 minutes |
Choosing any healthy salmon dish means you’ll get great taste and nutrition. Expand your salmon recipe collection and make your weeknights better.
Conclusion
This pesto salmon recipe is great for busy weeknights. It’s quick, flavorful, and nutritious. With just a few ingredients, you can make a top-notch salmon dish in under 20 minutes.
The pesto sauce gives the easy pesto salmon a vibrant, herbal taste. It also keeps the fish tender and moist while it bakes.
Pesto salmon is versatile and can be served with many side dishes. Whether you bake it in the oven or air fry it, this quick salmon dinner will be a hit. Try this easy recipe for a delicious, stress-free dinner that everyone will love.
Salmon is loved for its nutrition and taste. Adding pesto to this recipe makes it even better. It’s a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. So, add pesto salmon to your meal plan and enjoy a quick, wholesome dinner.
