Description
This pesto salmon recipe offers a quick, protein-packed weeknight meal with a vibrant emerald basil crust. It’s simple to prepare and delivers impressive flavor and aroma, making healthy eating easier for busy households.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) fresh salmon fillets
- 0.5 cup (120 g) prepared basil pesto
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 whole lemon
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- (optional) 2 Tbsp (15 g) Parmesan cheese
- (optional) 0.5 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep Salmon: Pat salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Season lightly all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Crust Application: Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Cook Salmon (Bake or Pan-Sear): To bake, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). To pan-sear, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon pesto-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the crust is golden and fragrant. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the fish is opaque throughout (if your pesto starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash more olive oil to the pan).
- Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked pesto salmon before serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use artisanal pesto or local, sustainable salmon. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color. This recipe is suitable for meal prep. For dietary adjustments, ensure pesto is sugar-free for low-carb, or add an extra salmon portion for high-protein. Optional flavor boosters include Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Shortcuts for busy cooks include using quality store-bought pesto and quick-cooking methods like pan-searing or air frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx 170 g)
- Calories: 440 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg