Pesto salmon is just 2 main ingredients and 15 minutes to make for an easy but seriously flavorful salmon dinner that doesn't require a lot of effort.
Sometimes I feel a little silly posting super simple recipes.
I question whether it's really needed or helpful. And then I remember, wait, I myself am ALWAYS in need of more easy, simple recipes that take the stress out of dinnertime.
So here we are.
This salmon is just 2 main ingredients (the name is the spoiler alert as to what those are) and it's ready in just 15 minutes!
You gotta love that for a low-key but delicious salmon recipe! Hardly any effort or brain power needed to pull this one together.
And it's so delicious! The pesto sauce is doing the heavy lifting for us and bringing all the bright yummy flavors to the salmon.
Plus, the pesto gets beautifully browned in the oven so it looks as good as it tastes.
OK, let's get cooking so you can get dinner ready.
Recipe Notes:
Salmon: I prefer wild caught Alaskan salmon for the flavor and nutritional benefits, but it's fine to use another kind. It's also fine to use frozen salmon here; I do most of the time! Just make sure the salmon filets are completely thawed out before you proceed with the recipe.
Pesto: Feel free to use homemade basil pesto or a store-bought jar, either works just fine.
Tip: Cover the top of the container with plastic wrap and press it down onto the remaining pesto before refrigerating. This helps it last longer. And there's lots more ways to use pesto if you have extra.
Tomatoes: These are optional. I tend to have some on hand that I need to use and so the last couple of times I made this salmon, I tossed the tomatoes in there as well. They get perfectly blistered and cooked and go so well with the pesto. Use 'em if you have them. Don't worry if you don't.
Lemon: Similarly, if you have some fresh lemon you can squeeze over this salmon when serving, it adds a nice freshness and brightness. I've skipped it several times and hardly noticed, so not a must.
Tip on cook time: The time needed under the broiler will depend a little on your oven and a lot on the thickness of your salmon. In multiple tests with different sized salmon filets, I've found that between 8 and 10 minutes is the sweet spot when cooking salmon under the broiler.
How to know if your salmon is cooked appropriately? It should flake easily with a fork, have opaque flesh and the center should be just barely translucent.
You can also use a meat thermometer. Salmon should be about 130 degrees F for medium. Adjust from there to your liking.
Serving Ideas: If you need ideas to round out your meal, we love pairing this salmon with orzo or rice to go with the pesto juices. It's also fantastic with some roasted potatoes. Then again, I think most things are fantastic with potatoes.
For a vegetable, asparagus is my go-to in springtime, but this also goes well with green beans or broccoli or just a side salad.
I guess I'm saying it's really versatile and you can make it work with whatever you've got that your family likes. 👍
I hope you give this salmon and pesto recipe a try soon for a delicious, easy seafood dinner.
Happy cooking and enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Pesto Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 (6-7 oz) salmon filets
- Salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
For serving:
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler on high for the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. (Do not use parchment paper; it can burn or catch on fire under the broiler.)
- Place the salmon filets on the baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Dollop a tablespoon of pesto on top of each filet and use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly over the top of the filet.
- If using the tomatoes, toss them lightly with some olive oil and salt and pepper and spread out on the baking sheet around the salmon filets.
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven. Broil the salmon on high for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through to desired doneness. (The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your salmon filets.)
- Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing on top. Enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
Love pesto like we do?
Try this easy cheesy baked pesto chicken that's 3 ingredients and great for another simple but scrumptious dinner.
Or try pesto stuffed pork chops with feta cheese and a balsamic vinegar brushed on. And this Italian chicken skillet with pesto for a quick chicken and veggie skillet dinner.
Or if you need more salmon in your life, try this honey garlic salmon that's just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes to make, with a delicious sauce.
We also love Mediterranean salmon and southwest baked salmon, both of which get made extra delicious with the fun toppings.
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